The presidential nomination of Margaret Spellings on November 17 to lead the nation’s education system drew words of praise from Laredo Community College President Dr. Ramon H. Dovalina.
Dovalina first met Spellings approximately 15 years ago when he was the executive dean of continuing education at Austin Community College.
“I met Ms. Spellings in the late 1980s when she came on board as the conference coordinator at ACC. Her primary responsibility was to schedule conferences and workshops for one of ACC’s training centers. I was always impressed with her impeccable management and people skills,” said Dovalina.
“She was always easy to talk to, friendly and highly organized,” added Dovalina.
After two years at ACC, Spellings later went on to work for then Texas Governor George W. Bush as Appointments Secretary, noted Dovalina.
About seven years ago, Spellings recommended Dovalina to serve on the Governor’s Skill Standards Board.
According to her official biography, Spellings also worked six years as Gov. Bush’s senior advisor, with responsibility for developing and implementing the Governor’s education policy.
Spellings continued to work for Bush in the White House when she was appointed domestic policy advisor. She was one of six authors of the No Child Left Behind Law.
Dovalina said he shares a belief with Spelling over the necessity to introduce higher education early in a person’s life. He is confident that Pres. Bush’s No Child Left Behind Act will experience major advancements under Spellings’ leadership.
“I am very proud to have worked with Margaret Spellings in her first education job at Austin Community College, and I am confident that her commitment to teaching and learning will benefit the nation’s education system,” said Dovalina.
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