Higher ed commissioner Carlos Santiago to step down
Photo | State House News Service
Carlos Santiago, commissioner of the state's Department of Higher Education, announced he will step down in June.
Carlos Santiago, commissioner of the state's Department of Higher Education, plans to step down from his post when this academic year ends in June, and a search committee process to find his successor is expected to start next month, the department announced Wednesday.
The Board of Higher Education appointed Santiago, previously the chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, as commissioner in July 2015. He said in a statement that this is an "opportune time" for him to assist the board "in identifying new leadership and ensuring the completion of the Commonwealth's first 10-year strategic plan to achieve racial equity in higher education."
As commissioner, Santiago has overseen efforts to diversify the public higher education workforce, expand early college and address student homelessness and food insecurity. He has led the department through implementation of a new law and regulations designed to screen colleges and universities for financial risks and protect students from sudden closures. He earns an annual salary of $243,734, state payroll records show.
"Leveraging his deep academic and leadership experience and credibility, he has addressed two huge agendas at the same time," Board of Higher Education Chair Chris Gabrieli said of Santiago. "He has steadfastly helped our institutions weather the unprecedented challenges of the pandemic while also laying the foundation for a nation-leading agenda focused on racial justice, fairness, and opportunity through educational equity. The widespread recognition of this work positions our system for sustained progress in the years ahead."
With Gov. Charlie Baker's term ending after this year, the next commissioner will likely work under a new education secretary in 2023. Current Secretary James Peyser praised Santiago as a "visionary leader who has sharpened our strategic focus on closing gaps of access and success in higher education, especially for first-generation college goers and students of color."
WBJ Web Partners
Most Recent
Most Recent
0 Comments