Jane Sanders facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jane Sanders
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Sanders in August 2019
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| 4th President of Burlington College | |
| In office March 2004 – September 2011 |
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| Preceded by | Mary Clancy |
| Succeeded by | Christine Plunkett |
| President of Goddard College | |
| In office 1996–1997 |
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| Preceded by | Richard Greene |
| Succeeded by | Barbara Mossberg |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Mary Jane O'Meara
January 3, 1950 New York City, U.S. |
| Spouses | Dave Driscoll (divorced) |
| Children | 3, including Carina |
| Education | Goddard College (BA) Union Institute and University (MA, PhD) |
Mary Jane O'Meara Sanders (born January 3, 1950) is an American social worker, college leader, and activist. She has worked to help communities and lead colleges. She was the leader of Goddard College for a short time (1996–1997). Later, she became the president of Burlington College (2004–2011). In 2017, she started The Sanders Institute, which is a group that studies important ideas. She has been married to U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders since 1988. She also served as the first lady of Burlington, Vermont, when her husband was the mayor.
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Early Life and Schooling
Jane Sanders was born Mary Jane O'Meara on January 3, 1950. She grew up in Brooklyn, New York City. She was one of five children. Her family was of Irish descent and she was raised Catholic. She went to Catholic schools, including Saint Saviour High School. Later, she attended the University of Tennessee.
She later moved back to Brooklyn. In 1975, she moved to Vermont. She finished her college degree at Goddard College in Plainfield, Vermont. She earned a bachelor's degree in social work. In 1996, she earned an advanced degree in leadership studies from Union Institute & University.
Working Life and Community Service
Early in her career, Jane Sanders worked with young people. She worked in the Juvenile Division of the Burlington Police Department. She was also a community organizer. She volunteered with AmeriCorps VISTA, a program that helps communities.
From 1981 to 1991, she was the first director of the Mayor's Youth Office in Burlington. She also worked in K-12 education. She was elected as a school board commissioner. This meant she helped make decisions for local schools. She also helped start the Women's Council and the Film Commission in Burlington.
College Leadership Roles
In 1996, Jane Sanders was asked to lead her old college, Goddard College. She became the provost and interim president. A provost is a senior academic leader. She helped the college improve its finances and how it was run.
From 2004 to 2011, Sanders was the president of Burlington College. This was a small college for students who might not fit traditional schools. During her time, she helped the college raise more money. She also helped the college buy a new campus. She left the college in 2011 because she had different ideas for its future. The college later closed in 2016.
Adviser to Bernie Sanders
Jane Sanders has been a very important adviser to her husband, Bernie Sanders. He has said she is one of his main advisers. She has worked for him in different roles. These roles include administrative assistant and policy adviser. She helped him write many pieces of legislation. She also served as his Chief of Staff and Policy and Press Adviser in his Congressional office.
The Sanders Institute
Jane Sanders helped start The Sanders Institute. This group began in June 2017. It is a "think tank," which means it's a group that does research and suggests ideas. The institute focuses on progressive ideas. Jane Sanders is one of the original members of the institute. She does not get paid for her work there, but her travel costs are covered.
