Martha J. Kanter was appointed by President Obama in April 2009 as the under secretary of education for the U.S. Department of Education. The under secretary of education oversees all policies, programs, and activities related to postsecondary education, vocational and adult education, and federal student aid. Previously, Kanter was chancellor of the Foothill-De Anza Community College District in California, one of the largest community college districts in the country, serving more than 44,000 students. Kanter came to California in 1977 after serving as an alternative high school teacher at Lexington High School, the Public Schools of the Tarrytowns, and later at The Searing School in New York City. In California, she set up the first program for students with learning disabilities at San Jose City College. From there, she served as a director, dean, and subsequently as the vice chancellor for policy and research of the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office in Sacramento. Later, she returned to San Jose City College as vice president of instruction and student services. In 1993 she was selected to be president of De Anza College, where she served until becoming chancellor in 2003. Kanter holds a bachelor’s degree from Brandeis University, a master’s in education from Harvard University, and a doctorate in organization and leadership from the University of San Francisco.
Martha J. Kanter, Ph.D.