Early Life and Education of Robert Reich: A Complete Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 26, 2025

An overview of the childhood and early education of Robert Reich, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

Robert Reich is a prominent American political commentator, professor, author, and lawyer. He has held significant positions in multiple presidential administrations, including serving as Secretary of Labor under President Bill Clinton. Reich is known for his progressive political views and advocacy for economic equality. He frequently comments on economic and political issues, and has written extensively on topics such as income inequality, globalization, and the changing nature of work.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

1914: Birth of Edwin Saul Reich

In 1914, Edwin Saul Reich, Robert Reich's father, was born.

1919: Birth of Mildred Freshman (Dorf)

In 1919, Mildred Freshman (née Dorf), Robert Reich's mother, was born.

June 24, 1946: Robert Reich's Birth

On June 24, 1946, Robert Bernard Reich was born. He is an American professor, author, lawyer, and political commentator.

1964: Murder of Michael Schwerner

In 1964, Michael Schwerner, who had protected Reich from bullies, was murdered in Mississippi by the Ku Klux Klan for registering African-American voters; this event inspired Reich.

1968: Graduation from Dartmouth College

In 1968, Reich graduated summa cum laude from Dartmouth College with a bachelor's degree in history.

1970: M.A. Degree from University of Oxford

In 1970, Reich received his M.A. degree from the University of Oxford.

1973: Marriage to Clare Dalton

In 1973, Robert Reich married British-born lawyer Clare Dalton in Cambridge, UK.

1980: Professor at the John F. Kennedy School of Government

From 1980 until 1992, Reich taught at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.

1992: End of professorship at the John F. Kennedy School of Government

In 1992, Reich ended his time as a professor at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.

1996: Decision to Leave the Department of Labor

In 1996, between Clinton's re-election and second inauguration, Reich decided to leave the Department of Labor to spend more time with his sons.

1997: Professor at Brandeis University

In 1997, Reich became a professor at Brandeis University, teaching courses for undergraduates as well as in the Heller School for Social Policy and Management.

January 1, 2006: Joined UC Berkeley Faculty

On January 1, 2006, Reich joined the faculty of UC Berkeley's Goldman School of Public Policy.

January 2006: Chancellor's Professor at UC Berkeley

In January 2006, Reich became the Chancellor's Professor of Public Policy at the Goldman School of Public Policy at UC Berkeley.

April 18, 2008: Endorsement of Barack Obama for President

On April 18, 2008, Robert Reich endorsed Barack Obama for President of the United States. He also criticized the Clintons for their attacks on Obama during the primaries.

2008: Interview with The New York Times

In a 2008 interview with The New York Times, Robert Reich discussed his views on wealth redistribution and the role of taxes in a civilized society.

2012: Divorce from Clare Dalton

In 2012, Robert Reich divorced British-born lawyer Clare Dalton.

2016: Endorsement of Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton

In 2016, Robert Reich endorsed Bernie Sanders for President of the United States. After Sanders ended his campaign, Reich urged Sanders's supporters to back the eventual Democratic nominee, Hillary Clinton.

2020: Endorsement of Elizabeth Warren

In 2020, Robert Reich endorsed Elizabeth Warren for President of the United States.

July 2023: Public address of dwarfism

In July 2023 Robert Reich publicly addressed his dwarfism, multiple epiphyseal dysplasia, also known as "Fairbank's disease" in a blog post titled "Why I'm So Short".

October 2023: "The last adult in the room" essay

In October 2023, Robert Reich wrote the essay "The last adult in the room", characterizing Joe Biden as "shrewd, careful, and calibrated" and expressing gratitude for Biden's leadership during turbulent times.