Former West Virginia Governor Bob Wise was honored for his work supporting public media’s educational service.
Wise is president of the Alliance for Excellent Education, a partner in CPB’s ongoing American Graduate project to reduce the drop-out rate among high school students. He also chairs the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. Gov. Wise spent 10 years in the U.S. House before serving as West Virginia’s governor from 2001 to 2005.
The CPB Thought Leader Award honors U.S. leaders who help pubcasters serve the public in the areas of education, journalism and the arts.
“Governor Wise and the Alliance for Excellent Education are champions for public media’s American Graduate initiative and the educational services that public broadcasting stations provide to their communities,” said Patricia Harrison, CPB president and c.e.o., in announcing the award. “His lifelong commitment to the education of American youth is making a difference, helping more students to graduate from high school ready to succeed in college and in their careers.”
The award was presented Feb. 25 at the Association of Public Television Stations Public Media Summit in Washington, D.C., by Sharon Rockefeller, president of WETA-TV. Last year’s recipient was actress/playwright Anna Deavere Smith.