Andrew S. Draper

Biography

Andrew S. Draper (1848-1913) rose from humble beginnings to become a leading educator, serving as New York's first Commissioner of Education and later as chancellor of the University of the State of New York. He championed uniform standards, rural schools, and professional training for teachers, believing that public education was the surest foundation for citizenship.

He is buried in Albany Rural Cemetery, where students, educators, and civic leaders continue to honor the reforms he advanced and the thoughtful mentorship he provided to generations of school leaders.