# Betsy DeVos

> American politician and philanthropist (born 1958)

**Wikidata**: [Q4898286](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q4898286)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Betsy_DeVos)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/betsy-devos

## Summary
Betsy DeVos is an American politician and philanthropist born in 1958. She served as the U.S. Secretary of Education under President Donald Trump from 2017 to 2021, where she implemented significant policy changes in education reform. She is also affiliated with Calvin University, a private Christian university in Michigan, where she previously held leadership roles.

## Biography
- Born: January 8, 1958
- Nationality: United States
- Education: Calvin University (Bachelor of Arts), Calvin Theological Seminary (Master of Divinity), Grand Rapids Community College (Associate of Arts)
- Known for: Serving as U.S. Secretary of Education and advocating for education reform policies
- Employer(s): Calvin University (faculty and leadership roles), U.S. Department of Education (Secretary)
- Field(s): Education policy, higher education administration, philanthropy

## Contributions
- Led the U.S. Department of Education during a period of significant policy shifts, including deregulation of student loan programs and changes to Title IX enforcement.
- Advocated for school choice initiatives, such as expanding charter schools and vouchers, during her tenure as Secretary of Education.
- Established the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) as part of the broader education reform agenda.
- Supported policies aimed at reducing federal oversight of local education decisions, shifting more authority to states.

## FAQs
**What is Betsy DeVos known for?**
Betsy DeVos is known for her role as the U.S. Secretary of Education under President Trump, where she implemented policies focused on school choice, deregulation of student loans, and reducing federal involvement in local education decisions.

**Where did Betsy DeVos work before becoming Secretary of Education?**
Before her federal role, DeVos worked at Calvin University, where she served as a faculty member and held leadership positions, including as the university's president.

**What policies did Betsy DeVos advocate for as Secretary of Education?**
DeVos pushed for policies such as expanding charter schools, offering education vouchers, and reducing federal oversight of local education, while also supporting deregulation of student loan programs.

**What was the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)?**
The Every Student Succeeds Act was a major education reform law signed into law during DeVos's tenure, which replaced the No Child Left Behind Act and shifted more decision-making authority to states.

**Is Betsy DeVos affiliated with any educational institutions?**
Yes, DeVos is affiliated with Calvin University, a private Christian university in Michigan, where she previously taught and served in leadership roles.

## Why They Matter
Betsy DeVos's tenure as Secretary of Education reshaped federal education policy in the United States, particularly through her advocacy for school choice and reduced federal involvement in local education. Her policies, such as the Every Student Succeeds Act, aimed to empower states and parents in education decision-making. Her influence extended beyond policy, as her background in higher education and Christian institutions shaped her approach to education reform. Her work remains a defining moment in the debate over federal vs. state control in education.

## Notable For
- Served as the 10th U.S. Secretary of Education under President Trump (2017–2021).
- Advocated for significant education reform, including school choice and reduced federal oversight.
- Established the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) to replace the No Child Left Behind Act.
- Supported policies aimed at deregulating student loan programs and expanding charter schools.
- Former faculty and leader at Calvin University, a private Christian institution.

## Body

### Early Life and Education
Betsy DeVos was born on January 8, 1958, in the United States. She attended Calvin University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts, and later completed a Master of Divinity at Calvin Theological Seminary. Her educational background reflects her affiliation with Calvin University, a private Christian institution in Michigan.

### Career at Calvin University
DeVos began her career at Calvin University, where she served as a faculty member and held leadership positions. She later became the university's president, overseeing its operations and academic programs. Her tenure at Calvin University provided her with a foundation in higher education administration and policy.

### Role as U.S. Secretary of Education
In 2017, DeVos was appointed as the U.S. Secretary of Education by President Donald Trump. During her four-year tenure, she implemented policies focused on education reform, including:
- **School Choice:** Advocating for expanded charter schools and education vouchers to give parents more options.
- **Federal Oversight Reduction:** Shifting authority from the federal government to states in education decision-making.
- **Student Loan Deregulation:** Supporting policies to reduce federal oversight of student loan programs.
- **Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA):** Signing this landmark law to replace the No Child Left Behind Act, which emphasized state-led education reforms.

### Legacy and Influence
DeVos's tenure as Secretary of Education marked a significant shift in federal education policy, with her advocacy for school choice and reduced federal involvement influencing national debates. Her policies remain a key part of the broader education reform movement in the United States. Her background in higher education and Christian institutions also shaped her approach to education reform, emphasizing values-driven education policies.

### Affiliations and Philanthropy
Beyond her government role, DeVos remains affiliated with Calvin University, where she continues to engage in educational leadership. She has also been involved in philanthropic efforts, supporting initiatives aligned with her educational and policy priorities. Her work extends beyond her time in government, as she remains active in shaping education policy and advocacy.

## References

1. Freebase
2. [Betsy DeVos Resigns as Education Secretary. The Wall Street Journal](https://www.wsj.com/articles/betsy-devos-resigns-as-education-secretary-11610077449?mod=article_inline)
3. [Source](https://religionnews.com/2017/02/06/5-faith-facts-betsy-devos-trumps-pick-for-secretary-of-education/)
4. Virtual International Authority File
5. Internet Broadway Database
6. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
7. GeneaStar
8. Global Conference 2020 - Speakers
9. BBC Things
10. Quora