Donna Shalala Quotes

A collection of quotes by Donna Shalala.

Donna Shalala is an American politician and educator, born on February 14, 1941, in Cleveland, Ohio. She is best known for her role as the United States Secretary of Health and Human Services under President Bill Clinton from 1993 to 2001. Shalala's tenure as Secretary witnessed significant policy reforms, including the implementation of the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and the establishment of the Office on Women's Health.

Before serving in the Clinton administration, Shalala had an extensive career in academia. She earned her Bachelor's degree in History from Western College for Women and went on to obtain a Doctorate in Political Science from New York's Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. Shalala taught political science and public policy at various universities, including Columbia, Wisconsin, and the City University of New York.

In addition to her academic achievements and political career, Shalala is recognized for her philanthropic efforts and dedication to public service. She served as the president of the University of Miami from 2001 to 2015, successfully leading the institution towards increased academic excellence and financial stability.

Throughout her professional journey, Donna Shalala has garnered numerous honors and accolades for her commitment to improving public health, education, and social welfare. Her contributions to both academia and public service make her a prominent figure in American politics and an influential advocate for social progress.

We need to drive down requirements for the schools. In the 1

We need to drive down requirements for the schools. In the 19th century, we increased the quality of the schools by higher education saying, 'You can't come in unless you have these skills, unless you've taken these courses.' We did that in Wisconsin when I was there, it helped to transform the secondary school system.

You go to college not only for the latest knowledge but also

You go to college not only for the latest knowledge but also to meet people from different backgrounds. That's the genius of the American higher-education system compared with the Europeans'. We don't simply skim the elite.

Sex education has to do with what's in people's head.

Sex education has to do with what's in people's head.

Every year, I am reminded of the kids who aren't in the fres

Every year, I am reminded of the kids who aren't in the freshman class and aren't graduating. I remember every single one of them. That is the worst of times for me, to see the future snuffed out.

We know the parental support, community support, makes a dif

We know the parental support, community support, makes a difference. It's not just the metrics of testing and putting pressure on the schools and on the teachers.

You can't have a university without having free speech, even

You can't have a university without having free speech, even though at times it makes us terribly uncomfortable. If students are not going to hear controversial ideas on college campuses, they're not going to hear them in America. I believe it's part of their education.

I would argue that we have a generation of young people, par

I would argue that we have a generation of young people, particularly minorities, who are no longer putting up with the kinds of things their parents put up with. They're much more self-confident. It's no longer acceptable to make fun of people because of race or sex. But it has always been present in American society.

I am interested in getting people to use the healthcare syst

I am interested in getting people to use the healthcare system at the right time, getting them to see the doctor early enough, before a small health problem turns serious.

But I have a driver, so I can return calls while I'm in the

But I have a driver, so I can return calls while I'm in the car.

Higher education is one of few areas where this country comp

Higher education is one of few areas where this country competes with the rest of the world and wins. The best of American higher education outstrips any in the world. Look where the rest of the world goes for higher education, for graduate degrees. They come here.

But for me, it is when a student has died. I find the death

But for me, it is when a student has died. I find the death of a young person the most difficult and painful of times. To explain it to other young people, to see a bright future snuffed out, is just awful. I am haunted by those deaths.