Indiana Commissioner for Higher Education Chris Lowery is leaving his position in October.
Lowery told education and government officials he’s resigning after a health scare, according to the Indiana Capital Chronicle. He was unanimously appointed in 2022 to lead the state’s post-secondary education system. Lowery will leave Oct. 10.
In a statement provided by the Commission for Higher Education, Lowery said serving students has been the highest honor of his career.
"I will continue to be an advocate for education and for Indiana students, just from a different place, and look forward to spending more time working and writing with my wife, Jerilyn," Lowery said.
Lowery spearheaded the Hoosier Opportunities & Possibilities through Education Agenda, or the HOPE Agenda. As the commission’s strategic plan through 2030, it outlines Indiana’s goals to increase college enrollment, graduation and workforce preparation.
Indiana’s college-going rate has decreased. About 52 percent of students enrolled in college in 2023, the most recent available data.
This year, Indiana public college pledged to freeze tuition for in-state students and volunteered to cut, merge or suspend more than 400 degree programs with low-to-zero enrollment. Lowery has celebrated the changes, believing they will benefit Hoosier students.
