Pamela Pugh-Cedar Herald Index

Dr. Pamela Louise Pugh (born December 20, 1970) is an American public health scientist, politician, and the current president of the Michigan State Board of Education. She first won election to the board in 2014 and was reelected in 2022. She announced her candidacy as a Democrat for the 2024 United States Senate election in Michigan on May 23, 2023.

Biography

Pamela Pugh was born on December 20, 1970 in Saginaw, Michigan. Her father, John Pugh, is a civil rights activist, professor, and administrator at Delta College and her mother was a paraprofessional. She attended Florida A&M earning a Bachelor of Science and the University of Michigan graduating with a Master of Science and Doctorate of Public Health. Pugh serves on multiple boards including the Healthy Schools Network Board of Directors and the National Association of State Boards of Education Board of Directors. She also served as the Chief Public Health Advisor to the city of Flint during it's water crisis.

Pamela Pugh

Pugh is the first Black woman to serve as the President of the Michigan State Board of Education. She was voted president in a 6-0 vote with two Republican members voting present. Pugh announced her candidacy as a Democrat for the United States Senate on May 23, 2023 in Flint. She faces U.S. Representative Elissa Slotkin, former Michigan State Representative Leslie Love, businessman Nasser Beydoun, and actor Hill Harper. She is backed by former Flint Mayor Karen Weaver.