Ron Kirk ’76
Austin College alumnus and senior trustee Ron Kirk ’76 has been selected by President Barack Obama to serve as the United States Trade Representative. This Cabinet-level appointment is the second to be held by a graduate of Austin College, with Linus Wright ’49 serving as U.S. Under Secretary of Education.
“Austin College is proud of Ron’s success in Texas, and I am sure he will be equally successful as he works with world leaders,” said Oscar C. Page, president of Austin College. “Ron’s leadership at the state and local level is impressive, and these experiences have prepared him well to serve as the U.S. Trade Representative for the new administration.”
Kirk’s appointment was announced by Obama on December 19 at a press conference in Chicago. “As mayor of Dallas, Ron helped steer one of the world’s largest economies,” Obama said. “During his tenure as mayor, Ron brought different groups together to create jobs, invest in the community, and spur economic growth.” In accepting his nomination, Kirk said that “trade can help us create jobs at home and encourage development broad.”
A native of Austin, Texas, Kirk came to Austin College in 1972, graduating in 1976 with a degree in political science and sociology. Kirk then attended law school at the University of Texas, where he earned his J.D. degree in 1979. Soon after, he began working for U.S. Senator Lloyd Bentsen in Washington, D.C., which was followed by political positions as Dallas assistant city attorney, Texas secretary of state, and Dallas mayor. At the time of the announcement, he was a partner at the Dallas offices of the Houston-based law firm of Vinson & Elkins.
