Maryland’s higher education secretary to be replaced

The secretary of the Maryland Higher Education Commission will “conclude his tenure” leading the state agency this week, the governor’s office announced Tuesday afternoon.

Sanjay Rai, who has served as secretary for nearly three years, will depart the commission on Friday. His deputy secretary, Elena Quiroz-Livanis, will lead the agency until a search to permanently fill the cabinet post is complete.

“I commend Secretary Rai for his dedication to public service and commitment to expanding opportunity through education,” said Gov. Wes Moore in a statement. He said the administration “will continue building on that progress to ensure every Marylander has access to a world-class education and a pathway to work, wages, and wealth.”

The state’s higher education commission is responsible for establishing statewide policies for Maryland’s public and private colleges. Staff at the agency oversee over $100 million in state-funded scholarships and financial aid; its volunteer commissioners, who are appointed by the governor, approve colleges’ proposals for new programs.

The commission made headlines last fall when it revoked hundreds of scholarships given to students just days before the school year began. It again attracted scrutiny last month when aspiring teachers accused the commission of bungling their scholarships.

In a statement, Rai said it was “a true privilege” to serve as secretary.

“I am proud of the work we have done to expand opportunity and strengthen workforce-aligned pathways for Maryland students,” he said.

Quiroz-Livanis, who will serve as interim secretary, has been “driven by a commitment to expanding opportunity and strengthening outcomes for students,” she said in a statement. She previously held leadership roles at the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education and now serves on the Community College Research Center Advisory Board.

The commission’s next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday.

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