On March 10, IWU-National & Global alum, Chris Lowery, was selected by unanimous vote to serve as Indiana’s seventh commissioner for higher education. Lowery will assume the role in mid-April.
Lowery is a graduate from the DeVoe School of Business where he received his master of science in management. For the past eight years, Lowery has worked in various roles for Ivy Tech Community College, including chancellor and, most recently, senior vice president of workforce, careers and adult strategy.
“Tackling the challenges facing higher education and developing a more prepared workforce will require leadership that is experienced, visionary and innovative, said current Commissioner, Theresa Lubbers. “Chris Lowery is uniquely prepared to be that kind of leader, bringing to the role a clear focus on increasing opportunity and student success.”
Under Lowery’s leadership, the Indiana Commission for Higher Education (HCE) will continue its focus on increasing the number of adult learners who earn a degree or credential beyond high school. The HCE’s goal is to see at least 60% of Hoosiers attain quality higher education.
“Great advancements have been made in terms of completions, Indiana’s post-secondary attainment rate and the focus on access through programs such as 21st Century Scholars,” said Lowery. “Building on this strong foundation, much work remains to be done. I am honored and humbled to have been chosen by members of HCE to follow Commissioner Lubbers and to serve in this leadership role at such an important time in our history.”
In the new role, Lowery also plans to focus is on increasing college affordability and ensuring higher education’s future by directly connecting it with career relevance.
“Alignment between education and workforce is critical to making Indiana a leader in attracting and developing talent,” said Gov. Eric J. Holcomb. “Chris is uniquely experienced and positioned to continue advancing this vital work. He understands the role higher education must play in the skills and ability necessary for Indiana to compete in the global economy. I’m grateful he’s stepped up to take on this most important assignment.”
As IWU-National & Global continues to evolve with the changing demands in higher education, IWU’s new Chancellor, Eileen Hulme, looks forward to seeing how Lowery will influence education in Indiana.
“As someone who has dedicated his career to higher education, I can appreciate the challenges that Lowery is facing in this new role and I look forward to seeing how he addresses them,” Eileen Hulme, IWU-National & Global chancellor, said. “Our mission at IWU is to send out world-changers, and we’re honored to see that mission come to life in Lowery’s work. We hope his career has a lasting impact on this generation of Indiana students – and all the generations to come.”