U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings has announced that the U.S. Senate has confirmed Troy Justesen as Assistant Secretary for the Office of Vocational and Adult Education (OVAE) at the U.S. Department of Education.

"Over the past few years, Troy has been an integral part of the Department's team, helping to serve our country's students with disabilities," said Secretary Spellings. "He is dedicated and knowledgeable and I am thrilled he will continue to be a member of my team as head of the Office of Vocational and Adult Education."

In his new position, Justesen will serve as the principal advisor to Secretary Spellings on Departmental matters related to high school, career technical and adult education, and life long learning, as well as community colleges, workforce and economic development.

Since 2000, Justesen has held several positions at the Department, most recently as deputy assistant secretary for special education and rehabilitative services. Previously, he served as deputy commissioner for the rehabilitation services administration in the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services. Earlier in his career, he served as associate director in the Domestic Policy Council at the White House.

Justesen, a Utah native, received his bachelor's and master's degrees from Utah State University and a doctoral degree from Vanderbilt University in higher education policy and administration.

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