The Indiana Commission for Higher Education has selected AgriNovus board member Chris Lowery as the state’s next commissioner for higher education. Lowery currently serves as senior vice president of workforce, careers and adult strategy at Ivy Tech Community College.

Lowery was unanimously voted to the position by the 14-person commission following a national search. Lowery succeeds Teresa Lubbers, who in November announced plans to step down at the conclusion of the 2022 legislative session.

Lowery joined Ivy Tech in 2014 and prior to his role as senior vice president, he served as chancellor of the college’s Columbus and Southeast regions. He previously led public policy and engagement efforts for Batesville-based Hillenbrand Inc. (NYSE: HI) and was an aide to former Governor Robert Orr and then-Senator Dan Quayle.

“Alignment between education and workforce is critical to making Indiana a leader in attracting and developing talent,” Governor Eric Holcomb said in a news release. “Chris is uniquely experienced and positioned to continue advancing this vital work. He understands the role higher education must play in the skills and ability necessary for Indiana to compete in the global economy. I’m grateful he’s stepped up to take on this most important assignment.”