Governor Mark Dayton appointed Dr. Sheila Wright as the new director of the Office of Higher Education today.

Wright is a professor and dean in the School of Education at Hamline University and has worked in elementary and higher education as well as in state government and non-profit organizations.

The Minnesota Office of Higher Education helps students by providing financial aid programs and information for postsecondary education. It also serves as MinnesotaâÄôs clearinghouse for financial aid, finance, trends, and information regarding postsecondary enrollment. 

Former Director David Metzen left the administration to become provost for Globe University in Woodbury.

Dayton said he was âÄúdelightedâÄù about WrightâÄôs decision to join the administration. Her leadership will help MinnesotaâÄôs higher education become âÄúmore accessible, more affordable, and more responsive to the needs of MinnesotaâÄôs college students,âÄù Dayton said in a statement.

Previously, Wright worked for the School of Education at Saint Xavier University in Chicago, where she was the associate dean of academic programs, and was a faculty member at Carleton College in Northfield and at Minnesota State University, Mankato. 

âÄúI believe that giving our residents the best and most affordable higher education is the best way to ensure future prosperity and economic success for our entire state,âÄù Wright said in a statement.