Ohio Board of Regents chancellor
Chancellor gladly carries on the legacy of public education
John A. Carey Jr. is an experienced lawmaker and now chancellor of the Ohio Board of Regents. But, he also calls himself an advocate of public education.
“I am a fifth-generation (Wellston City’s) Wellston High School graduate and my sons (Justin and Jordan) will be the sixth generation,” Carey said. “I am committed to public schools.”
After graduating from Wellston High School in 1977, Carey became the first in his family to graduate from college when he received a degree in political science from Ohio University. He went on to become an aide to former U.S. Rep. Clarence E. Miller, a Lancaster Republican, and then mayor in his hometown of Wellston from 1988 to 1994.
He later served nine years in the Ohio House of Representatives and eight years in the Ohio Senate. He is one of the few legislators in history to serve as chairman of both the House Finance and Appropriations Committee and Senate Finance and Financial Institutions Committee.
As a legislator, Carey’s focus on education and job creation led to numerous awards from organizations such as the Ohio Development Association, Ohio Bankers League, National Federation of Independent Businesses and Ohio University School of Osteopathic Medicine.
Before becoming Ohio Board of Regents chancellor in April 2013, Carey served as assistant to the president for government relations and strategic initiatives at Shawnee State University in Portsmouth. He was born in Chillicothe and lives in Wellston with his wife, Lynley, and his two sons.
Educational Inspiration
“As a legislator for 17 years, I worked very hard to represent the best interest of students in public schools. As chancellor, I am working with the state superintendent to give students the best opportunity to learn and (make the transition) to postsecondary education a seamless experience. As the husband of public school teacher and the father of two sons, one of which is graduating from Wellston High School this year, I value the public education experience.”
Giving Back
“When I was in the eighth grade at Wellston City’s Coalton School, Grace Keel had the class perform a short play I had written upon returning to class after reading to second-graders. It gave me a lot of confidence in my writing ability. Brian Lintala was my government teacher in high school. He challenged me and fostered my interest in public service. The content and rigor was excellent.”
Current as of 5/1/2024 5:32 pm