Texas Southern University (TSU) announced this week that the historically Black college and university (HBCU) is mourning the passing of Dr. Roderick “Rod” Paige.
According to TSU, the university named an education building after him as a lasting testament to his vision, his values, and his unwavering dedication to students. Paige was 92.
Earlier this week, the George W. Bush Presidential Center shared a statement on social media about the passing of former U.S. Department of Education Secretary Rod Paige. The center praised the secretary’s devotion to America’s young people, recognizing his significant contributions to education reform and policy.
NBC News noted that he was the first African American to serve as U.S. Education Secretary. The Department of Education’s post on X (formerly Twitter) acknowledged that Paige, who held the position from 2001 to 2005, left behind a legacy of service and commitment to America’s students. His tenure was marked by ambitious policies and initiatives aimed at improving educational outcomes nationwide.
The Houston Chronicle emphasized Paige’s role as a transformative leader in education. Before becoming U.S. Secretary of Education, he shaped a reputation for education reform during his time as the Superintendent of the Houston Independent School District from 1994 to 2001. His leadership was characterized by the implementation of data-driven reforms that not only garnered national recognition but also set a new standard for educational excellence.
Paige’s relationship with Texas Southern spanned decades. According to TSU, he joined Texas Southern in 1971 as head football coach.
His initial foray into academia was as an athletic coach, but his impact extended far beyond the football field. He later became the athletic director, where he laid the foundational principles for programs that emphasized a balance between academics and athletics. His focus was on the holistic development of student-athletes, ensuring they excelled both academically and competitively.
In addition to his athletic roles, Paige served as a faculty member and later stepped into the role of Dean of the College of Education at TSU. Under his leadership, the college expanded its reach, strengthened academic rigor, and deepened its community engagement. He was instrumental in establishing the Center for Excellence in Urban Education, which aimed to improve educational outcomes specifically in urban environments, showcasing his commitment to uplifting underserved communities.
A proud alumnus of Jackson State University, Paige later returned to his alma mater as Interim President.
Birthed in Mississippi, Paige embarked on his coaching career at Jackson State University before making his mark at Texas Southern. His tenure as Superintendent of Houston schools was transformative; it was during this time that he drove the Houston Miracle, a series of educational reforms that resulted in significant increases in student test scores. This success eventually led to his historic appointment by President George W. Bush, making him the first African American to hold the post of U.S. Secretary of Education.
While in office, Paige played a crucial role in guiding the implementation of the No Child Left Behind Act. This legislation was designed to close achievement gaps among schools and was praised for its focus on raising math scores. However, it also sparked debates regarding its heavy reliance on standardized testing. Throughout his career, Paige remained dedicated to education, advocating for policies that aimed to reform and enhance the American educational landscape.