Lieutenant Governor Schunk is a key member of Governor Ventura's Cabinet, particularly in regard to education issues. The Governor refers to the Lieutenant Governor as his Ambassador for Education. By law as Lieutenant Governor, she serves as a member of Minnesota's Executive Council (whose members are the state's six constitutional officers) and chairs the Capitol Area Architectural Planning Board. The Lieutenant Governor is involved with numerous organizations serving a variety of goals as chair, co-chair or in an advisory capacity. Three of the organizations she co-chairs are: the Minnesota Alliance with Youth, the America's Kids Connect program, and the Minnesota Office of Citizenship and Volunteer Services.

Schunk is a frequently-sought speaker and addresses various groups such as civic and other professional organizations, educational programs and conferences, veterans, volunteer organizations and youth groups.

Schunk credits her parents for advocating high expectations and giving strong support to their six children to "do the best you can and be the best you can be." Mae grew up on a 120-acre dairy farm near Greenwood, Wisconsin. She graduated from Greenwood High School in 1952.

Schunk attended the University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire, where she received a Bachelor of Science Degree in elementary education. She completed a Master's Degree in curriculum and instruction in 1989 from the University of St. Thomas, St. Paul. In 1991, she completed a program in educational leadership at the University of St. Thomas.

A teacher/educator for 37 years, Schunk had been the school-wide enrichment specialist at Phalen Lake School prior to her becoming Lieutenant Governor. During her 23 years in St. Paul Public Schools, she was a curriculum specialist, assistant principal, and teacher. Prior to becoming an educator in St. Paul, Mae was a teacher in Wisconsin for 14 years.

Mae and William Schunk have been married for 42 years and live in Inver Grove Heights. William grew up on a dairy farm in Stanley, Wisconsin and graduated from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Their son, Benjamin, is a Network Systems Design Engineer. He and his wife Jennifer live in a Twin Cities suburb.

Mae Schunk took a five-year leave from teaching when Benjamin was born to become a full-time mother and homemaker. Following the death of her father in 1987, she cared for her ailing mother in her home for 9-1/2 years. Her hobbies include flower and vegetable gardening, creative cooking and baking, collecting and sharing recipes, and various art projects with stained glass and watercolor.

A nature enthusiast, she enjoys family gatherings and activities that include fishing and weekend cabin stays with family and friends.