Margaret Spellings becomes the sixth president of the UNC System in March 2016, launching a five-pronged strategic plan focused on the areas of access, affordability, student success, economic impact, and excellent and diverse institutions.
Born in Michigan, Spellings grew up in Texas and graduated from the University of Houston with a bachelor’s degree in political science. Spellings served as U.S. Secretary of Education under President George W. Bush, leading the Education Department from 2005 to 2009. Prior to joining the UNC System, Spellings served as president of the George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas, Texas.