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LAMAR ALEXANDER: A seventh generation Tennessean; At Maryville High School an Eagle Scout and Boys State Governor. Worked his way through Vanderbilt University, graduating Phi Beta Kappa with honors in Latin-American history. As student newspaper editor, he led a campaign to desegregate Vanderbilt. Member of the 440-yard relay team that set the school record. Law review editor at New York University Law School and clerk to the Hon. John Minor Wisdom, of the U.S. Court of Appeals in New Orleans. In 1967, legislative assistant to U.S. Senator Howard Baker; in 1969, executive assistant to Bryce Harlow, counselor to President Nixon; in 1970, returned to Tennessee. Republican nominee for Governor in 1974; defeated in the general election by Ray Blanton. After a 1000 mile walk across Tennessee in 1978, elected Governor and sworn into office three days early at the U.S. Attorney's request to prevent Gov. Blanton from selling pardons for cash; re-elected in 1982. As Governor, helped Tennessee become the leading state in attracting new Japanese investment; appointed first African-American ever to serve on the Tennessee Supreme Court; left office with AAA Bond rating, less debt and fewer state employees. Served as chairman of the Southern Regional Education Board; Chosen "Conservationist of the Year" by the Tennessee Conservation League. Founder, Southern Republican Exchange Network (1986); Founder and Chairman of the Republican Exchange Satellite Network (1993-1995) First Tennessee Governor to serve successive four-year terms. Chaired Alexander-James Commission on Educational Assessment (1986) and National Council on Philanthropy and Civic Renewal (1997); member, President Bush's Education Advisory Committee (1989-1990) and Knight Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics (1990). Unanimously confirmed by the United States Senate as Education Secretary in 1991. As U.S. Secretary of Education (1991-93), organized first U.S.-Mexico Border Conference on Education to open dialogue and improve education on both sides of the border and was responsible for planning, implementing the first-ever meeting of APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) Education Ministers to look at education standards for the 21st Century. Co-director, Empower America (with William Bennett, Jack Kemp and Jeanne Kirkpatrick) (1994-1995). Senior Fellow, Hudson Institute (1994-1995). Publicly reported tax returns and financial activities every year since 1977, the year before he first was elected to public office. In high school won two statewide piano competitions; as law clerk in New Orleans played trombone at night at "Your Father's Moustache."