Maryland’s top higher education official is heading for the exit. Sanjay Rai, the state’s secretary of higher education, will step down this week after nearly three years at the helm of the Maryland Higher Education Commission, with his last day set for Friday, March 27. His deputy, Elena Quiroz-Livanis, will step in as interim secretary while the state hunts for a permanent replacement.
The governor’s office announced the shakeup this afternoon, saying Rai will conclude his tenure this week and confirming his departure date, according to The Banner. Gov. Wes Moore praised Rai’s dedication to public service and commitment to expanding opportunity through education, while Rai called it a true privilege to serve as secretary, as reported by the outlet.
What the commission does and why leadership matters
The Maryland Higher Education Commission is the state’s central higher-ed traffic cop, setting policy for public and private colleges and overseeing more than $100 million in state scholarships and financial aid each year, according to the agency’s website. MHEC also signs off on new academic programs and handles broader statewide policy work, while volunteer commissioners appointed by the governor approve colleges’ proposals. Those appointments and confirmations have run through the governor’s office in recent years, underscoring that this job is as political as it is bureaucratic.
Scholarship glitches have tested the agency
The commission has been under the microscope after headaches with state scholarship awards, including a vendor-caused mistake that triggered erroneous cancellations earlier this academic year. In response, the agency said it decided to honor all grants that were initially awarded after more than 600 students were affected, and it laid out plans for a more secure, modernized system to avoid a repeat. A statement from the Maryland Higher Education Commission says the new safeguards are scheduled to roll out in fall 2026.
Who is Elena Quiroz-Livanis
Quiroz-Livanis, currently MHEC’s deputy secretary, is no stranger to the policy weeds. She previously held senior posts with the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education, where she worked on transfer pathways and developmental-education reforms, according to the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education. She also serves on the Community College Research Center’s advisory board, a role that highlights her experience on transfer and workforce-aligned pathway issues, per the CCRC.
What to expect next
The commission’s next public meeting is set for Wednesday, March 25, and the Moore administration says Quiroz-Livanis will lead the agency on an interim basis until a permanent cabinet secretary is in place. As MHEC works through its system fixes and continues to review new academic programs, students and colleges will be watching to see how quickly the agency can restore confidence after the recent aid-award disruptions, The Banner reported.
