This Blog Post is based on the Podcast, The Higher Edge, Episode
Indiana’s higher education landscape is a dynamic and evolving ecosystem, with institutions working collaboratively to address workforce needs, improve student success, and enhance accessibility to post-secondary education. At the forefront of these efforts is the Indiana Commission for Higher Education (iCHE), led by Commissioner Chris Lowery, whose experience in public policy, corporate leadership, and higher education has positioned him to drive meaningful change across the state. 
A Career Built on Collaboration
Chris Lowery’s journey to becoming the commissioner of iCHE has been shaped by a unique blend of experiences. From his early career in public policy, where he worked on workforce development initiatives, to his leadership roles in the corporate sector, and later his tenure at Ivy Tech Community College, Lowery has consistently focused on building partnerships that bridge the gap between education and economic development. His work in workforce alignment at Ivy Tech positioned him to help shape policies that connect academic programs with real-world job opportunities.
Bringing Together Education, Business, and Policy
One of the primary roles of iCHE is to serve as a coordinating body for Indiana’s higher education institutions. Unlike governing boards that directly oversee colleges and universities, iCHE works collaboratively with seven public institutions, 29 private colleges, and various workforce and policy stakeholders to ensure that education aligns with Indiana’s broader economic and community needs.
Lowery emphasizes the importance of a Pentagon of People—a coalition that includes government, education, business, philanthropy, and nonprofit organizations. This collaborative approach ensures that decisions about higher education policy reflect the needs of multiple sectors and that Indiana’s higher education institutions are positioned as key drivers of economic and workforce development.
Tackling Key Higher Education Challenges
Under Lowery’s leadership, iCHE has identified several critical areas for improvement:
- Increasing College-Going Rates: Over the past decade, Indiana has seen a decline in students pursuing post-secondary education, with college enrollment rates dropping from 65% to 53%. Reversing this trend is a top priority for the commission.
- Boosting Adult Enrollment: Similar to the decline in traditional student enrollment, fewer adults are returning to higher education to upskill or reskill. Addressing this challenge is vital for workforce readiness.
- Enhancing Completion Rates: While Indiana has made progress in student completion rates, there is still work to be done to ensure more students successfully earn degrees and credentials.
- Retaining Talent in Indiana: Despite being 14th in the nation in attracting students to its institutions, Indiana ranks 40th in retaining graduates. Improving graduate retention is essential for sustaining the state’s workforce and economy.
Strategic Initiatives Driving Change
To address these challenges, iCHE has launched several key initiatives:
1. Expansion of the Frank O’Bannon Scholarship
The Frank O’Bannon Scholarship, Indiana’s need-based financial aid program, had not seen an increase in funding for over a decade. Recognizing the financial barriers preventing students from completing their education, iCHE successfully advocated for a 35% increase in funding, restoring previous cuts and adjusting for inflation. This move is expected to provide more students with the financial resources necessary to pursue higher education.
2. Automatic Enrollment in the 21st Century Scholars Program
The 21st Century Scholars Program, designed to support low-income students, has been highly effective, with an 83% college-going rate among participants. However, only about 48% of eligible students were enrolling in the program. To address this, Lowery and iCHE have pushed for automatic enrollment, ensuring that all eligible students have access to the financial aid and academic support necessary to succeed.
3. Pre-Admissions for Indiana Students
To improve college enrollment rates, iCHE is working on a pre-admissions initiative, modeled after successful programs in other states. This initiative would notify high school juniors and seniors of the institutions where they are likely to be admitted, providing clear pathways to higher education and reducing barriers to application.
The Future of Higher Education in Indiana
Indiana’s approach to higher education is increasingly focused on collaboration, innovation, and workforce alignment. By leveraging partnerships between government, education, business, philanthropy, and nonprofit organizations, the state is creating a system where students can succeed and industries can find the skilled workforce they need.
Lowery’s leadership emphasizes the importance of strategic coordination rather than centralized control, allowing institutions to maintain their autonomy while working toward shared goals. The combination of data-driven policy decisions, financial support programs, and workforce-aligned education ensures that Indiana remains competitive in an evolving economy.
Challenges as Opportunities- Paving the Way
The challenges facing Indiana’s higher education system are significant, but so are the opportunities. Through initiatives like automatic enrollment, scholarship expansion, and workforce-aligned education, Indiana is paving the way for a more accessible, effective, and student-centered higher education system.
With Lowery’s leadership and a commitment to collaborative change, Indiana is setting a model for other states seeking to enhance their higher education ecosystems. By working together across sectors, Indiana is ensuring that students are not only prepared for college but also for lifelong success in the workforce and beyond.
This post is based on the Higher Edge Podcast. You can listen to the episode here