Definition

1. Noun:
   • Head of a former executive department: The Secretary of Health Education and Welfare was the head of the United States Department of Health, Education, and Welfare (HEW), a Cabinet-level executive department that existed from 1953 until 1979.

Usage

• This term is a proper noun referring to a specific historical government position. It is used in historical, political, and administrative contexts to discuss the leadership and policies of the former U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The Secretary of Health Education and Welfare presented the annual report to Congress.
  • A major policy initiative was announced by the Secretary of Health Education and Welfare in 1965.

Advanced Usage

• The role and department were significant in implementing major social programs in the mid-20th century, such as those related to public health and social security.
• The position ceased to exist when the department was reorganized into the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Education in 1979.

Variants and Related Words

• HEW: A common acronym for the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare.
• Secretary of Health and Human Services: The title of the Cabinet member who succeeded to the health and welfare functions after the 1979 split.
• Secretary of Education: The title of the Cabinet member who succeeded to the education functions after the 1979 split.

Synonyms

• HEW Secretary: An informal synonym referencing the same position by its departmental acronym.

Notes

• This is a historical title. In contemporary discussion, one would refer to the Secretary of Health and Human Services or the Secretary of Education for matters falling under the respective modern departments.

Noun

1. head of a former executive department created in 1953 and divided into two departments in 1979