Washington — U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan has chosen a former Chicago colleague as his special assistant for college access.

Greg Darnieder, who was the Chicago Public Schools’ college- and career-preparation officer, will fill the new post. He joins the consultant Robert M. Shireman, president of the Institute for College Access and Success, on the Education Department’s higher-education team.

Mr. Duncan has not yet named an under secretary for postsecondary education, vocational and adult education, and federal student aid, or an assistant secretary for postsecondary education, who will be in charge of administering most of the agency’s programs for colleges and students. Mr. Shireman is expected to fill one of those jobs, most likely under secretary. —Kelly Field