Nancy-Ann DeParle was raised in Rockwood, Tennessee, and enrolled at UT as an Andy Holt Scholar. She received her Bachelor of Arts with highest honors in 1978, graduating from the outstanding interdisciplinary College Scholars Program within the College of Liberal Arts (now the College of Arts and Sciences). In addition to being an outstanding student of history, she demonstrated tremendous leadership in academic student activities. DeParle served as the first female president of the student body, was a member of the Mortar Board honorary society, a student member of the Board of Trustees, co-chair/charter member of the Women’s Coordinating Council, and a member of Delta Gamma sorority. Her academic distinctions included election to Phi Beta Kappa, Phi Kappa Phi, and Omicron Delta Kappa. Not surprisingly, DeParle was named a Torchbearer.
After graduation, she entered Harvard Law School where she was selected as a Rhodes Scholar. However, DeParle decided to put Harvard on hold to attend the Balliol College of Oxford University in the United Kingdom, where she earned her Master of Arts in politics, philosophy, and economics. Later, she returned to Harvard to finish her law degree. During her distinguished law career, DeParle was selected by Governor Ned McWherter to lead the Tennessee Department of Human Services, where she played an integral role in determining eligibility requirements for Medicaid, food stamps, and child welfare. In 1991, she was named the associate director for health and personnel at the federal Office of Management and Budget. There, she served as a key representative on health care reform for President Bill Clinton. Most recently, DeParle served as a senior investment advisor to J.P. Morgan Partners and as an adjunct professor at the Wharton School of Business. In 2009, she was nominated by President Obama to be the “Health Reform Czar” and was charged with heading up the new White House Office of Health Reform.
Beyond the obvious reasons for recognizing this highly distinguished alumna, her success as an attorney and public servant is immeasurable. She has served this state and nation in health and human services programs that affect the lives of citizens most in need. In all that she has done, DeParle has brought luster and pride to UT. From her service as a member of the College of Arts and Sciences’ Board of Visitors to her seminal role in the Obama administration, she has epitomized excellence and the Volunteer spirit.
