John Engler facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Engler
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Engler in 2016
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| President of Michigan State University | |
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Acting
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| In office January 31, 2018 – January 17, 2019 |
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| Preceded by | Lou Anna Simon |
| Succeeded by | Satish Udpa (acting) |
| 46th Governor of Michigan | |
| In office January 1, 1991 – January 1, 2003 |
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| Lieutenant | Connie Binsfeld Dick Posthumus |
| Preceded by | James J. Blanchard |
| Succeeded by | Jennifer Granholm |
| Chair of the National Governors Association | |
| In office August 7, 2001 – July 16, 2002 |
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| Preceded by | Parris Glendening |
| Succeeded by | Paul Patton |
| 9th Majority Leader of the Michigan Senate | |
| In office 1984–1990 |
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| Preceded by | William Faust |
| Succeeded by | Dick Posthumus |
| Member of the Michigan Senate | |
| In office January 1, 1979 – December 31, 1990 |
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| Preceded by | John Toepp |
| Succeeded by | Joanne G. Emmons |
| Constituency | 36th district (1979–1982) 35th district (1983–1990) |
| Member of the Michigan House of Representatives | |
| In office January 1, 1971 – December 31, 1978 |
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| Preceded by | Russell Strange |
| Succeeded by | Gary L. Randall |
| Constituency | 100th district (1971–1972) 89th House of Representatives district|89th district (1973–1978) |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
John Mathias Engler
October 12, 1948 Mount Pleasant, Michigan, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
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| Children | 3 |
| Education | |
John Mathias Engler (born October 12, 1948) is an American politician and lawyer. He served as the 46th Governor of Michigan from 1991 to 2003. He is a member of the Republican Party.
Before becoming governor, Engler was a Michigan State Senator starting in 1979. He also earned a law degree during this time. In 1984, he became the Senate majority leader. He was elected governor in 1990 and served three terms. He is the last Michigan governor to serve more than two terms. After his time as governor, he worked for different organizations, including the Business Roundtable.
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Early Life and Education
John Engler was born in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, on October 12, 1948. He grew up on a cattle farm near Beal City.
He went to Michigan State University and graduated in 1971 with a degree in agricultural economics. Later, he studied law at Thomas M. Cooley Law School and earned his law degree in 1981.
In 1970, at just 22 years old, Engler was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives. He served as a state representative from 1971 to 1978. His friend, Dick Posthumus, helped him with his first election campaign. Posthumus later became a state senator and Lieutenant Governor, serving with Engler.
Political Career Highlights
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Serving as Governor
As governor, John Engler focused on several key areas. His administration worked on changing state services and reducing income taxes. They also increased sales tax and made changes to education and welfare programs. He also reorganized many state government departments.
In 1996, he was chosen to lead the Republican Governors Association. In 2001, he was elected to lead the National Governors Association. These roles showed his importance among governors across the country.
Near the end of his last term in 2002, there was a discussion about cleaning up pollution near a Dow Chemical plant in Midland, Michigan. The area, including the Tittabawassee River, had high levels of certain chemicals. The plan to resolve this issue did not go through.
Considered for Vice President
1996 Presidential Election
During the 1996 presidential election, John Engler was thought of as a possible running mate for Republican candidate Bob Dole. However, Dole chose Jack Kemp instead.
2000 Presidential Election
Engler supported George W. Bush for president in 2000. After Bush won the Republican nomination, Engler's name came up again as a possible vice president. Bush later wrote that he was "close" with Engler and could "work well with" him. However, Dick Cheney was chosen for the role.
After His Governorship
After leaving the governor's office in 2003, Engler worked for Electronic Data Systems. He then became president and CEO of the National Association of Manufacturers in 2004. In 2011, he became president of the Business Roundtable.
In 2017, Engler was appointed to a board that oversees the National Assessment of Educational Progress project. This project helps measure what students in the U.S. know and can do.
Interim President of Michigan State University
On January 30, 2018, John Engler was named the temporary president of Michigan State University. He took over after the previous president resigned. His time as interim president faced challenges. He resigned on January 16, 2019.
Personal Life
In 1975, John Engler married Colleen House. She also served in the Michigan House of Representatives. They divorced in 1986. They did not have children together.
Engler married Michelle DeMunbrun, a lawyer from Texas, on December 8, 1990. They have three daughters, who are triplets, born in 1994. As First Lady of Michigan, Michelle Engler helped start the Michigan Community Service Commission. She was also appointed to the board of Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) in 2001.
Images for kids
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Engler with President Ronald Reagan in 1988
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Engler with President George H. W. Bush in 1991
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Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice with (left to right): Tom Pickering, John Engler and John Breaux in 2008
