Biden to nominate ex-IUPUI chancellor Paydar for education department job

Nasser Paydar, who spent seven years as chancellor of IUPUI before retiring March 1, is set to be nominated by President Joe Biden for assistant secretary for postsecondary education in the Department of Education, the White House announced last week.

Paydar would work under U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona.

“I could not be more pleased with President Biden’s decision to nominate Dr. Nasser Paydar as assistant secretary for postsecondary education,” Cardona said Friday in a written statement. “Throughout his more than 35 years of experience as a higher education leader, Dr. Paydar has championed equitable and affordable access to postsecondary education. He also has placed an important focus on diversifying the higher education workforce.”

Paydar, 65, spent more than 30 years in administrative roles for Indiana University, including leadership positions at IUPUI, Indiana University-Purdue University Columbus and IU East.

He joined IUPUI in 1985 as an assistant professor of mechanical engineering in the School of Engineering and Technology.

Under Paydar’s leadership, IUPUI expanded its footprint in downtown Indianapolis and grew to include more than 550 undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs from IU and Purdue University.

During his tenure, the campus saw increases in on-campus housing and residential programs, as well as enhanced student life opportunities.

“I’m confident that Dr. Paydar will advance our efforts at the Department of Education and throughout the Biden-Harris administration to provide students of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities with more inclusive, affordable postsecondary learning opportunities, whether they be college degrees or career and technical programs,” Cardona said. “I have no doubt Dr. Paydar will be an asset to the department and hope for his swift confirmation so he can join us in this critical work.”