Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan announced cabinet vacancies and reappointments for their second term on Nov. 16, including the reappointment of Office of Higher Education (OHE) Commissioner Dennis Olson. 

The Governor and Lieutenant Governor thanked the entire Walz-Flanagan cabinet for their dedication and contribution to the lives of Minnesotans over the past four years. 

“I’m grateful to our entire cabinet for their years of service to Minnesota,” said Governor Walz. “Together, we made historic investments in education, achieved the lowest unemployment rate of any state in history, and protected the health and safety of Minnesotans. I look forward to building the team that will help us kick off our second term.”

"It is one of the great honors of my life to lead this agency and advocate for higher education in our state," said Olson. "I look forward to continuing to make progress toward our educational attainment goal, with an intentional focus on closing gaps and racial disparities. A strong higher education system is the bridge between E-12 and the workforce. Our work strengthens families, revitalizes the economy, and makes the American Dream possible for every single person." Click to read the Governor's announcement.

Cost does not need to be an obstacle to fulfilling your dreams. If you are pursuing an undergraduate degree in a high-need career area, you may be eligible for a Minnesota Future Together Grant. This new grant program provides tuition-free pathways for eligible Minnesotans to earn a certificate or college degree in identified high-need career areas including healthcare, STEM, business, industry and technology, education and public service.

Note: Specific programs will vary by campus, contact your college to confirm eligibility. 

Click to learn more and check eligibility requirements.

Governor Walz has proclaimed November as Native American Heritage Month in Minnesota to honor and celebrate the vibrant and diverse tribal and urban Native American communities throughout the state. Minnesota shares its geography with 11 sovereign tribal nations – four Dakota and seven Ojibwe. During the month of November, Minnesotans are encouraged to learn more about the rich history, diverse cultures, and the important contributions made by Minnesota’s first peoples and the Indigenous people who live here now.

Minnesota Indian Scholarship Program

The Minnesota Indian Scholarship is a state-funded financial aid program for Minnesota students of American Indian ancestry who demonstrate financial need to pursue postsecondary education. American Indian students with at least one-fourth Indian ancestry and membership in a federally recognized tribe may be eligible for the scholarship. Students can receive up to $4,000 for undergraduate and $6,000 for graduate degrees per academic year.

First established in 1956, the program has grown to meet the needs of hundreds of American Indian college students, awarding nearly $2.5 million to over 750 undergraduate and graduate students in 2021. Interested students can complete their application online. Learn more and apply at: Minnesota Indian Scholarship (state.mn.us)

Choosing a college is an important decision that takes careful planning. To find a college that's just right for you, check out MyHigherEd.mn.gov. Our new website helps students identify what they are looking for in a college, find the right institution in Minnesota, and learn about the financial aid options available to them.

This new online resource can also serve educators in guiding their students on their postsecondary path as early as possible. MyHigherEd’s College Search Tool offers an easy way to explore Minnesota postsecondary institutions to choose the right college for them.

Do you know someone who’s preparing for college? Share MyHigherEd with them today!