Verne Duncan
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Verne Duncan | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Member of the Oregon Senate from the 20th district | |
| In office 1997–2003 | |
| Preceded by | Bill Kennemer |
| Succeeded by | Kurt Schrader |
| Oregon Superintendent of Public Instruction | |
| In office 1975–1989 | |
| Governor | Robert W. Straub Victor Atiyeh Neil Goldschmidt |
| Preceded by | Jesse Fassold |
| Succeeded by | John Erickson |
| Member of the Idaho House of Representatives from Butte County | |
| In office 1962–1965 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Verne Allen Duncan April 6, 1934 |
| Party | Republican. Independent since 2022 |
| Spouse(s) | Donna Nichols Duncan, (1937-2018) |
| Children | Annette Kirk, Christine Didway |
| Education | Idaho State university (BA) University of Idaho (MEd) University of Oregon (PhD) University of Portland (MBA) |
| Occupation | Educator, Politician |
Verne Allen Duncan (born April 6, 1934) is an American politician from the state of Oregon. As an educator and moderate Republican, he has become outspoken in protest of policies of his own party he views as extreme.[1]
A former classroom teacher, principal, district superintendent and professor, Duncan has served in the legislatures of two states, Idaho and Oregon, held the office of Oregon Superintendent of Public Instruction, and served as a university dean.
Born and raised in McMinnville, Duncan is a member of a pioneer Oregon family.[2] His grandfather, S.S. Duncan, had been a teacher and for many years was superintendent of schools for Yamhill County.[2] His uncle was Leland Duncan, long-time district attorney of Harney County, Oregon.[3]
As a schoolboy, Duncan had occasion to visit the state Department of Education on a class trip. When he needed a workspace on which to take down some notes, then-superintendent Rex Putnam rose from his desk and offered it to the young Duncan. Neither knew the boy would grow up to occupy that desk for fifteen years as superintendent himself.[3]
After completing a public school education, including graduation from McMinnville High School, he attended Linfield College in McMinnville, Oregon. Duncan served in the United States Army, remaining active in the reserves, ultimately attaining the rank of colonel. Duncan graduated from Idaho State College, earning a B.A. in 1960, and began a long career in education. He would ultimately earn several graduate degrees, including an M.Ed. in Education Administration from the University of Idaho, a PhD in Public School Administration from the University of Oregon and an M.B.A. in Labor Management from the University of Portland.[4]