FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Braun Selects Dr. Katie Jenner as Secretary of Education
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – December 5, 2024 – Governor-elect Mike Braun today announced Dr. Katie Jenner will continue serving as Indiana’s top education official. As Secretary of Education, Dr. Jenner will be responsible for establishing a unified, student-centered vision across the full spectrum of education, from Pre-K and K-12 to college, and will also retain her role as head of the Department of Education.
Under Dr. Jenner’s leadership since 2021, Indiana has made significant strides in education, including securing the state’s largest-ever investment in literacy, implementing a comprehensive teacher supply/demand marketplace, and increasing the statewide graduation rate. Her administration deployed Indiana’s Graduates Prepared to Succeed initiative, which redefined how the state measures school performance and student achievement.
“Dr. Jenner’s proven track record of elevating Indiana’s education system makes her the ideal choice to continue leading our state’s academic initiatives,” said Governor-elect Braun. “Her focus on literacy, STEM education, and workforce readiness aligns perfectly with our vision for Indiana’s future.”
In alignment with Governor-elect Braun’s agenda, the Administration will focus on college and career readiness, improved literacy and math outcomes, universal school choice, and an increase in teacher base pay.
“I am grateful to Governor-elect Braun for the opportunity to continue serving Indiana’s students, educators, and families as Secretary of Education,” said Dr. Jenner. “Over the past several years, we have made significant strides in expanding educational opportunities and ensuring our students are prepared for success in the classroom and beyond. Working together with Governor-elect Braun, our dedicated teachers, school leaders, the General Assembly and stakeholders across the state, we will build upon this progress while addressing the evolving needs of our education system. I look forward to advancing this vital mission in the years ahead.”
Dr. Jenner, who holds a doctorate in education from the University of Kentucky and an MBA from Indiana State University, currently leads the Department of Education and chairs the State Board of Education. She previously served as Governor Holcomb’s Senior Education Advisor, Vice President of K-12 Initiatives and Statewide Partnerships for Ivy Tech Community College, and held various leadership positions at Madison Consolidated Schools, in addition to being a teacher.
About Governor-elect Mike Braun:
Governor-elect Mike Braun of Jasper, Indiana, is a homegrown entrepreneur who has spent his life creating opportunities and getting results for Hoosiers. Mike believes deeply that personal freedom and opportunity will create a pathway to prosperity for all Hoosiers. As Indiana’s 52nd Governor, Mike Braun is developing a team to help him build an administration that puts Hoosiers in the driver’s seat and limits government to its proper role.
Mike Braun is a Main Street job creator, husband to Maureen (48 years), father of four and proud grandfather of seven. When Mike is not hard at work for the people of Indiana, he enjoys spending time on his tree farms where he also focuses on his passion for conservation.
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Media Contact: Brad Rateike, bradrateike@brauntransition.com
