Governor Dayton Appoints Sen. Larry Pogemiller to Head the Office of Higher Education

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10/28/2011

 

Contact: Bob Hume
651-201-3440 (office)
651-262-4859 (cell)
Bob.Hume@state.mn.us

Long-time Leading Voice in Higher Education to Lead College Access Efforts

St. Paul, MN—Today, Governor Mark Dayton appointed Senator Larry Pogemiller as the new Director of the Office of Higher Education. Senator Pogemiller has been a leading voice in higher education issues through more than three decades of service in the Minnesota Senate.

"Senator Pogemiller is one of the smartest, most talented, and most dedicated people I have ever met in public service," Said Governor Dayton. "He brings unparalleled experience and expertise in the legislative process and in public policy issues. He is the perfect choice for the Office of Higher Education at this critical juncture for higher education in Minnesota."

"It is an incredible honor to be asked to join Governor Dayton in his efforts to support our Minnesota higher education institutions in generational quality improvements. I'm extremely excited by the opportunity and cognizant of the challenge of making quality post secondary education affordable. I want to add though, how difficult it is to leave the Minnesota Senate --- an institution I love, and a group of people I admire and deeply respect," Sen. Pogemiller said.

The Minnesota Office of Higher Education provides students with financial aid programs and information to help them gain access to post-secondary education. The agency also serves as the state's clearinghouse for data, research and analysis on post-secondary enrollment, financial aid, finance and trends. It administers up to $150 million dollars in need-based grants to Minnesota residents attending eligible institutions in Minnesota. Sen. Pogemiller replaces Susan Von Mosch, Acting Interim Director.

In the Minnesota State Senate, Sen. Pogemiller's district included both the University of Minnesota's main campus and Augsburg College. Sen. Pogemiller was honored with the University of Minnesota Alumni Association's Legislator of the Year award in 1996, 2001 and 2005.

Sen. Pogemiller graduated from the University of Minnesota with his Bachelor of Science in Transportation engineering, earned his masters of Public Administration from the Harvard University John F. Kennedy School of Government. Sen. Pogemiller also attended the University of Minnesota's Graduate School of Economics.