Hendricks most recently served as the state's acting deputy commissioner of education and previously served as acting education commissioner
Rochelle Hendricks was named the state's secretary of higher education today by Gov. Chris Christie.JERSEY CITY — Gov. Chris Christie named Rochelle Hendricks the state’s first secretary of higher education in a gymnasium full of students from St. Anthony’s High School, whose students are all accepted to college.
Hendricks most recently served as the state’s acting deputy commissioner of education and previously served as acting education commissioner after Christie fired Bret Schundler and before he hired acting Education Commissioner Christopher Cerf.
Christie said he has enormous personal faith in Hendricks’ ability to succeed in her new role.
“I promised when I ran for governor that I would put an emphasis on higher education and have someone sitting in the cabinet to advocate for higher education,” Christie said. “Rochelle will be that advocate.”
Hendricks said she was deeply humbled and honored to have been offered this new opportunity.
“This is a knowledge based economy,” Hendricks said. “Higher education has to be not only supported, but we need a passionate advocate to move us forward so that every student in New Jersey has access to an opportunity to attainment of a degree.”
The Christie Administration previously considered naming Hendricks the state’s permanent education commissioner. She was also approached about taking the Newark superintendent job, but declined.
Previous coverage:
• N.J. lawmakers advance school voucher program for students in failing schools
• Education chief Hendricks' letter declining the NJEA's invitation to speak at convention
• A first for NJEA: Acting N.J. education commissioner declines to speak at convention