Ohio Department of Higher Education Chancellor Mike Duffey Elected Chair of Midwestern Higher Education Compact
News Release
Contact: Kathy Graves, communications@mhec.org, (612) 242-3184
(November 26, 2024 – Minneapolis, MN) — Mike Duffey, chancellor of the Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE), was elected chair of the Midwestern Higher Education Compact (MHEC) during MHEC’s annual meeting, held in Overland Park, KS, November 18-20.
Chancellor Duffey has been serving as Governor Mike DeWine’s designee on the MHEC governing body since January 2021. He previously served as a MHEC commissioner, appointed by the Ohio Speaker of the House during his tenure as a state representative.
MHEC strengthens postsecondary education in its 12 member states through cost-savings initiatives and collaborative solutions informed by research and the expertise of regional leaders.
"It is an honor to be chosen as chair of MHEC," said Chancellor Duffey. "This organization has tremendous impact on postsecondary education in its 12 member states through cost-savings initiatives and collaborative solutions informed by research and the expertise of regional leaders. I look forward to working with my fellow commissioners to strengthen postsecondary education across the region.”
Duffey was appointed chancellor by Governor Mike DeWine in January 2024. In his role, he oversees the state’s two- and four-year colleges and universities and Ohio Technical Centers. In addition, he provides policy guidance to the Governor and the Ohio General Assembly and carries out state higher education policy. Duffey previously served ODHE as senior vice chancellor for five years. Before he joined ODHE, he served eight years in the Ohio House of Representatives, where he chaired the Higher Education and Workforce committee, vice-chaired the legislature’s Joint Committee on College Affordability, and co-chaired the Ohio Tuition Trust Authority.
Susan Heegaard, president of MHEC who will work closely with Duffey as chair, said, “We are grateful that Chancellor Duffey will bring his extensive experience in higher education to this leadership position. MHEC will benefit from his commitment to postsecondary education, tremendous strategic skills, and collaborative spirit."
Chancellor Duffey succeeds Kansas State Representative Barbara Ballard, who was elected past-chair at the annual meeting. In addition to Chancellor Duffey, MHEC’s Ohio commissioners are Gary Cates, Senior Vice Chancellor, Ohio Department of Higher Education; Sen. Jerry Cirino; Mr. Jack Hershey; and Rep. Tom Young.
ABOUT MHEC
One of four regional higher education compacts in the United States, MHEC brings together 12 midwestern states to develop cost-sharing opportunities, generate collaborative solutions to challenges and opportunities in higher education, and align postsecondary education to improve individual career readiness and regional economic vitality.
Member states are Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. More information is available at www.mhec.org.
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