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player ready...The Indiana Higher Education Commission unanimously appointed Secretary of Education Katie Jenner as the next higher education commissioner Friday.
Jenner will remain as K-12 education secretary as she assumes her new duties with the commission, also led by a 14-member board.
She replaces Chris Lowery, who retired. Her appointment becomes effective Oct. 11.
State officials said placing Jenner, who’s been secretary of education since 2021, in both roles will lead to better coordination between the two state bodies to increase affordability and accessibility. Officials are emphasizing high school dual credit courses that provide students with college credits.
After the vote, Jenner issued a 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.
“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.”
Gov. Mike Braun said earlier that Jenner holding two key education positions will ensure consistency in the state’s education policies and programs.
In both roles, Jenner can support the rollout of Indiana’s new high school diploma requirements that begin with the Class of 2029. The diploma has three curriculum tracks: college enrollment, military enlistment, and direct workforce employment.
Jenner can also oversee college degree programs to align with academic tools used by K-12 educators and streamline higher education degree programs to meet student and industry demands.
Carole Carlson is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.