50 Facts About Betsy DeVos

Early Life and Education

Betsy DeVos has a background that shaped her views on education and philanthropy. Let's explore her early years and educational journey.

1. Early Life: Born Elisabeth Dee Prince on January 8, 1958, in Holland, Michigan, Betsy DeVos grew up in a family with strong business ties.
2. Family Background: She is the eldest of four children in a Dutch-American family. Her father, Edgar Prince, founded the Prince Corporation, an automobile parts supplier.
3. Education: DeVos attended Holland Christian High School, a private school in her hometown, and later graduated from Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in business economics in 1979.
4. College Involvement: During her college years, DeVos was active in campus politics and volunteered for Gerald Ford's presidential campaign. She also attended the 1976 Republican National Convention.

Family and Personal Life

Betsy DeVos's personal life, including her marriage and family, has played a significant role in her career and philanthropic efforts.

5. Marriage: In 1979, she married Richard (Dick) DeVos Jr., son of the cofounder of Amway. The couple has four children and thirteen grandchildren.
6. Philanthropic Work: Betsy and Dick DeVos founded the Dick and Betsy DeVos Family Foundation in 1989, supporting charter and Christian schools, as well as other educational initiatives.

Political Career

DeVos's political career has been marked by her advocacy for school choice and her involvement in the Republican Party.

7. Political Career: DeVos began her political journey as a Republican national committeewoman for Michigan from 1992 to 1997. She also served as chair of the Michigan Republican Party from 1996 to 2000 and again from 2003 to 2005.
8. Board Memberships: She has served on numerous boards, including the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the Alliance for School Choice, and the Acton Institute.

Advocacy for School Choice

Betsy DeVos is best known for her strong support of school choice, charter schools, and educational freedom.

9. School Choice Advocacy: DeVos has been a strong proponent of school choice, advocating for the use of state or federally funded vouchers to send children to private or charter schools.
10. Founding Organizations: In 1989, she helped found the Dick and Betsy DeVos Family Foundation, which has donated to various educational and charitable causes. In 2003, she co-founded the All Children Matter PAC to support voucher programs.
11. American Federation for Children: In 2010, DeVos co-founded the American Federation for Children, a lobbying and advocacy organization in favor of school choice.

Tenure as Secretary of Education

Betsy DeVos served as the 11th United States Secretary of Education from 2017 to 2021, a period marked by significant policy changes and controversies.

12. Nomination as Secretary of Education: In November 2016, President-elect Donald Trump nominated DeVos as the Secretary of Education. Her nomination faced opposition from many education groups.
13. Confirmation: Despite the opposition, DeVos was confirmed by the Senate on February 7, 2017, with a 51-50 vote, with Vice President Mike Pence casting the tie-breaking vote.
14. Tenure as Secretary of Education: During her tenure, DeVos focused on reducing the role of the federal government in education and increasing parental choice.
15. Regulatory Changes: As Secretary of Education, DeVos decreased the department’s staff and cut numerous regulations, particularly those related to civil rights protections.
16. Resignation: On January 8, 2021, DeVos resigned from her position as Secretary of Education shortly before the end of President Trump's term.

Business Ventures

Beyond her political and philanthropic work, Betsy DeVos has been involved in various business ventures.

17. Business Career: Before her confirmation as Secretary of Education, DeVos served as chairman of The Windquest Group, an enterprise and investment management firm.
18. Neurocore Investment: DeVos and her husband are chief investors in Neurocore, a group of brain performance centers offering biofeedback therapy for disorders such as depression, attention deficit disorder, autism, and anxiety.

Philanthropic Efforts

The DeVos family has a long history of philanthropy, supporting various causes and initiatives.

19. Philanthropic Commitment: The DeVos family has been committed to philanthropy, with significant donations to various causes, including education, arts, and community development.
20. Educational Reforms: DeVos has been a vocal advocate for educational reforms that prioritize parental choice and local control.
21. Support for Charter Schools: DeVos has been a strong supporter of charter schools, which she believes offer innovative educational options that can improve student outcomes.
22. Detroit Charter School System: DeVos has been involved in the development of the Detroit charter school system, which she sees as a model for how charter schools can provide better educational opportunities in urban areas.

Public Perception and Controversies

Betsy DeVos's tenure as Secretary of Education and her advocacy for school choice have been met with both support and criticism.

23. Public Perception: During her tenure as Secretary of Education, DeVos faced significant public scrutiny due to her lack of experience in public education and her controversial policies.
24. Speeches and Addresses: As Secretary of Education, DeVos delivered several notable speeches and addresses, highlighting her commitment to educational freedom and parental choice.
25. Policy Initiatives: Under her leadership, the Department of Education implemented several policy initiatives aimed at promoting school choice and reducing federal oversight.
26. Civil Rights Protections: DeVos's policies regarding civil rights protections were contentious, leading to criticism from civil rights groups and educators.
27. Budget Cuts: As part of her efforts to reduce the federal government's role in education, DeVos sought to cut the department's budget.

Legacy and Ongoing Influence

Betsy DeVos's impact on education policy continues to be felt, even after her tenure as Secretary of Education.

28. Neurocore Controversy: The controversy surrounding Neurocore highlighted concerns about potential conflicts of interest.
29. Resignation Statement: In her resignation letter, DeVos emphasized the impact of Trump's rhetoric on the situation leading to her resignation.
30. Legacy: Despite the controversies surrounding her tenure, DeVos remains a significant figure in American education policy.
31. Philanthropic Impact: The DeVos family's philanthropic efforts have had a lasting impact on various causes, including education, arts, and community development.
32. Educational Freedom: DeVos is a champion of educational freedom, believing that every student deserves the flexibility to choose where, when, and how they learn.

Business and Artistic Ventures

Betsy DeVos's involvement in business and the arts reflects her diverse interests and entrepreneurial spirit.

33. Business Ventures: In addition to her role at The Windquest Group, DeVos has been involved in various business ventures, including investments in technology and clean energy.
34. Artistic Contributions: DeVos and her husband Dick produced a Broadway run of the stage play "Scandalous: The Life and Trials of Aimee Semple McPherson" in 2012.
35. Community Involvement: The DeVos family has been actively involved in their community, supporting local initiatives and organizations.

Leadership and Board Memberships

Betsy DeVos has held various leadership positions and served on numerous boards, influencing education policy and advocacy.

36. Leadership Positions: DeVos has held various leadership positions, including chairman of the American Federation for Children, chairman of the Alliance for School Choice, and chairman of The Windquest Group.
37. Board Memberships: Her board memberships have included the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Mars Hill Bible Church, and the Acton Institute.
38. Michigan Republican Party: DeVos served as chair of the Michigan Republican Party from 1996 to 2000 and again from 2003 to 2005.
39. National Leadership Team: She was a member of the national leadership team for Kids Hope USA from 2001 to 2014.
40. Great Lakes Education Project: DeVos chaired the Great Lakes Education Project from 2001 to 2008.

Continued Advocacy and Publications

Even after her tenure as Secretary of Education, Betsy DeVos continues to advocate for educational reform and share her views through various platforms.

41. Michigan Chamber of Commerce: She served on the board of directors for the Michigan Chamber of Commerce from 1993 to 1996 and again from 2001 to an unspecified date.
42. Foundation for Excellence in Education: DeVos was a former member of the board of the Foundation for Excellence in Education.
43. Acton Institute: She served on the board of directors for the Acton Institute from 1995 to 2005.
44. Educational Advocacy: Throughout her career, DeVos has been a tireless advocate for educational reform.
45. Post-Secretary Life: After resigning as Secretary of Education, DeVos has continued to be an influential voice in educational policy debates.
46. Publications: DeVos authored a book titled "Hostages No More," which became a national bestseller.
47. Media Appearances: She frequently appears in the media, discussing various aspects of education policy.
48. Ballot Initiatives: DeVos has been involved in several ballot initiatives aimed at promoting school choice.
49. Dick & Betsy’s Education Freedom Fund: The DeVos family's education fund has received significant applications for scholarships.
50. Legacy in Education Policy: Betsy DeVos's legacy in education policy is complex and multifaceted.

Betsy DeVos: A Complex Legacy

Betsy DeVos's career is a mix of politics, philanthropy, and education reform. Her advocacy for school choice and charter schools has left a lasting mark on American education. Despite facing significant opposition, she pushed for policies that aimed to give parents more control over their children's education. Her tenure as Secretary of Education was controversial, marked by efforts to reduce federal oversight and promote local control. DeVos's involvement in various philanthropic activities and business ventures further highlights her multifaceted career. While her policies sparked debate, her influence on education policy remains undeniable. Whether you agree with her or not, DeVos's impact on the education landscape is significant and continues to shape discussions about educational reform in the United States.