Juanita M. Kreps, American economist and politician, 24th United States Secretary of Commerce (d. 2010)

Clara Juanita Morris Kreps: A Trailblazing American Economist and Cabinet Secretary

Clara Juanita Morris Kreps (January 11, 1921 – July 5, 2010) was a distinguished American economist, accomplished educator, and astute businesswoman who left an indelible mark on the nation's economic policy and public service. Her pivotal role in American history is particularly noted for her tenure as the 24th United States Secretary of Commerce under President Jimmy Carter, serving from 1977 to 1979.

A committed member of the Democratic Party, Kreps achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first woman ever to hold the cabinet-level position of Secretary of Commerce. This achievement also placed her as the fourth female to serve in a presidential cabinet throughout American history, a truly groundbreaking accomplishment that occurred concurrently with the appointment of Patricia Roberts Harris as the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

A Distinguished Career in Economics and Education

Before her groundbreaking cabinet appointment, Juanita Kreps built an impressive academic career rooted in economic theory and public policy. She earned her B.A. from Berea College in 1942 and went on to complete her M.A. and Ph.D. in economics at Duke University in 1944 and 1948, respectively. Her expertise lay primarily in labor economics, the economics of aging, and women's roles in the economy. Kreps spent a significant portion of her professional life as a revered faculty member at Duke University, where she eventually became the first woman to hold a full professorship in the economics department. Her academic contributions included several influential books and articles, shaping discourse on topics like labor market dynamics, the challenges of an aging population, and the economic participation of women.

Leading the Department of Commerce

As the Secretary of Commerce, Dr. Kreps was responsible for an extensive portfolio that significantly impacts the nation's economic well-being. The Department of Commerce is tasked with fostering economic growth, promoting international trade, ensuring fair business practices, and overseeing technological advancement. This includes agencies such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Bureau of the Census, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). During her tenure, the U.S. economy faced complex challenges including high inflation, the ongoing energy crisis, and increasing global competition. Kreps played a crucial role in advising President Carter on economic policy, promoting American exports, and navigating these turbulent economic waters, working to strengthen the nation's commercial standing both domestically and internationally.

Breaking Barriers: A Historic Cabinet Member

Juanita Kreps's appointment as Secretary of Commerce marked a profound moment for women in American politics and leadership. While she was the first woman to lead the Department of Commerce, her place as the fourth female cabinet member in U.S. history highlights a gradual but significant shift towards greater inclusivity at the highest levels of government. The pioneering women who preceded her in presidential cabinets include:

• Frances Perkins, who served as Secretary of Labor from 1933 to 1945 under President Franklin D. Roosevelt, becoming the first woman to hold a U.S. cabinet position.
• Oveta Culp Hobby, who was appointed Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare (HEW) by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1953.
• Carla Anderson Hills, who served as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) from 1975 to 1977 under President Gerald Ford.

Kreps and Patricia Roberts Harris were both appointed to cabinet positions simultaneously by President Carter in 1977, further underscoring a commitment to diversifying executive leadership. Kreps’s appointment was not merely symbolic; it demonstrated her profound expertise and the recognition of her capabilities to lead a critical economic agency.

Frequently Asked Questions about Juanita Kreps

Who was Juanita Kreps?

Clara Juanita Morris Kreps was a prominent American economist, educator, and businesswoman who made history as the 24th United States Secretary of Commerce under President Jimmy Carter. She was also a distinguished professor of economics at Duke University.

What was Juanita Kreps's major historical achievement?

Her most significant historical achievement was becoming the first woman to serve as the United States Secretary of Commerce. Additionally, she was the fourth woman in American history to hold a cabinet-level position in a presidential administration.

When did Juanita Kreps serve as Secretary of Commerce?

Juanita Kreps served as the U.S. Secretary of Commerce from 1977 to 1979 during President Jimmy Carter's administration.

Which other women served in a U.S. cabinet before Juanita Kreps?

Before Juanita Kreps, three women held cabinet positions: Frances Perkins (Secretary of Labor, 1933-1945), Oveta Culp Hobby (Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, 1953-1955), and Carla Anderson Hills (Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, 1975-1977). Patricia Roberts Harris was appointed concurrently with Kreps in 1977.