Margo Chaly, the current executive director of the N.J. Higher Education Student Assistance Authority — a role in which she has spent the last half decade helping families and students afford higher education — is Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s pick to serve as the next Secretary of Higher Education.
Sherrill administration officials say the selection goes to the goal of increasing affordability: Simply put, the aim is to make New Jersey’s world-class higher education more affordable for all residents — and to ensure N.J. colleges and universities have the resources they need to thrive and expand New Jersey’s workforce.
“Margo Chaly is an experienced, innovative leader, and I’m excited to nominate her as New Jersey’s next Secretary of Higher Education,” Sherrill said. “Margo brings years of leadership experience in helping students and families afford higher education, which will be critical as we fight back against cuts from the federal government.
“New Jersey has some of the best colleges and universities in the world, yet far too many of our students are pursuing their degrees out of state. Every New Jerseyan deserves the opportunity to pursue higher education in the Garden State.”
Chaly said she was honored to receive the nomination.
“Thank you to Gov.-elect Sherrill for her trust in me and the opportunity to continue supporting higher education here in New Jersey,” she said. “While the Trump administration continues to cut funding that makes college affordable for students and guts research funding at our schools it’s critical we support the thousands of New Jerseyans who want to pursue a college degree.
“I look forward to working with Gov.-elect Sherrill and our partners in the state legislature to make higher education more affordable and accessible for every New Jerseyan.”
As the executive director of the N.J. Higher Education Student Assistance Authority, Chaly has directed over tens of billions in need-based grants, scholarships and financial aid to help thousands of students across the state. She previously served as the chief of staff at the NJHESAA.
Prior to that, Chaly was Manager of Litigation & Operations at a law firm and worked for more than a decade at multinational insurance companies. Chaly is a lifelong New Jerseyan and a graduate from Ithaca College and Seton Hall University School of Law.
