Dr. Jesse M. Bernal Appointed as President of Western Connecticut State University
Dr. Bernal brings 25 years of experience driving student success
The Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) system announced today the appointment of Dr. Jesse M. Bernal, Ph.D., as president of Western Connecticut State University (WCSU). Dr. Bernal currently serves as the Vice President for Strategy and University Initiatives, Chief of Staff to the President, and Chief Executive of Public Charter Schools at Grand Valley State University in Michigan. Dr. Bernal begins his new role on July 11, 2025.
“Dr. Bernal’s vision for WCSU – which is built on financial sustainability, collaborative leadership, an inclusive culture, and dedication to academic excellence – will ensure WCSU’s long-term success and elevate the university’s regional, statewide, and national impact,” said Marty Guay, Chair of the Connecticut Board of Regents for Higher Education. “I look forward to working with him on implementing a strategic vision that not only addresses WCSU’s challenges but drives institutional success.”
Dr. Bernal brings 25 years of experience leading institutional transformation, championing equity-centered student success, and forging innovative community and industry partnerships.
During his tenure at Grand Valley State University, Dr. Bernal oversaw the development of comprehensive strategic plans and supported the integration of parallel efforts in inclusion and equity, enrollment, digital transformation, and academic planning — collaborative work that contributed to a 28% increase in new student enrollment between 2020 and 2023. He also led the implementation of the university’s first performance dashboard and supported systems that advanced data-informed capacity analysis and market-responsive academic planning.
“As a first-generation college graduate, Dr. Bernal understands the transformative power of education. He’s experienced firsthand how higher education serves as a vital gateway to social mobility, opportunity, and life-long success,” said CSCU Chancellor Terrence Cheng. “As the next President of Western Connecticut State University, he will work tirelessly to extend that same opportunity to WCSU’s students. Drawing on experience gained through close collaboration with exceptional higher education leaders, Dr. Bernal has helped align academic programs with workforce demands, secure multimillion-dollar investments in innovation, and build inclusive communities positioning Western Connecticut State University for a brighter future – one that is marked by growth, prominence, and impact.”
Across his leadership roles, Dr. Bernal has supported and guided fundraising and stewardship efforts —helping to cultivate major donor relationships, expand scholarship opportunities, and strengthen alumni and community engagement. At Grand Valley, he helped lead some of the institution’s most significant philanthropic initiatives, including multi-million-dollar commitments supporting innovation and student success.
“I am deeply honored to join the WCSU community and help build on its proud legacy of inclusion, innovation, and public service,” said Dr. Bernal. “For generations of students, alumni, faculty, and staff, WCSU has been a beacon of transformative education. As the largest Hispanic-Serving Institution in Connecticut and a university rooted in one of the state’s most diverse regions, WCSU holds extraordinary promise — and responsibility — in expanding opportunity and driving inclusive prosperity across the communities we serve. As a Latino leader and first-generation college graduate, that mission is deeply personal. Together, we will ensure our students don’t just earn degrees — they achieve meaningful, life-changing success. As we move forward, we will build on WCSU’s momentum by growing enrollment, strengthening the university’s financial foundation, elevating academic and career pathways, and cultivating strategic partnerships that position WCSU as a powerful collective engine of opportunity.”
Dr. Bernal received his Ph.D. in Education and a Master of Education from the University of California at Santa Barbara and has completed executive and leadership education at UC Berkeley and Harvard University.
CSCU launched the search for the next President of WCSU in August 2024. The presidential search committee was chaired by Central Connecticut State University President Dr. Zulma Toro, and a Search Advisory Committee was formed that brought together a diverse group of individuals from across the university, including representatives from various constituencies such as students, staff, faculty, and community members.
“I want to express my gratitude to WCSU Interim President Manohar Singh for serving as a dedicated and collaborative leader over the past two years. Dr. Singh has made significant contributions to the university’s culture of academic excellence and success and has built a strong foundation for Dr. Bernal to expand on. I also want to express my appreciation for Dr. Toro and representatives of the Search and Search Advisory Committees for ensuring this was a successful process and that the priorities of the WCSU community were well-represented,” said CSCU Chancellor Terrence Cheng.