Bell served as the United States commissioner of education (prior to the creation of the cabinet position) under Presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford from 1974 to 1976.

He was well-known, admired, and respected in education circles, having risen from high school teacher through college professor to administrative positions.

Bell published seven other books during his career, covering topics such as improving child intellectual development and reforming the educational process.

Bell died in his sleep at age 74 of pulmonary fibrosis at his home in Salt Lake City in 1996;[1] he is interred in Larkin Sunset Gardens in Sandy, Utah.

The Department of Education gives an award named after Bell to recognize "outstanding school leaders and the vital role they play in overcoming challenging circumstances."

Concurrent with the award, the department issued a press release which stated, "The late Secretary Terrel H. Bell held education as his highest priority, trusting that all students would find it their personal key to success as he had.