More Resources President Announces Intention to Appoint Individuals to Board of Advisors on HBCUs

U.S. Secretary of Education Rod Paige today announced the appointment of Wilbert Bryant as counselor to the secretary for the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

"Will's knowledge and experience in the area of higher education will be a valuable resource in his new role as my counselor on all matters related to the HBCU initiative," Paige said. "He has been a great asset to our higher education programs, and I am looking forward to having the benefit of his leadership with the White House Initiative."

Bryant currently serves as deputy assistant secretary in the Office of Postsecondary Education, and will continue to serve in this capacity. He was sworn in as deputy assistant secretary for higher education programs in December 2001.

Secretary Paige's office coordinates the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The department provides staff and support for the HBCU board of advisors and assists the secretary as the liaison between the executive branch and the HBCUs. The department also works with approximately 30 federal agencies to increase the ability of HBCUs to successfully compete for federal grants, contracts or federally sponsored programs.

A native of Goulds, Fla., Bryant earned a bachelor of science degree in mathematics from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University.

Upon receipt of his undergraduate degree, he was commissioned a second lieutenant in the United States Army. He earned a master of education from Howard University and attended the Defense Department's National War College.

A Vietnam veteran and highly decorated officer, Bryant served in the Army for nearly 28 years, retiring in 1990 with the rank of colonel.

After his retirement from the Army, Bryant served as the vice president for student affairs at Virginia Union University -- a historically black university.

In 1994, former Gov. George Allen appointed Bryant deputy secretary of education for the state of Virginia. In 1998, Bryant was named Virginia secretary of education by former Gov. James S. Gilmore, III.

Secretary Paige also praised the outgoing director of the HBCU Initiative, former Ambassador Leonard Spearman, for his leadership and expertise in higher education issues.

"Leonard Spearman has dedicated his career to helping students achieve their dreams, especially those who attend our HBCUs," Secretary Paige said. "He's a renowned and respected expert on higher education issues, and I'm pleased to have him on my team to assist me."

Spearman has been appointed special assistant to the secretary and will advise the secretary on a vast range of education issues. Spearman is the former president of Texas Southern University. He is also a former ambassador to two African countries -- the Republic of Rwanda and the Kingdom of Lesotho.

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