Ted Mitchell

Ted Mitchell has built a career in higher education, serving as president of the American Council on Education (ACE). Mitchell previously held the position of U.S. Under Secretary of Education in the Obama administration, where he contributed to initiatives such as reinstating Pell Grants for incarcerated adults, developing the College Scorecard, and restoring financial aid to students defrauded by their institutions.

Mitchell's background includes leadership roles at Occidental College, University of California, Los Angeles, Dartmouth College, and Stanford University. His experience ranges from serving as president to department chair, providing insight into the challenges and opportunities within higher education. Mitchell is recognized for his ability to address a broad spectrum of educational topics, including education policy, college access, and institutional leadership.

In addition to his work in higher education, Mitchell has influenced K-12 education as former chief executive officer of NewSchools Venture Fund and president of the California State Board of Education. He serves on the boards of Coursera, Khan Academy, and other educational organizations, reflecting his ongoing involvement in educational innovation and policy. Mitchell holds a bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. from Stanford University and is a member of Phi Beta Kappa.