~ Director Will Serve as Governor's Chief Advisor on Higher Education ~

Saint Paul -- Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced details on the application process for the position of Director of the Higher Education Services Office (HESO). The position will become available on December 30, 2003.

Governor Pawlenty said he is looking for a strong leader and change agent who can help keep Minnesota a national leader in higher education

The Governor expects the Director to serve as his chief advisor on higher education policy and budget issues. The Director will lead the Higher Education Services Office (HESO), a state agency with over 60 employees and a fiscal year 2004 budget of $318 million.

Among its many responsibilities, HESO: (1) administers financial aid programs, (2) licenses private collegiate and career schools, (3) administers interstate tuition reciprocity programs, (4) administers the Minnesota Education Telecommunications Council, (5) oversees two statewide library programs, and (6) collects data on enrollments and financial aid.

The Director of the Higher Education Services Office is a new Governor's appointee and serves at his pleasure. The position is in the unclassified service and is subject to confirmation by the Senate. The Director will report to the Governor. More information on HESO can be found at: www.mheso.state.mn.us.

Individuals interested in applying for the position should submit a letter of interest, a current résumé, and references to:

John Berns, Appointments Coordinator

Office of Governor Tim Pawlenty

130 State Capitol

75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

St. Paul, MN 55155

FAX: 651-296-0056

EMAIL: john.berns@state.mn.us

The deadline for receipt of all materials, including any letters of recommendation submitted on behalf of a candidate, is 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, December 4, 2003.