1943-
Secretary of Education, 1985-1989,
Chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities, 1981-1984

No Stranger to Controversy.

William J. Bennett began his public education career at the University of Texas and Boston University; later he became president of the National Humanities Center near Raleigh, North Carolina. From 1981 to 1984 he was chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities. His outspoken attacks on spending for cultural events that were "damaging to America's well-being" earned him recognition by conservatives. In 1985 Secretary of Education Terrel Bell resigned because of frustrations in trying to implement President Reagan's plans to shut down the Department of Education, and Bennett was tapped to take his place. Whereas Bell's demeanor was conciliatory, Bennett's was combative. He sought opportunities to debate issues rather than merely conduct department business, and soon Bennett became a familiar figure on the nightly news, arguing for his version...