Under Secretary of Education Martha Kanter announced yesterday she would be leaving the administration and returning to academia. In a farewell email to friends and staff, Kanter praised President Barack Obama and her work at the Department of Education.

“Together we have accomplished important milestones in improving education for Americans at all levels, especially for those most in need. I know from experience that great teaching, learning and research have the power to transform our nation and the world. To build on the work and considerable outcomes we have achieved, I have decided to return to academia and will leave federal government service this fall,” she wrote in an email. Kanter joined the Department of Education when she was appointed in 2009. Her exit, however, is a massive hole in DoE according to Politico. Her goodbye stressed her accomplishments and praise for the administration:

“I know from experience that great teaching, learning and research have the power to transform our nation and the world. To build on the work and considerable outcomes we have achieved, I have decided to return to academia and will leave federal government service this fall.

Delivering a world-class education for all is what I have dedicated my life to get done every day. Serving as your Under Secretary has deepened my understanding and appreciation of what “service to improve the public good of our nation” really means. The promise and power of delivering good government to our students and families is a tireless, phenomenal effort, often with few external rewards if done honestly, fairly and well. What unfolds each and every day never ceases to amaze me, even now. I could never have imagined a more exciting and challenging opportunity. For that I thank President Obama, Secretary Duncan and each of you.”

With an uplifting sign-off (“Full speed ahead!”) Kanter plans to go back into education. There are no current names being thrown around for her role or the still-vacant Assistant Secretary for Postsecondary Education. Even the days of 2009 where Kanter was confirmed in three months seem like a forgotten era. Kanter hasn’t specified exactly what type of “academia” she’s heading back to, but it’ll hopefully have a better cafeteria and quad than Seaton Section Park outside of DoE.

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