Dietra Trent was appointed by Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe to the post of Secretary of Education. She has been serving as deputy secretary of education since 2014 and previously served as director of constituent services and director of the Council on Human Rights under Virginia Governor Mark Warner.
Dr. Trent earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology and criminal justice from Hampton University in Virginia and a master’s degree and a doctorate in public administration and policy from Virginia Commonwealth University.
William R. Harvey, president of Hampton University, stated that “for many years, Dr. Trent has been a dedicated and committed to providing the best educational pathways for Virginians. Dr. Trent will continue to ensure positive outcomes for students in the Commonwealth.”