Phil Bryant

Gov. Phil Bryant served two terms as Mississippi’s 64th governor (2012–2020) after earlier service as lieutenant governor, state auditor, and state representative. As governor he led a coordinated education agenda linking education reform, workforce development, and teacher support—advancing evidence‑based early childhood programs, raising teacher pay, expanding National Board Certification support, creating scholarships to recruit high‑performing future teachers, and strengthening university teacher‑preparation standards. He is a founding member of BSS Global, a Senior Advisor at the America First Policy Institute, and Vice Chair of the President’s FEMA Review Council.

Gov. Bryant incepted and championed the Literacy‑Based Promotion Act, which requires demonstrated reading proficiency for promotion—known now as the Third Grade Gate—and pairs that requirement with targeted supports for at‑risk students and expanded teacher training. He expanded career‑technical education and aligned training programs with local labor market needs, increased teacher compensation, and created scholarships and supports to attract and retain high‑quality educators.

Gov. Bryant used NAEP data to guide policy and document the “Mississippi Miracle”, helping move the state from 50th to 9th in 4th grade reading. He brings state-level leadership expertise to the National Assessment Governing Board.