Bob Wise

President, Alliance for Excellent Education and former governor of West Virginia to speak at Southern's Commencement

Saturday, April 23, 2011

Coalfield Jamboree, downtown Logan.

Bob Wise is president of the Alliance for Excellent Education and former governor of West Virginia.
He currently cochairs the Digital Learning Council with Jeb Bush, former governor of Florida, and
chairs the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. He is also author of the book Raising
the Grade: How High School Reform Can Save Our Youth and Our Nation.

Gov. Wise joined the Alliance in 2005, where he continues to build its reputation as a respected
authority on high school policy by advocating for reform in America’s secondary education system
and working to ensure that all students graduate from high school prepared for college, careers, and
to be contributing members of society. Gov. Wise has become a sought-after speaker and advisor on
education issues; he has advised the U.S. Department of Education, White House Transition Team,
and frequently testifies before the U.S. Congress.

As governor of West Virginia from 2001 to 2005, he implemented the PROMISE Scholarship
program, significantly increasing college attendance. From 1983 to 2001, Gov. Wise served in the
U.S. House of Representatives, where he aggressively worked to preserve federal financial aid for
students to attend college.

Gov. Wise earned a BA degree from Duke University and a JD degree from Tulane University
School of Law. His board and committee services also include the Public Education Network,
America’s Promise, and the National High School Center.