Governor Bob Wise, (West Virginia 2001-2005) author of the forthcoming book, Raising the Grade: How High School Reform Can Save Our Youth And Our Nation, became president of the Alliance for Excellent Education in February 2005. Under his leadership, the Alliance has continued to build its reputation as a respected authority on high school policy and to advocate for reform in America’s secondary education system, working to ensure that all students graduate from high school prepared for success.

Former Governor of West Virginia and Chair of the National Governors Association Committee on Natural Resources and the Southern States Energy Board. As Governor of West Virginia from 2001 to 2005, he fought for and signed legislation to fund the PROMISE Scholarship Program, which has helped thousands of West Virginia students remain in the Mountain State for college.