James Kvaal confirmed to top higher ed position in U.S. Department of Education

James Kvaal, the former president of the Institute for College Access and Success, was confirmed Tuesday as under secretary for the U.S. Department of Education. The Senate approved his nomination by a 58-37 vote.

Kvaal, who also previously served in the Obama administration, will become the top official overseeing higher education.

Kvaal’s nomination had previously been held up by Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., because she wanted to know more about his plans for managing federal student loans, according to Politico. In a statement to Politico last month, Warren said she has “had productive conversations with Mr. Kvaal, the Department of Education, and the White House, and I am glad they have committed to making substantial reforms to the administration of the student loan program. I look forward to continuing to work with them as these changes are implemented.”

In a statement Tuesday following Kvaal’s confirmation vote, U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona said Kvaal “has a deep understanding of the strengths, needs, and challenges” in higher education.

“This is critical at a time when increasing college access, affordability, and completion is key to helping America build back better,” Cardona added.