Higher education commissioner stepping down in September

August 17, 2026 - 22:42

Massachusetts Higher Education Commissioner Noe Ortega has announced he will leave his post in September, wrapping up a tenure of roughly four years at the helm of the state's public college and university systems. Ortega's departure was confirmed this week, though he did not specify a next step or a specific reason for the timing.

During his time in office, Ortega oversaw a period of significant change for the state's 24 community colleges and nine state universities. He pushed for expanded financial aid programs, including the state's recent free community college initiative, and worked to close equity gaps in enrollment and graduation rates. He also navigated the sector through the aftermath of the pandemic, when many campuses saw sharp enrollment drops.

Before coming to Massachusetts, Ortega led the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency and served in several roles at the University of Michigan. He holds a doctorate in higher education from that institution. His departure comes as the state's Board of Higher Education prepares to launch a search for his replacement, with a goal of naming a new commissioner before the fall semester begins. Education officials have not yet named an interim leader, but they have indicated that a transition plan will be announced in the coming weeks.