President-elect Joe Biden has announced a number of key administration posts, including Cindy Marten as Deputy Secretary of Education.
Marten is superintendent of the San Diego Unified School District since 2013 and a graduate of UW-La Crosse.
“UW-La Crosse was delighted to see one of our alums, Cindy Marten, nominated to serve as Deputy Secretary of Education for the incoming Biden administration,” the college said in a statement.
“Marten has had a remarkable career as a teacher, principal and superintendent, and we look forward to seeing how she will use her talents to serve our nation’s schools.”
Martin earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education at UW-La Crosse and a master’s degree in Teaching and Learning from the University of California, San Diego..
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In San Diego, she directed implementation of the district’s Vision 2020 initiative, committing to a meaningful graduation for all students. San Diego achieved the highest graduation rate among big-city districts in California and the fastest reading growth of large urban districts nationwide in 2019.
A classroom teacher for 17 years prior to being appointed superintendent, Marten worked for 10 years at Central Elementary in City Heights, one of San Diego’s most ethnically diverse and economically challenged school communities.
There, she established a highly successful bi-literacy program, a hands-on school garden program, integrated arts education, quality after-school and preschool programs, a day care center for employees’ children, and a community health and wellness center for students and their families.
Meet these 28 notable UW-La Crosse alumni
Shelmina Abji, 1985, computer science
Former vice president of IBM Global Microsoft Alliance.
Dylan Bates, 1999, physical therapy
Former CEO of ATI Physical Therapy.
Barry Beaty, 1971, biology
Scientist researching mosquito-transmitted diseases.
Jason Church, 2011, political science
Former captain in the U.S. Army, Purple Heart recipient.
Russell Cleary, 1951-53, pre-law
Former president of G. Heileman Brewing Co.
Darryle Clott, 1966, English and history; 1971, masters of education
Holocaust educator, high school teacher, community ambassador.
Barbara Gibson, 1978, physical education/teaching
Former UW-L gymnastics coach, led the program to 17 national titles.
Brian Gutekunst, 2016, sports management
General manager of the Green Bay Packers.
Roger Harring, 1958, physical education/teaching
Former UW-L football coach, led program to three national titles.
Amy Huchthausen, 1999, sports management
Commissioner of the America East Conference, a Division I athletic conference in the northeastern United States.
Theodore Knudson, 1960, general and physical science
Former manager with U.S. and European manned space programs.
Sandra Lee, 1983-85
American television chef and author.
Patricia Loew, 1974, mass communications
Filmmaker, journalist and educator specializing in Native American history and culture in Wisconsin.
Truman Lowe, 1969, art education
American Ho-Chunk artist and professor.
Greg Mahairas, 1982, microbiology
President of Koan AgroScience and mapper of the rice genome.
Cynthia Marten, 1988, elementary education
Superintendent of the San Diego Unified School District.
Bill Miller, 2010, honorary degree
Native American singer-songwriter, three-time Grammy Award winner.
Hollie Nyseth Brehm, 2008, sociology
Sociologist and professor researching the causes and effects of genocide.
Jon Otterstatter, 1983, computer science
Co-founder and CEO of Preventice Solutions, a mobile healthcare company.
James Reynolds, 1977, political science
Founder, chairman and CEO of Loop Capital investment firm.
Andrew Rock, 2004, finance
Sprinter, 2004 Olympic Gold medalist in 4x400m men's relay.
Jennifer Shilling, 1992, political science
Wisconsin state senator representing La Crosse, Vernon, Crawford and Monroe counties.
Barbara Skogen, 1967, medical technology
Entrepreneur, Festival Foods business owner, philanthropist.
Patrick Stephens, 1971, education
Retired professional fundraiser, community ambassador.
Christopher Sund, 1987, political science
Former commander of Coronado Naval Base.
Dan Smyczek, 1993, political science
Vice president of public relations for the Milwaukee Bucks.
James Van Tassel, 1951, education
Inventor, co-developer of the hand-held calculator.
Sharon Weston Broome, 1978, mass communications
Mayor-president of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, former journalist and professor.
Did you know the director of "Rebel Without a Cause" and the first black American to compete in the Olympics both have ties to La Crosse?
These photos are filled with many familiar faces and places from our area's past.
