Today, the U.S. Department of Education celebrated President Trump’s nomination of David Barker to be Assistant Secretary for Postsecondary Education. As Assistant Secretary, Dr. Barker will work to improve outcomes and accountability in postsecondary education, including by helping to lead reforms to accreditation, improving federal student aid programs, and ensuring its grant programs are invested in agency priorities.
David Barker – Office of Postsecondary Education
David Barker is a sixth-generation Iowan with deep experience in higher education policy and governance. He holds a Ph.D. in economics from the University of Chicago and has taught economics at both the University of Chicago and the University of Iowa. For the past six years, he has served on the Iowa Board of Regents, which oversees the state’s public universities. During his tenure, he has played a key role in advancing cost control measures, promoting academic freedom, and ending discriminatory DEI programs.
- “Sixth generation Iowan David Barker has a proven 40-year track record as a successful entrepreneur and led the fight on the Iowa Board of Regents to undo restrictive COVID-19 mandates on students. He is a great pick by President Trump to serve as Assistant Secretary for Postsecondary Education.” – Joni Ernst, U.S. Senator for Iowa