Sanjay K. Rai, Ph.D. has led the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) since 2023 and was appointed Secretary by Governor Wes Moore. He is a globally recognized higher education champion, bringing more than 30 years of distinguished experience as a faculty member and academic leader.

Dr. Rai has developed partnerships with leaders in education, business, and industry to create innovative early college initiatives and cutting-edge academic and workforce training programs in cybersecurity, biotechnology, information technology, and data sciences. These programs have expanded educational access, improved student success, and reduced achievement gaps for all learners.

As Secretary of Higher Education, Dr. Rai leads the agency responsible for establishing statewide policies for Maryland’s 14 public 4-year institutions, 16 community colleges, 32 private institutions, and more than 140 private career schools. Additionally, MHEC approves academic programs, awards $180 million in state-sponsored scholarships and grants to Maryland residents annually, and develops and implements the State Plan for Higher Education.

Under his leadership, MHEC has awarded campus safety grants to help enhance security operations across the state; collaborated with national higher education organizations on transfer, student coaching, and financial support initiatives; and partnered with other state agencies to provide opportunities for educational and professional growth. The agency also hosted its inaugural Student Success Summit in November 2024, providing an opportunity for leaders from the state’s institutions of higher education to evaluate institutional goals, metrics, and outcomes related to student success.

Dr. Rai continues to leverage his expertise and leadership to advance educational excellence and promote inclusive academic pathways. He works to ensure students have access to affordable, equitable, and high-quality educational experiences that prepare them for the evolving workforce.

His commitment to advocating on behalf of students and institutions is apparent through membership on various boards and committees including the Juvenile Services Education Program Board, Governor’s Workforce Development Board, Prison Education Delivery Reform Commission, Higher Education Workgroup Prison Education Commission.

An accomplished scholar, Dr. Rai has authored numerous scholarly articles and publications, contributing meaningful insights to the academic community. He has received several awards throughout his career such as the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, Chief Academic Officer of the Year, and Leadership Montgomery Outstanding Leader Award.

Dr. Rai is a native of central India and his education includes degrees from India, Canada, and the United States, earning a doctorate in mathematics from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville.