Recent Dayton higher ed appointee steps down

Gov. Mark Dayton's recent appointee to lead the state Office of Higher Education has resigned her position.

Dayton's office says Sheila Wright left the post effective Friday. They did not reveal the reason for her departure, which comes less than a year after Dayton appointed her after taking office in January.

Prior to taking the job, Wright had served as professor and dean of the School of Education at Hamline University.

Dayton's office says Susan Van Mosch, the officer's current research director, will step in as interim director while a search is conducted for a permanent replacement.