John B. King, Jr

Dr. John B. King, Jr. was appointed by the Board of Regents to serve as commissioner of education and president of the University of the State of New York, effective July 15, 2011. As commissioner of education, Dr. King will serve as chief executive officer of the State Education Department and as president of the University of the State of New York, USNY. USNY is comprised of more than 7,000 public and independent elementary and secondary schools; 270 public, independent, and proprietary colleges and universities; 7,000 libraries; 900 museums; 25 public broadcasting facilities; 3,000 historical repositories; 436 proprietary schools; 48 professions encompassing more than 761,000 licensees plus 240,000 certified educators; and services for children and adults with disabilities.

Dr. King earned a B.A. in government from Harvard University, an M.A. in the teaching of social studies from Teachers College, Columbia University, a J.D. from Yale Law School, and an Ed.D. in educational administrative practice from Teachers College, Columbia University. In February 2011, Dr. King was appointed by U.S. Secretary Arne Duncan to serve on the U.S. Department of Education's Equity and Excellence Commission. In addition, Dr. King has served on the board of New Leaders for New Schools and is a 2008 Aspen Institute-New Schools Entrepreneurial Leaders for Public Education Fellow.