Today, Governor Holcomb announced that Dr. Katie Jenner will serve as Indiana’s first secretary of education. Dr. Jenner currently serves as Governor Holcomb’s senior education advisor.
Her first position in K-12 education was as a career and technical education teacher. She's worked for Madison Consolidated Schools as a school administrator and district administrator. In 2018, she joined Ivy Tech Community College as vice president of K-12 initiatives and statewide partnerships, where she built statewide college strategies among K-12 schools, career centers, and Ivy Tech.
Dr. Jenner earned her undergraduate degree from Transylvania University, her master’s degree in education from the University of Kentucky, an MBA from Indiana State University, and her doctorate of education from the University of Kentucky.
We're so excited to see Dr. Jenner get to work for Hoosier students, parents, and teachers! She will focus on personalizing education pathways for Hoosiers, championing our educators, and cultivating an education system built for innovation and success.
And it looks like we're not the only ones who are excited. Check out what people are saying about Dr. Jenner!
What They're Saying:
Indiana's First Secretary of Education: Dr. Katie Jenner
“This is an incredibly important time for education in Indiana. Dr. Katie Jenner has focused her entire career on investing in students, teachers and staff, and she will continue to build the relationships needed to move our state forward in constructive ways. As Indiana’s Secretary of Education, Dr. Jenner’s certification, work at nearly every level of education and her remarkable depth of experience will lead our state into this exciting next chapter.” -Governor Holcomb
"I’ve known Dr. Katie Jenner for many years and know she will do a great job." -Senator Todd Young
"Dr. Katie Jenner brings a vast array of education experience, including serving in the classroom, school administration and higher education. She's a great pick to fill this important role. I look forward to working with her to continue supporting our Hoosier students, teachers and schools." -Speaker of the House Todd Huston
“Gov. Holcomb has made a fantastic choice in naming Dr. Katie Jenner as his secretary of education. Senate Republicans share the governor and Dr. Jenner's goals of making sure our students are prepared to lead successful lives and supporting our students and teachers through this challenging time. Dr. Jenner is a highly qualified, dedicated, passionate educator, and I know she will serve our state and all of our students, teachers and schools well as she steps into the role of our state's first-ever secretary of education." -Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray
"Students, parents and educators are currently navigating a wide variety of challenges. Katie's knowledge and experiences from inside and outside the classroom will be valuable in the days ahead as we work on policies to support our schools during the pandemic and beyond. I look forward to working with Katie in her new role.” -State Rep. Bob Behning
“Katie Jenner has been a valuable voice for K-12 schools as the Governor’s senior education advisor. She recognizes the importance of aligning Indiana’s entire system of education, from preschool to higher education and the workforce." -Teresa Lubbers, Commissioner, Commission for Higher Education
“As the governor’s Senior Education Advisor, Dr. Jenner is someone ISTA has worked with on several education issues. Her experience in K – 12 education as a teacher and administrator is critical experience ISTA sought for Indiana’s first Secretary of Education. We look forward to working with Dr. Jenner to bring leaders together to invest in public schools, support Hoosier educators and provide the highest quality public education for our students.” -Indiana State Teachers Association
“What we are particularly excited about with Katie is in both her prior roles for the Madison Consolidated Schools and Ivy Tech Community College she worked closely with employers to better align K-12 education with workforce needs and opportunities. That’s a big positive for our business community, which requires homegrown talent. It also helps ensure that young people are prepared to pursue relevant and prosperous careers.” -Jason Bearce, Indiana Chamber VP, Education & Workforce Development
“Governor Holcomb made a stellar decision with the appointment of Dr. Katie Jenner. We have every confidence she will bring an inclusive approach to IDOE, and under her leadership, all of Indiana’s students, educators and schools will find a thoughtful partner.” -Institute for Quality Education
“Congratulations to Katie Jenner who has been appointed by Gov. Holcomb to serve as Indiana’s first education secretary. We look forward to working with her to ensure that parent voices remain front and center on important education issues across the state.” -Stand for Children
“Congratulations to Dr. Jenner for being appointed to this important role.” -Robert Enlow, President of EdChoice
“Congratulations to Dr. Katie Jenner on her appointment as Indiana's first Secretary of Education. We look forward to working with her in her new role. Best of luck!” – John Elcesser, Executive Director of Indiana Non-Public Education Association
"We are excited by Dr. Katie Jenner's appointment to be Indiana's first Secretary of Education. Katie shares our vision and values, & we look forward to supporting her in her efforts to advance Hoosier education for students, families, and educators." -Teach for America
"Congratulations to Dr. Katie Jenner on her appointment as Indiana's first Secretary of Education! We look forward to working with the new secretary and are encouraged by her focus on student and educator supports especially in response to the ongoing pandemic." -Teach Plus Indiana
We couldn't be more excited for this announcement, and wanted to share that excitement with you!
Today, Governor Holcomb announced that Dr. Katie Jenner will serve as Indiana’s first secretary of education. Dr. Jenner currently serves as Governor Holcomb’s senior education advisor.
