SALISBURY — Dr. Sanjay Rai, secretary of higher education for the Maryland Higher Education Commission, will address the 2024 Wor-Wic Community College graduates at commencement on Wednesday, May 8, at 7 p.m. at the Wicomico Youth and Civic Center in Salisbury.

Rai is a higher education champion with more than 30 years of experience. He is recognized for his work globally as a faculty member, scholar and leader. He was previously the senior vice president for academic affairs and led the workforce development and continuing education unit at Montgomery College in Rockville where he helped lead the development of the first hospital on a community college campus. His community college background has given him a unique perspective on how post-secondary education can align with academic and workforce needs.

Rai’s education includes degrees from India, Canada, and the United States, earning a doctorate in mathematics from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. He has received numerous awards throughout his career, including Chief Academic Officer of the Year, Leadership Montgomery Outstanding Leader Award and Excellence in Teaching Award.