Kent McGuire advises both the Spencer Foundation and the Stuart Foundation. His responsibilities include strategy development, grant review, and strengthening connections to the education policy and practice communities. From 2017 to 2025, Kent held the position of Program Director of Education at The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation. In this role, he spearheaded investments in teaching and learning, as well as open educational resources strategies. His primary focus was ensuring the success of all students in college, work, and civic life.
Previously, Kent served as the President and CEO of the Southern Education Foundation. This organization was dedicated to advancing public education in the American South, particularly in areas of equity and excellence. Before that, he held the position of Dean of the College of Education at Temple University, where he was a tenured professor in the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies.
From 2001 to 2003, Kent held the position of Senior Vice President at the Manpower Demonstration Research Corporation. In this role, he managed research projects on school reform and oversaw the department’s focus on education, children, and youth. Additionally, he served as an education program officer at the Pew Charitable Trusts and directed the education program at the Lilly Endowment. Kent’s extensive experience includes his tenure as Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education from 1998 to 2001.
Kent holds a Ph.D. in public policy administration from the University of Colorado, an M.A. from Columbia University Teacher’s College, and a B.A. in economics from the University of Colorado. In addition to iCivics, Kent serves on numerous boards, including The Hunt Institute, The Nellie Mae Education Foundation, The Wallace Foundation, and the Philanthropic Collaborative for Education.
