Janet Tran Appointed Director of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum
Press Release · Monday, April 8, 2024

Washington, DC

Archivist of the United States Dr. Colleen Shogan announced Dr. Janet Tran's appointment as the new Director of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum in Simi Valley, CA, effective June 2, 2024. In this role, Dr. Tran will oversee the planning, directing, and administration of all programs and activities at the Library, the largest and most-visited in the presidential library system.

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Photo courtesy of Dr. Janet Tran

In making the announcement, Shogan noted, “Presidential libraries serve as vital repositories of our nation's history, and accessible entry points for understanding our democracy and the decisions that shape our nation. With her in-depth knowledge of the Reagan administration and her focus on education and engagement, Dr. Tran is an exciting addition to the team. Under her stewardship, the Reagan Presidential Library will continue to inspire and educate, ensuring that the lessons of the past inform our journey forward.”

Dr. Tran joins the Ronald Reagan Presidential Museum and Library from the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute, where she served as director of the Center for Civics, Education, and Opportunity. Under her leadership, the Reagan Institute Summit on Education (RISE) launched on the 35th anniversary of the release of the A Nation at Risk report, which called for widespread public school reform. RISE brings cross-sector and bipartisan leaders together annually to examine and elevate the national conversation around education in America. Dr. Tran also established the Reagan Institute offices in Washington, DC, organizing an innovative experiential leadership program for university students known today as the Academy for Civic Education & Democracy in partnership with George Washington University. 

Dr. Tran has extensive experience cultivating the next generation of citizen leaders. She began her professional career as an educator at John C. Fremont High School and Camino Nuevo Charter Academy in South Los Angeles. Today, she serves on the Board of Philanthropy for Active Civic Engagement, the iCivics CivXNow Advisory Council, and the Advisory Board of the Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning and Engagement.

Dr. Tran earned a bachelor of arts in history and political science from The University of California, Los Angeles, a master of education in curriculum and instruction at California State University, Northridge, and a doctorate in education learning technologies from Pepperdine University.

"Dr. Janet Tran's long experience with the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute gives her great insight into its role in collaborating with the National Archives. We welcome her into this important position as Director of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum and look forward to a great partnership in advancing the missions of both organizations," Frederick Ryan, Chairman of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute, said in a statement.

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum is one of 15 libraries in the Presidential Library system operated by the National Archives and Records Administration, representing Herbert Hoover through Donald J. Trump. Presidential Libraries and Museums are repositories for each administration's papers and records and preserve and provide access to historical materials, support research, and create interactive programs and exhibits that educate and inspire.