Rick Perry's Education Background

Rick Perry has been the Governor of Texas since George W. Bush resigned in 2000 to become the president of the USA. Perry has been re-elected to the position three times since then, making him the longest-running current U.S. governor. He is currently a candidate for the 2012 Republican presidential nomination. EDUinReview will now take a look at his education background.
Perry was born on March 4, 1950, in Paint Creek, Texas. His parents are Amelia and Joseph Perry. Perry first heard his calling to become involved in politics when he was 11-years old and his father took him to the funeral of U.S. Representative Sam Rayburn. As a youth, Perry was involved in the Boy Scouts of America and became an Eagle Scout. He graduated from Paint Creek High School in 1968, and then moved to College Station to attend Texas A&M University. He graduated with a 2.5 GPA and a bachelor’s degree in animal science in 1972.
After college, Perry completed pilot training for the Air Force and flew a C-130 tactical airlift until 1977. After leaving the Air Force with the rank of captain, Perry returned to Texas and joined his father in a cotton farming business. In 1984, Perry became a member of the Texas House of Representatives as a Democrat. Six-years later, he changed party affiliations and became a Republican. He served as the 9th Commissioner of Agriculture of Texas from 1991 to 1999, when he became the Lieutenant Governor of Texas. He served in this position until he took over gubernatorial duties from President George W. Bush.
On a personal note, Perry married his childhood sweetheart, Anita Thigpen, in 1982. The couple has two children, Griffin and Sydney.
See Also:
Michele Bachmann’s Education Background
Mitt Romney’s Education Background
Newt Gingrich’s Education Background
Ron Paul’s Education Background
Tim Pawlenty’s Education Background