Dr. Rod Paige, First Black U.S. Secretary of Education and Phi Beta Sigma Leader, Has Passed Away

Dr. Rod Paige, the former U.S. Secretary of Education, longtime Houston education leader, and distinguished member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., has passed away, the Houston mayor’s office confirmed. He was 92.

Paige served as the seventh U.S. Secretary of Education from 2001 to 2005 after his confirmation by the U.S. Senate, becoming the first African American to hold the position. His tenure coincided with the development and passage of the No Child Left Behind Act in 2002, one of the most consequential federal education policies of the modern era. Prior to his cabinet service, Paige had built a nationally recognized career in public education, including serving as Superintendent of the Houston Independent School District from 1994 to 2001.

A proud HBCU leader, Paige previously served as dean of the College of Education at Texas Southern University and later returned to his alma mater as interim president of Jackson State University from November 2016 to June 2017. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Jackson State University and later received his master’s and Doctor of Education degrees from Indiana University Bloomington. Born on June 17, 1933, in Monticello, Mississippi, Paige was the son of public school educators and also served in the United States Navy from 1955 to 1957.

From 1964 to 1968, Paige served as head football coach at Jackson State University and from 1971 to 1975 he served as head football coach at Texas Southern University. He went on to serve as Texas Southern University’s athletic director from 1971 to 1980.

In a statement, Houston Mayor John Whitmire remembered Paige as “a Houston hero, respected educator and a dear friend,” adding that his career “transformed lives and opened the doors of opportunity for countless children and their families throughout our community and across the country.”

Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. also issued a statement mourning the loss of their brother, calling him an educator, leader, and trailblazer whose commitment to academic excellence and equitable access uplifted communities nationwide. The fraternity encouraged members to honor his life through continued dedication to scholarship and service.

We at Watch The Yard ask that you keep his family, friends and fraternity brothers in your thoughts and prayers.