August 04, 2025
In a recent decision, the U.S. Senate confirmed Nicholas Kent as the new under secretary at the Department of Education with a vote of 50 to 45. His role will primarily focus on shaping policies related to higher education, as reported by various news outlets.
Before this appointment, Kent served as the deputy secretary of education in Virginia. He has a history of advocating for for-profit educational institutions during his tenure as chief policy officer at a national organization representing such colleges. His confirmation is seen as a pivotal moment for the current administration, which aims to reverse several policies established by the previous administration and to advance its own educational agenda.
Despite his confirmation, Kent has remained relatively quiet about his specific priorities in this new role. Notably, the Senate did not conduct a formal confirmation hearing for him, which is often a standard procedure for such appointments.
Nevertheless, Kent has garnered support from influential organizations in the education sector. In a letter addressed to the Senate earlier this year, the president of a prominent educational council expressed confidence in Kent’s ability to navigate the complexities of the role, stating that he possesses the necessary temperament and approach to succeed.
While acknowledging the administration’s controversial actions and rhetoric towards educational institutions, the letter emphasized that Kent is expected to engage with differing viewpoints constructively, prioritizing the needs of students, taxpayers, and educational institutions in his decision-making process.
Furthermore, the president of a leading association for career education remarked that Kent’s extensive knowledge of higher education policy and his thoughtful approach to reform make him an ideal candidate for this transitional period in the sector. He expressed eagerness to collaborate with Kent to implement essential reforms that have been long overdue.
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