Donna Shalala

Donna Shalala, official portrait, 116th Congress

Donna Shalala is an American academic, politician, and government official. She served as the 18th United States Secretary of Health and Human Services under President Bill Clinton from 1993 to 2001. Shalala has also been a prominent figure in higher education, having served as the president of the University of Miami and the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

Early Life and Education

Donna Edna Shalala was born on February 14, 1941, in Cleveland, Ohio. She is of Lebanese descent. Shalala earned a bachelor's degree in history from Western College for Women in 1962. She later received a Ph.D. in political science from Syracuse University in 1970.

Academic Career

Shalala began her academic career as a professor of political science at Baruch College and later at Teachers College, Columbia University. In 1980, she became the president of Hunter College, a position she held until 1987. She then served as the chancellor of the University of Wisconsin–Madison from 1987 to 1993.

Secretary of Health and Human Services

In 1993, President Bill Clinton appointed Shalala as the Secretary of Health and Human Services. During her tenure, she focused on initiatives such as health care reform, welfare reform, and the expansion of the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Shalala served in this role until 2001, making her the longest-serving HHS Secretary in U.S. history.

University of Miami

After leaving the Clinton administration, Shalala became the president of the University of Miami in 2001. Under her leadership, the university saw significant growth in its endowment, research funding, and national rankings. She stepped down from this position in 2015.

Political Career

In 2018, Shalala was elected to the United States House of Representatives for Florida's 27th congressional district. She served one term from 2019 to 2021. During her time in Congress, she was a member of the House Committee on Education and Labor and the House Committee on Rules.

Awards and Honors

Shalala has received numerous awards and honors throughout her career, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2008. She has also been inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame.

Personal Life

Shalala is known for her dedication to public service and education. She has never married and has no children.

See Also

• United States Department of Health and Human Services
• Bill Clinton
• University of Miami
• University of Wisconsin–Madison
• Florida's 27th congressional district