Birthday

Alan Keyes was born on Aug. 7, 1950, in Long Island, N.Y.

Education

Keyes received his bachelor’s degree in 1972 from Harvard University and was granted a Ph.D. in government in 1979.

Religion

Roman Catholic

Private practice and business experience

Keyes has served as chairman of RenewAmerica and Declaration Foundation since 2002. He also served as interim president of Alabama A&M University in 1991.

Public service and government experience

Keyes served as assistant secretary of state 11 years with the U.S. State Department. From 1985 to 1988, he served in the U.S. Foreign Service and on the staff of the National Security Council before becoming Ronald Reagan’s assistant secretary of state for international organizations. He also served as ambassador to the United Nations Economic and Social Council, where he represented America’s sovereign interests in the U.N. General Assembly from 1983 to 1985.

Declared candidacy

Keyes declared his candidacy on Sept. 14.

Family life

Keyes and his wife Jocelyn have three children: Francis, Maya and Andrew.