Maryland Higher Education Secretary Sanjay Rai To Resign After Nearly 3 Years

ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Maryland Higher Education Commission Secretary Sanjay Rai will step down from his role at the end of the week, marking the end of nearly three years leading the state’s higher education agency.

Gov. Wes Moore announced the leadership transition Tuesday, confirming Rai’s final day will be Friday. Deputy Secretary Elena Quiroz-Livanis will serve as interim secretary while a national search is conducted for a permanent replacement.

Rai, who was appointed in 2023, oversaw statewide higher education policy, including financial aid programs, academic program approvals and workforce-aligned initiatives across Maryland’s colleges and universities.

“I commend Secretary Rai for his dedication to public service and commitment to expanding opportunity through education,” Moore said in a statement, adding that the administration will continue efforts to ensure Marylanders have access to “a world-class education and a pathway to work, wages and wealth.”

During his tenure, Rai emphasized expanding access to higher education and strengthening connections between academic programs and workforce needs. In his departure statement, Rai called it “a true privilege” to serve and said he is proud of the progress made in broadening opportunities for Maryland students.

The Maryland Higher Education Commission plays a key role in shaping the state’s postsecondary system, overseeing policy for public and private institutions and administering more than $100 million in scholarships and financial aid.

However, the agency has faced scrutiny in recent months. It drew criticism from students and lawmakers after hundreds of student scholarships were revoked shortly before the start of the academic year, and again following complaints from aspiring teachers over issues with financial aid awards.

Quiroz-Livanis, who will take over on an interim basis, previously held leadership roles in Massachusetts’ higher education system and has worked on statewide policy and student success initiatives.

State officials say the transition comes as Maryland continues efforts to improve college access, affordability and workforce readiness through its higher education system.

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