Jenner to Replace Lowery as Indiana Commissioner for Higher Education

The Indiana Commission for Higher Education voted unanimously for Jenner.

INDIANAPOLIS - Madison resident Dr. Katie Jenner has been voted to replace Chris Lowery as the state's next Commissioner for Higher Education. 

Lowery, of Batesville, announced earlier this month that he will be stepping down from the position in October due to a recent health scare and to take on personal and professional writing projects. 

RELATED: Chris Lowery to Step Down as Indiana Commissioner for Higher Education

Jenner, the state's first Secretary of Education, previously served as a high school teacher, preschool-12 district leader, and as vice president of a statewide higher education institution.

As one of eight secretaries in Governor Mike Braun’s cabinet, Dr. Jenner oversees eight state agencies and boards which comprise approximately 60% of the state budget, or approximately $26 billion over the biennium. This includes leading the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE), chairing the State Board of Education (SBOE), and overseeing Commission for Higher Education, Charter School Board, Education Employee Relations Board, Indiana School for the Deaf, Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, and Indiana State Library.

Following the Indiana Commission for Higher Education’s unanimous vote for Indiana Secretary of Education, Dr. Katie Jenner, as the next Commissioner for Higher Education, Dr. Jenner released the following statement:

“The work happening daily in our Indiana classrooms connects back to a singular goal: helping all students to light their fire of purpose and blaze the path towards their unique future,” said Dr. Katie Jenner, Indiana Secretary of Education. “There has never been greater synergy in Indiana than there is today when it comes to seamlessly connecting students to what’s next, and I am truly grateful for the opportunity to continue building on this work in an expanded role as Indiana’s next Commissioner for Higher Education. I want to thank Governor Braun and members of the Commission for allowing me to continue serving Hoosiers and for their continued commitment to keeping students first, as well as Commissioner Lowery for all that he has done for our state and Indiana students. I’m eager to roll up my sleeves and get to work with our partners in K-12, higher education, and business and industry to strengthen alignment around our shared mission, increase high-quality educational options at all levels, and maximize our impact for Indiana families and students.”