Massachusetts Department of Higher Education
Source: http://www.mass.edu
Archived: 2026-04-23 15:36
Massachusetts Department of Higher Education
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Performance Measurement Reporting System
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Strategic Initiatives and Programs
Our portfolio of projects and programs designed to improve access, outcomes and equity in Massachusetts higher education.
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Historic Expansion of State Financial Aid
Historic Expansion of State Financial Aid
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Commission on Higher Education Quality and Affordability (CHEQA)
Free Community College
Tuition Equity
Advisory Council to Advance Representation in Education (ACARE) Report
Eastern Nazarene College (ENC) Closure
Institutional Transitions & Closures
Public Notices of Financial Assessment
MassTransfer
SARA
TODAY'S BHE MEETING
Springfield Technical Community College Presidential Interview #3
Thursday, April 23, 2026
2:00 PM
Agenda
|
Join via Zoom
Meetings & Events
Apr
23
Springfield Technical Community College Presidential Interview #3
Apr
30
Student Advisory Council Meeting
May
19
Board of Higher Education Meeting
Full Calendar
What’s New
Department of Higher Education Appoints Dr. Danielle Rowdy as Inaugural Chief Innovation Officer to Lead Statewide Innovation Hub
Dr. Danielle Rowdy will lead a first-of-its-kind statewide Innovation Hub focused on expanding college access, affordability, and student success across the Commonwealth.
More >
BOSTON – The Massachusetts Department of Higher Education (DHE) today announced the appointment of Dr. Danielle Rowdy as the Department’s inaugural Chief Innovation Officer. In this newly established role, Rowdy will lead the Higher Education Innovation Hub, a first-of-its-kind statewide initiative designed to identify, pilot, and scale innovative approaches to college access, affordability, and student success across the Commonwealth.
The Innovation Hub was launched following a
$2.1 million grant
from the Axim Collaborative, a non-profit joint endeavor between Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Under Rowdy’s leadership, the Hub will advance a portfolio of high-impact initiatives focused on strengthening education-to-workforce pathways and leveraging data and technology to improve outcomes for learners across Massachusetts
"Providing innovative and life-changing opportunities to more students across Massachusetts cannot wait," said Commissioner of Higher Education Noe Ortega. "Dr. Rowdy brings a combination of academic and private-sector executive experience that is essential for this role. Her proven track record in leveraging emerging technologies to drive student enrollment and support services will be a tremendous asset as we work to lift barriers for all learners in the Commonwealth."
Rowdy joins DHE from Amazon Web Services (AWS), where she served as Head of US Higher Education Strategy. In that role, she led a national portfolio and a team of cross-functional higher education leaders developing cloud-based technology solutions to help institutions streamline campus operations and develop new services and supports to enhance student success. Prior to AWS, she held leadership positions at the Education Advisory Board (EAB), where she directed research and product strategy focused on digital transformation and data systems across institutions in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
The appointment marks a major milestone in the Department’s broader innovation agenda, which is in service to the
Board of Higher Education’s Innovation Strategic Priority
. The launch of the Hub was led by Senior Deputy Commissioner José Luis Santos, who led the search for its inaugural leadership and team and will oversee its alignment with other agency priorities and operations.
“Danielle is exactly the kind of leader we set out to recruit for this role,” said Santos. “She brings a unique combination of strategic vision, technical expertise, and a deep understanding of how to translate innovation into real, scalable impact for students and institutions. We conducted a national search and were intentional about finding someone who could build, not just advise - someone who could take this from concept to execution at scale. I could not be more excited that Danielle is joining us from AWS to lead this work. I look forward to working closely with her to drive and execute on the Department’s broader innovation agenda and to build a first-of-its-kind engine for innovation in public higher education here in Massachusetts.”
“I am honored to join Commissioner Ortega, José Luis and the entire DHE team at such a pivotal moment for higher education in Massachusetts," said Rowdy. "The creation of this Innovation Hub reflects a bold commitment to reimagining how we deliver on the promise of higher education. I look forward to working alongside our public colleges and universities and partners across sectors to design, test, and scale solutions that expand opportunity and drive economic mobility for all learners in the Commonwealth.”
Rowdy holds a Ph.D. in Renaissance Literature and an M.St. in English from the University of Oxford, as well as a B.A. from Durham University. Her appointment aligns with the Board of Higher Education’s (BHE) recently adopted "Innovation Strategic Priority," which calls for seeding talent, partnerships, and resources at the state level to accelerate system-wide transformation and position Massachusetts as a national leader in higher education innovation.
The Innovation Hub is also being supported by two new project managers: Dr. Katy Coutley, who is joining the Hub after serving as director of Professional Studies and Continuing Education at Rhode Island College; and Daniel Curtis, who joins from Social Impact Partners where he served as director of consulting services.
In addition to Innovation, the
Board of Higher Education’s strategic priorities
include Student Success and Financial Aid, Economic Mobility, and Public Good.
BHE Proposed Degree Granting Regulation for Pilot Proposals on Innovation (610 CMR 16.00) - Published for Public Comment
At its October 28, 2025 meeting, the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education authorized the Commissioner of Higher Education to solicit public comment on the proposed regulation, 610 CMR 16.00: Degree Granting Regulations for Pilot Proposals on Innovation. The statutorily required 21-day public comment period began on Friday, November 21, 2025, and written comments will be accepted by the Department until 5:00 p.m. on Friday, December 12, 2025. A public hearing will be held virtually by the Department on Friday, December 12, 2025 at 12:00 noon EST via Zoom.
More >
Click here to Learn More >
Earnings Outcomes of Public Postsecondary Education in Massachusetts
For the first time, the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education is publicly releasing data on the earnings outcomes of students and graduates of Massachusetts public colleges and universities
More >
Click here to Learn More >
State launches MassTransfer Steering Committee
The committee will advise on simplifying transfer pathways from associate to bachelor’s degree programs.
More >
View the Press Release >
Enrollment and Success Report
View fall 2025 early enrollment estimates and updated success indicators.
More >
Click here to Learn More >
Student Spotlight: The Impact of MassReconnent
When Krystin Woodard learned about MassReconnect, she decided that it was her moment. Today, the Springfield Technical Community College graduate is working toward a bachelor’s degree in nursing, and she’s eager to continue making a difference.
More >
Click to Read More >
More News
Get in Touch
(617) 994-6950
One Ashburton Place, Room 1401,
Boston, MA 02108
Inquiries & Complaints
DHE Staff Directory
Campus Directory
Who We Are
Department of Higher Education
Commissioner Noe Ortega
Board of Higher Education
Public Colleges & Universities System
Board Business
Upcoming Meetings
Past Meeting Materials
Policy & Report Library
Quick Links
Commission on Higher Education Quality and Affordability (CHEQA)
Free Community College
Tuition Equity
Advisory Council to Advance Representation in Education (ACARE) Report
Eastern Nazarene College (ENC) Closure
Institutional Transitions & Closures
Public Notices of Financial Assessment
MassTransfer
SARA
Connect @MassDHE
©2000-2026 Massachusetts Department of Higher Education. All Rights Reserved.
Email the Webmaster
|
Jobs
|
Privacy Policy
|
Terms of Use
|
Accessibility Statement
skip to content
our data insights
Performance Measurement Reporting System
Performance Measurement Reporting System
Data tool to prompt constructive conversations about performance, accountability, and equity between and among DHE, our public colleges and universities, legislators and others.
Explore the Data
our policy work
Strategic Initiatives and Programs
Strategic Initiatives and Programs
Our portfolio of projects and programs designed to improve access, outcomes and equity in Massachusetts higher education.
Discover our Initiatives
affordability
Historic Expansion of State Financial Aid
Historic Expansion of State Financial Aid
Explore Aid Programs
Quick Links
Commission on Higher Education Quality and Affordability (CHEQA)
Free Community College
Tuition Equity
Advisory Council to Advance Representation in Education (ACARE) Report
Eastern Nazarene College (ENC) Closure
Institutional Transitions & Closures
Public Notices of Financial Assessment
MassTransfer
SARA
TODAY'S BHE MEETING
Springfield Technical Community College Presidential Interview #3
Thursday, April 23, 2026
2:00 PM
Agenda
|
Join via Zoom
Meetings & Events
Apr
23
Springfield Technical Community College Presidential Interview #3
Apr
30
Student Advisory Council Meeting
May
19
Board of Higher Education Meeting
Full Calendar
What’s New
Department of Higher Education Appoints Dr. Danielle Rowdy as Inaugural Chief Innovation Officer to Lead Statewide Innovation Hub
Dr. Danielle Rowdy will lead a first-of-its-kind statewide Innovation Hub focused on expanding college access, affordability, and student success across the Commonwealth.
More >
BOSTON – The Massachusetts Department of Higher Education (DHE) today announced the appointment of Dr. Danielle Rowdy as the Department’s inaugural Chief Innovation Officer. In this newly established role, Rowdy will lead the Higher Education Innovation Hub, a first-of-its-kind statewide initiative designed to identify, pilot, and scale innovative approaches to college access, affordability, and student success across the Commonwealth.
The Innovation Hub was launched following a
$2.1 million grant
from the Axim Collaborative, a non-profit joint endeavor between Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Under Rowdy’s leadership, the Hub will advance a portfolio of high-impact initiatives focused on strengthening education-to-workforce pathways and leveraging data and technology to improve outcomes for learners across Massachusetts
"Providing innovative and life-changing opportunities to more students across Massachusetts cannot wait," said Commissioner of Higher Education Noe Ortega. "Dr. Rowdy brings a combination of academic and private-sector executive experience that is essential for this role. Her proven track record in leveraging emerging technologies to drive student enrollment and support services will be a tremendous asset as we work to lift barriers for all learners in the Commonwealth."
Rowdy joins DHE from Amazon Web Services (AWS), where she served as Head of US Higher Education Strategy. In that role, she led a national portfolio and a team of cross-functional higher education leaders developing cloud-based technology solutions to help institutions streamline campus operations and develop new services and supports to enhance student success. Prior to AWS, she held leadership positions at the Education Advisory Board (EAB), where she directed research and product strategy focused on digital transformation and data systems across institutions in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
The appointment marks a major milestone in the Department’s broader innovation agenda, which is in service to the
Board of Higher Education’s Innovation Strategic Priority
. The launch of the Hub was led by Senior Deputy Commissioner José Luis Santos, who led the search for its inaugural leadership and team and will oversee its alignment with other agency priorities and operations.
“Danielle is exactly the kind of leader we set out to recruit for this role,” said Santos. “She brings a unique combination of strategic vision, technical expertise, and a deep understanding of how to translate innovation into real, scalable impact for students and institutions. We conducted a national search and were intentional about finding someone who could build, not just advise - someone who could take this from concept to execution at scale. I could not be more excited that Danielle is joining us from AWS to lead this work. I look forward to working closely with her to drive and execute on the Department’s broader innovation agenda and to build a first-of-its-kind engine for innovation in public higher education here in Massachusetts.”
“I am honored to join Commissioner Ortega, José Luis and the entire DHE team at such a pivotal moment for higher education in Massachusetts," said Rowdy. "The creation of this Innovation Hub reflects a bold commitment to reimagining how we deliver on the promise of higher education. I look forward to working alongside our public colleges and universities and partners across sectors to design, test, and scale solutions that expand opportunity and drive economic mobility for all learners in the Commonwealth.”
Rowdy holds a Ph.D. in Renaissance Literature and an M.St. in English from the University of Oxford, as well as a B.A. from Durham University. Her appointment aligns with the Board of Higher Education’s (BHE) recently adopted "Innovation Strategic Priority," which calls for seeding talent, partnerships, and resources at the state level to accelerate system-wide transformation and position Massachusetts as a national leader in higher education innovation.
The Innovation Hub is also being supported by two new project managers: Dr. Katy Coutley, who is joining the Hub after serving as director of Professional Studies and Continuing Education at Rhode Island College; and Daniel Curtis, who joins from Social Impact Partners where he served as director of consulting services.
In addition to Innovation, the
Board of Higher Education’s strategic priorities
include Student Success and Financial Aid, Economic Mobility, and Public Good.
BHE Proposed Degree Granting Regulation for Pilot Proposals on Innovation (610 CMR 16.00) - Published for Public Comment
At its October 28, 2025 meeting, the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education authorized the Commissioner of Higher Education to solicit public comment on the proposed regulation, 610 CMR 16.00: Degree Granting Regulations for Pilot Proposals on Innovation. The statutorily required 21-day public comment period began on Friday, November 21, 2025, and written comments will be accepted by the Department until 5:00 p.m. on Friday, December 12, 2025. A public hearing will be held virtually by the Department on Friday, December 12, 2025 at 12:00 noon EST via Zoom.
More >
Click here to Learn More >
Earnings Outcomes of Public Postsecondary Education in Massachusetts
For the first time, the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education is publicly releasing data on the earnings outcomes of students and graduates of Massachusetts public colleges and universities
More >
Click here to Learn More >
State launches MassTransfer Steering Committee
The committee will advise on simplifying transfer pathways from associate to bachelor’s degree programs.
More >
View the Press Release >
Enrollment and Success Report
View fall 2025 early enrollment estimates and updated success indicators.
More >
Click here to Learn More >
Student Spotlight: The Impact of MassReconnent
When Krystin Woodard learned about MassReconnect, she decided that it was her moment. Today, the Springfield Technical Community College graduate is working toward a bachelor’s degree in nursing, and she’s eager to continue making a difference.
More >
Click to Read More >
More News
Get in Touch
(617) 994-6950
One Ashburton Place, Room 1401,
Boston, MA 02108
Inquiries & Complaints
DHE Staff Directory
Campus Directory
Who We Are
Department of Higher Education
Commissioner Noe Ortega
Board of Higher Education
Public Colleges & Universities System
Board Business
Upcoming Meetings
Past Meeting Materials
Policy & Report Library
Quick Links
Commission on Higher Education Quality and Affordability (CHEQA)
Free Community College
Tuition Equity
Advisory Council to Advance Representation in Education (ACARE) Report
Eastern Nazarene College (ENC) Closure
Institutional Transitions & Closures
Public Notices of Financial Assessment
MassTransfer
SARA
Connect @MassDHE
©2000-2026 Massachusetts Department of Higher Education. All Rights Reserved.
Email the Webmaster
|
Jobs
|
Privacy Policy
|
Terms of Use
|
Accessibility Statement