Communications

With the 2025 legislative session underway, the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) system office and the Connecticut Board of Regents for Higher Education will be working tirelessly to strengthen our institutions across three key areas to drive student success: Accessibility, Completion, and Talent.

These efforts will help to increase student success in and out of the classroom, steady our financial footing, and ensure we continue to provide our students with the resources and services they need to thrive.

Accessibility: This year, we will have a robust conversation with lawmakers and stakeholders about ways to strengthen dual and concurrent enrollment programs. Further partnering with K-12 institutions will allow us to serve more students in high school (as early as 9th grade), which will help jumpstart their higher education journey and, ultimately, lead them to enroll in the CSCU system.

Completion: Our students face so many challenges. Some are juggling school and full-time or part-time work, others care for loved ones and family members, and some need access to critical resources such as our on-campus food pantries. In order to ensure student success, we need to take care of the whole student. By scaling our wraparound services, we can help more students access critical supports such as tutoring, mental health services, career development, and counseling.

Talent: It’s important that we provide our students with the pathway to further cultivate talent and connect them to mentors who will give them the hands-on experience they need to succeed after graduation. By strengthening our partnerships with industry and community leaders, we can better understand their hiring needs and connect them to the incredible talent pipeline we have across CSCU.

We are incredibly proud of all the work we have done together to move our state colleges and universities forward. We’ve diversified course offerings, made it easier for students to apply to our institutions, and expanded access to Connecticut’s debt free tuition program, all while reigning in costs. These efforts have resulted in an enrollment increase of 4.4% across the entire system.

This year, we are excited to build on this momentum by further investing in the future of our students, institutions, and system. I look forward to working with you all – institutional leaders, students, faculty, staff, and the members of the Board of Regents – to ensure we continue to be a part of Connecticut’s growth strategy.

Sincerely,

Terrence Cheng
CSCU Chancellor

CSCU is sensitive to the potential impact new executive orders, policies and directives may have on our students, faculty and staff.

In response to recent federal actions impacting higher education, CSCU will conduct a comprehensive review to ensure that our policies and practices align with the new requirements and will provide guidance to our six institutions so that it may be shared with their campus communities. 

CSCU is committed to ensuring and maintaining its mission of access and opportunity for all students and employees. We will continue to monitor the situation, collaborate with stakeholders, and provide updates to you as new information becomes available. 

Our priority is to ensure adherence to federal requirements while upholding CSCU’s mission to serve Connecticut residents’ educational and professional aspirations.

By working collaboratively, we will ensure CSCU meets its obligations and continues its legacy of access and opportunity for all.

Terrence Cheng
CSCU Chancellor

Dear CSCU Community,

The White House Office of Management and Budget sent a memo to federal agencies Monday, ordering a temporary pause to all grants and loans disbursed by the federal government effective at 5:00 p.m. today.

At this moment, the scope of the impact of this memo on higher education and CSCU remains unclear. However, the memo does indicate that the term federal financial assistance does not include assistance provided directly to individuals, nor does it impact Medicare or Social Security. Our immediate concerns surround not only financial assistance to our students in many forms and other higher education grants, but also the other federally funded programs that so many of our students and their families rely on.

CSCU is closely monitoring the situation and has reached out to our partners at the state and federal levels. We understand the challenges this situation presents, and we will provide updates to you as new information becomes available.

Thank you,

Terrence Cheng
CSCU Chancellor

Dear CSCU Community,

Today, the White House’s Office of Management and Budget rescinded its directive to pause federal loans, grants and other financial assistance.

We are relieved, for now, that this federal directive has been rescinded as it only created significant concern and uncertainty across our system.

CSCU will continue to actively monitor the situation and work closely with state and federal leaders to navigate this confusing and frustrating time. We will provide updates as new information becomes available.

We remain committed to our mission of providing access and opportunity for all students and employees.

Thank you,

Terrence Cheng
CSCU Chancellor

Dear CSCU Community,

I want to acknowledge the Resolution of No Confidence that was passed yesterday by the CT State Community College Senate and recognize the concerns that have led to this action. I take these concerns seriously and understand that trust in leadership is essential to the success of our students, institutions, and the CSCU system as a whole.

As Chancellor of the CSCU system, my intent has been to serve our students, faculty, staff, and institutions to the best of my ability. However, I recognize that my actions have raised serious concerns regarding financial oversight and transparency, becoming both a distraction and a source of frustration for many. Regardless of intent, the impact of these concerns is significant, and for that, I take full responsibility.

We must take meaningful steps to strengthen oversight, enhance transparency, and rebuild confidence. That is why CSCU, in collaboration with the Board of Regents, is actively developing new system-wide policies for P-Cards and travel, ensuring stricter controls, clearer guidelines, and reinforcing accountability at all levels, including me and my office. Additionally, we will improve financial reporting, strengthen compliance measures, and ensure greater transparency.

I also recognize that trust is not given – it must be earned through action, not just words. In addition to strengthening financial controls, I am committed to:

• Increasing transparency by ensuring records are proactively disclosed and that all FOIA requests are met with full compliance and timeliness.
• Establishing oversight mechanisms to reinforce financial integrity and prevent any future missteps.
• Engaging directly with faculty, staff, and students to listen, address concerns, and rebuild confidence in CSCU’s leadership.

Our students are the most important investment we can make. As we move forward, our collective focus must remain on supporting their future by ensuring they receive an affordable, high-quality education in a system that operates with integrity, transparency, and accountability.

I remain dedicated to working with all of you to restore confidence and advance the mission of CSCU.

Sincerely,
Terrence Cheng
CSCU Chancellor

Dear CSCU Community,

I am so happy to welcome you back for the 2025 spring semester.

VIDEO: Welcome Back 2024

The start of the semester is a time for us to be excited about new challenges, opportunities, and accomplishments, but we also recognize that national news and recent executive orders from Washington, D.C. have created waves of concern and uncertainty here in Connecticut and across our system.

I want to reassure you that we are actively monitoring the situation and are working closely with state and federal leaders to navigate this confusing and frustrating time.

CSCU is strong because of its diversity. We are committed to celebrating our diversity and fostering a climate of inclusion.

There is no better investment that Connecticut can make than in the future of its students.

Throughout the 2025 legislative session, we will advocate tirelessly for the funding and resources we need to provide our students with a high-quality, affordable education that transforms their lives and sets them up for success.

We will also focus on strengthening our dual and concurrent enrollment programs, scaling wraparound services, and enhancing efforts to connect our talent pipeline with leading employers. These efforts will help increase students' success in and out of the classroom and ensure they have the resources needed to thrive while at CSCU and beyond.

I wish you all the best in the months ahead and cannot wait to see what you accomplish this semester. Look forward to seeing you all on campus this spring!

Terrence Cheng
CSCU Chancellor

Dear CSCU Community,

No matter where you are in your journey, whether you’re teaching in our classrooms, supporting student success behind the scenes, pursuing your education online at Charter Oak, cheering for the Blue Devils at Central, the Owls at Southern, the Warriors at Eastern, the Wolves at WestConn, or bringing your unique talents to one of our vibrant CT State community college campuses, you are an essential part of the CSCU family.

Our community thrives on the dedication, dreams, and achievements of our students, faculty, and staff from every corner of Connecticut and beyond. Together, we share a powerful mission: to provide accessible, innovative, and high-quality education that transforms lives and strengthens our communities.

As part of our commitment to this mission, our leadership team is closely monitoring recent federal directives issued by the new presidential administration. The Department of Education recently published a “Dear Colleague” letter addressed to all K-12 schools, colleges, and universities nationwide. This letter outlines how the administration interprets Supreme Court case law on race conscious admissions and its intention to enforce federal nondiscrimination laws in educational settings based upon a very broad application of that decision, emphasizing that compliance is essential to maintaining federal funding.

It is important to communicate that the “Dear Colleague” letter (DCL) is information as to the direction we can expect the federal government and the education department to move, but what the communication does not do is change the law. Our federal civil rights law and the statutory framework that governs non-discrimination (Title IX, Title VII, Title VI and ADA) have not been repealed and are still enforceable. In addition, we are also governed by state law which still provides robust protections here in Connecticut. Further, we do not interpret the DCL to require policy changes because CSCU institutions already have strong policies prohibiting discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.

At CSCU, we are firmly committed to upholding all state and federal law and are sensitive to the fact that federal funding plays a crucial role in supporting the success and well-being of all our students, faculty, and staff. We will continue to take necessary steps to ensure that we are following the law. We understand that these outlined changes may bring uncertainty and concern for some members of our community. Many of you may be looking for immediate answers to your questions, and while we are actively seeking clarity, it is important to remain patient and calm as the situation unfolds. We will do our due diligence, conduct necessary reviews to ensure continued compliance and best practices, and assess what if any potential impacts there are to our institutions and those we serve. Rest assured, we are dedicated to supporting you and keeping you informed as more information becomes available.

To foster open dialogue and support our community, the System Office’s Legal and Compliance team will be hosting six virtual town halls (one for each institution) in the coming weeks. These forums will provide faculty and staff with the opportunity to ask questions and receive updates directly from System Office leadership, including General Counsel Karen Buffkin and Chief Compliance Officer Cameron Liston. To ensure all questions are addressed, we will provide a form where questions can be submitted in advance. Additional details, including dates, times, and participation instructions, will be shared soon.

We are all in this together, and our strength as a community lies in our support for one another. If you need assistance or someone to talk to, please take advantage of the many resources available on your campus. During this time, it is more important than ever to support one another with compassion, respect, and understanding.

As we navigate this unprecedented environment together, remember that the strength of CSCU lies in our shared purpose and our commitment to lifting each other up. You are part of a community that values your contributions, supports your growth, and stands united in its mission to create opportunities and inspire success for everyone.

Together, we will continue to thrive, no matter the challenges or changes we face.

Terrence Cheng
CSCU Chancellor

Dear CSCU Community,

The Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) system office is actively monitoring the Trump Administration’s proposal to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education.

While it is unclear when President Trump may sign an executive order and its scope, we will continue to closely monitor the situation and work with our partners at the state and federal levels to assess the potential impact of this new order.

As we navigate this unprecedented environment, CSCU is committed to ensuring and maintaining its mission of access and opportunity for all students.

We will provide you with updates as new information becomes available.

Terrence Cheng
CSCU Chancellor

Dear CSCU Community,

Today, President Trump signed an executive order initiating steps to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education, aiming to transfer educational authority back to the states. CSCU is preparing for the potential impacts of this significant policy shift.

The U.S. Department of Education oversees approximately $1.5 trillion in student loan debt for over 40 million borrowers and administers essential programs such as Pell Grants and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). At CSCU, 20,293 students benefit from federal aid, primarily through Pell Grants, which are instrumental in making higher education accessible.​

The recent executive order commits to protecting our students’ access to federal student financial aid, including Pell Grants. We sincerely hope the administration stands by these promises. Failure to do so will only exacerbate the inequities present in our society and education system by making higher education a privilege for a few, rather than an opportunity for all.

As these changes unfold, our commitment to our students' success remains unwavering. 

In light of these developments, we will:​

• Advocate for Our Students: Engage with state and federal leaders to ensure that the interests of our students are represented and that financial aid programs continue to support those in need.​
• Strengthen State Partnerships: Work closely with Connecticut state agencies to develop strategies that maintain, if not enhance, the quality and accessibility of higher education within our state.​

As we continue to navigate this unprecedented environment together, we remain committed to our shared purpose and mission of creating opportunities for everyone to succeed.

CSCU will continue to determine the impact of this executive order and will remain in close contact with our partners at the state and federal levels. CSCU will provide updates as new information becomes available.

Terrence Cheng
CSCU Chancellor

Dear CSCU Community,

In response to recent federal directives issued by the new presidential administration, the System Office’s Legal and Compliance team will be hosting a series of virtual town halls to provide updates and answer your questions. These sessions will offer faculty and staff the opportunity to engage directly with System Office leadership, including General Counsel Karen Buffkin and Chief Compliance Officer Cameron Liston.

We are pleased to share that the participation details and town hall dates are now available:

Participation Instructions:

To ensure that questions and concerns are addressed during these sessions, please submit your questions in advance.

While we will address as many questions as possible during the town halls, similar or related questions may be grouped together.

Town Hall Schedule:

Each institution has its own dedicated town hall to ensure discussions are relevant to your campus community. We encourage you to attend your institution’s session, but if you are unable to do so, you are welcome to join another session that fits your schedule. Links to the virtual town halls are forthcoming.

• Central – Wednesday, April 9, 2025, 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
• Charter Oak – Thursday, April 10, 2025, 4:00 PM-5:00 PM
• CT State – Wednesday, April 16, 2025, 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
• Eastern – Thursday, April 17, 2025, 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
• Southern – Monday, April 14, 2025, 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
• Western – Tuesday, April 15, 2025, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

We look forward to hearing from you and addressing the topics most important to our community.

Sincerely,

Terrence Cheng
CSCU Chancellor

Dear CSCU Community,

I am writing to you today to let you know that the Connecticut Board of Regents for Higher Education will not seek to extend Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) Chancellor Terrence Cheng’s contract beyond its current end date of June 30, 2026.

Additionally, the Board and Chancellor Cheng have mutually agreed that, starting July 1, 2025, Chancellor Cheng will transition into a new role as a Strategic Advisor to the Board. An announcement naming an interim chancellor is expected in the coming weeks. 

During Chancellor Cheng’s tenure, CSCU saw a 4.4% increase in total student enrollment for Fall 2024 and a 6.2% increase in total student enrollment for CT State Community College (CT State) and the four Connecticut State Universities (CSUs) for Spring 2025. Chancellor Cheng also helped to: complete the consolidation of Connecticut’s 12 community colleges into one single accredited multi-campus institution, which received its initial accreditation from the New England Commission of Higher Education in June 2023; improve access and pathways for transfer students; prioritize dual and concurrent enrollment for high school students; create new partnerships benefiting students and workforce development for key industries and community organizations; and open multiple new healthcare and manufacturing sites across the state.

We thank Chancellor Cheng for his hard work, partnership, and dedication to the system. This starts a new chapter for CSCU as we look to set a new direction for the system.

I look forward to working with you as we continue to move the CSCU system forward to benefit Connecticut’s students.

Sincerely, 

Marty Guay
Chair, Connecticut Board of Regents

Dear CSCU Community,

I am pleased to announce that I will appoint Dr. Jesse M. Bernal, Ph.D., as President of Western Connecticut State University. 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 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 has experienced firsthand how higher education serves as a vital gateway to social mobility, opportunity, and life-long success.

As the next President of Western Connecticut State University, he will work tirelessly to extend that same opportunity to WCSU’s students. Dr. Bernal will position Western Connecticut State University for a brighter future – one that is marked by growth, prominence, and impact.

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. Zulma Toro, President of Central Connecticut State University and chair of the Western Presidential Search Committee, as well as 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.

CSCU will work closely with WCSU leadership and community stakeholders on transitional plans to ensure a successful start to the Fall 2025 semester.

Terrence Cheng
CSCU Chancellor

Dear CSCU Community, 

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Sandra Minor Bulmer, Ph.D., as interim president of Southern Connecticut State University. 

Dr. Bulmer has extensive experience in higher education, including 26 years at Southern, and currently serves as the Dean of the university’s College of Health and Human Services. Previously, Dr. Bulmer served as a professor in Southern’s Department of Public Health. She begins her new role on July 1, 2025. 

Southern has been Dr. Bulmer's home for 26 years, and her experience aligning academic programs with workforce demands paired with her deep ties to the Southern community will allow her to position the university for growth and impact.

In November 2024, CSCU commenced a search for a permanent president of Southern. This process, which incorporated input from campus stakeholders and representatives across the CSCU system, concluded without a permanent appointment. A new presidential search for Southern is scheduled to be launched in Fall 2026, following the completion of the search for a permanent CSCU system leader. Further information regarding the renewed Southern Presidential Search will be provided as Fall 2026 approaches. 

Dr. Dwayne Smith, who has served as the interim president of Southern since June 2023, will continue to serve as interim president until June 30, 2025. He will begin a new role with the CSCU system office serving as the Executive Director of Systemwide Advancement.  

I want to express my heartfelt thanks to Dr. Smith for his unwavering commitment to Southern's mission as a social justice institution. His contributions to the university's culture of academic excellence will have a lasting impact on the Southern community. 

An interim Dean of Southern’s College of Health and Human Services will be announced in the coming weeks.  

Terrence Cheng 
CSCU Chancellor 

Dear CSCU Community, 

Today, the Connecticut Board of Regents for Higher Education (BOR) announced the appointment of Dr. O. John Maduko as interim chancellor of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) system, effective July 1, 2025. Dr. Maduko currently serves as president of Connecticut State Community College (CT State), the largest community college in New England.  

Dr. Maduko’s appointment as interim chancellor will span one year. At the conclusion of his term, Dr. Maduko will return to CT State. An interim CT State leader will be appointed during this transitional period. 

CSCU will launch a national search for a permanent system leader in Fall 2025. Additional details about the CSCU Chancellor Search will be provided as Fall 2025 approaches. 

As interim chancellor, Dr. Maduko will provide strategic leadership for the CSCU system, which includes six public institutions: Central Connecticut State University, Eastern Connecticut State University, Southern Connecticut State University, Western Connecticut State University, Charter Oak State College, and CT State. 

Dr. Maduko has a proven record of accomplishment of leading institutions through periods of change. As CT State's inaugural president, he led a team that built one, unified community college that is rooted in access, opportunity, and community.

As the system's interim leader, he will provide the steady leadership and vision needed to position students, faculty and staff, and administrators for success during this time of transition. 

Prior to his appointment at CT State, Dr. Maduko was the vice president for academic and student affairs at Minnesota State Community and Technical College (M State), Minnesota's fifth-largest community college, and a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System (Minnesota State) that includes 33 institutions and 380,000 students. Dr. Maduko has served as faculty, dean, vice president and vice chancellor for four-year and two-year institutions.  

Dr. Maduko earned his M.D. in allopathic medicine from St. Matthew’s University School of Medicine and a bachelor’s degree in biology from California State Polytechnic University Pomona, one of only three polytechnic universities in California. He is a fellow of the Aspen Institute and Thomas Lakin Institute.  

Dr. Maduko serves on state and national nonprofit boards including the Greater Hartford Urban League, MetroHartford Alliance, the Presidents Forum, the College Board Community College Advisory Panel, and the Association of Community College Trustees Advisory Committee of Presidents. In 2024, he was named one of the 100 Most Influential Blacks in Connecticut by the NAACP and the Hartford Business Journal’s Power 50 Class.  

Sincerely,

Marty Guay
Chair of the Board of Regents

Dear CSCU Community,

Please allow me a few moments to say thank you. What an honor it has been to serve as your Chancellor these past four years.

First, I want to thank the team in the system office that I have had the pleasure and honor of working with. They are some of the most committed, dedicated, hard-working, experienced and intelligent people that I’ve had the privilege of serving with in my career. They are remarkable colleagues and friends, and I am fortunate to have them in my sphere.

I want to thank our institutional presidents and their leadership teams, those who have served during my time and moved on, and those who remain. Our presidents have hard jobs, and you only know how hard if you have sat in those seats and shouldered those burdens. They work 24/7; they make difficult, almost impossible decisions; and more than anything else, they care deeply and give of themselves in ways that go beyond selfless.

Both our system leaders and our institutional leaders don’t hear “thank you” enough. So, when I say, “thank you,” I mean it from the bottom of my heart.

The same goes for our faculty and staff. You work with and for our students each and every day, and in those moments, you create magic. You drive careers; you change lives. You serve to the utmost those that need to be served. You not only teach and support our students — as advisors and mentors, you give them advice, guidance and direction. You instill confidence and strength. You believe in them at times when it might seem no one else does. Don’t ever forget how important every moment is with our students, for those moments are certainly not lost on them.

Without a doubt, getting to know our students has been the most gratifying part of these last four years. As individuals, as clubs, as student government associations and more, I am inspired by your work ethic and hunger for knowledge, and your grit and determination to succeed. The students who work multiple jobs to fund their educations; the students who overcome social and economic barriers to pursue their goals and dreams regardless of obstacle. The students who have every reason to feel down or give up but never do. Because they are too busy working hard and making progress every day: becoming teachers and healthcare and business professionals, becoming scholars and athletes and innovators, and proving they are second class to no one. You choose to see the positives in your journey, and you do not succumb to the negativity. You teach us lessons and set the bar high by reminding us of who we serve and why.

Thank you for trusting in us with your educations and thank you for believing in and knowing that higher education is still the most powerful force for making people and communities and society better. We need that hope and belief now more than ever.

As a system, we have made significant strides these past four years. Together, we’ve reached new heights and achieved new milestones, including:

• Receiving initial accreditation for CT State Community College;
• Individual institution achievements such as Southern Connecticut State University being recognized as an R2 institution; and Western Connecticut State University being recognized as a Hispanic-Serving Institution;
• Stabilizing system-wide enrollment in Fall 2024, and heading into Fall 2025;
• Creating policies to enhance enrollment, and increase support and protection for our students and employees;
• Securing millions of dollars through state and federal grants;
• Establishing scholarships and student support through philanthropy;
• Opening multiple new healthcare and manufacturing sites;
• Creating more system-wide multi-institution partnerships and initiatives;
• Increasing transfer student enrollment and student success;
• Quadrupling the impact of our auto admissions program;
• And prioritizing workforce development, as well as dual and concurrent enrollment.

We did all of this while standing by our values, striving to serve as many students as possible, from all walks of life at the highest level. Ultimately, what I am most proud of is that fact that even in the face of adversity, we still found a way to move forward, increasing access and opportunities for our students no matter what.

Change is never easy, and we never have as much time as we might wish and hope for. But as 21st century leaders, we must continue to be bold in our vision, strategic and responsible in our planning, and balanced but progressive in approach. As researchers, scholars, and administrators, we are built to investigate and solve problems. I have always believed in creating and leaning into a positive, ambitious culture that positions people to succeed and be a part of the solution. Heightening the intensity and stakes in this work is the fact that many of our students come from minoritized or marginalized backgrounds and may not have a chance to elevate their lives without us. We did not achieve everything I had hoped we would in my time, but I know the system is poised to continue making the kind of progress our students and employees deserve.

Yes, many challenges lie before us; but I know that higher education is the engine that can power us to prosperity. Personally, it has been a blessing to lead this system these last four years. As Special Advisor to the Board, I remain deeply committed and look forward to continuing our work as we look to build upon the successes of CSCU.

I hope you all have a healthy, restful summer and I look forward to seeing so many of you next year.

With gratitude,

Terrence Cheng

Dear CT State Community,

Following my appointment as Interim Chancellor of the CSCU System, we are acting swiftly to ensure stable and effective leadership for CT State as we prepare for the 2025-26 academic year.

I am pleased to share that Kerry A. Kelley, CT State’s Vice President of Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer, will serve as Interim President of CT State effective today, July 1, 2025. Kerry will continue in this acting role through July as we work to identify a longer-term interim president for the upcoming academic year. She will also maintain her responsibilities as Vice President and CFO during this time.

I am grateful to Kerry for stepping into this role and for her steady leadership during this transition. Her commitment to CT State and its students will help ensure continuity and stability during this time.

I remain actively engaged with our new campus presidents and the broader CT State community, and I look forward to continuing our work together to advance our shared mission.

Thank you for your dedication and continued focus on student success and institutional progress.

In partnership,

O. John Maduko
CSCU Interim Chancellor

Dr. Sandra Minor Bulmer, Ph.D. was appointed Interim President of Southern Connecticut State University and began her new role on July 1, 2025.

Dr. Bulmer has spent 26 years at Southern and considers the institution her home. She has extensive experience in higher education and was most currently the Dean of the university’s College of Health and Human Services and served as a professor in Southern’s Department of Public Health.

In this Q&A, we sit down with Interim President Bulmer, to discuss her vision for Southern Connecticut State University, and how she plans to build on its legacy.

What is your vision for Southern Connecticut State University during your interim period of leadership?
Southern is on an upward trajectory with enrollment, student success, and research productivity. One of my primary responsibilities will be to sustain and accelerate this success despite our increased budgetary, policy, and funding pressures. As a long-term employee of this institution, I look forward to sharing insights and collaborating with our division leaders to implement administrative processes that enhance efficiency and alleviate employee and student burdens. Ultimately, I will bring my community-centered values and experience to my new role, ensuring that Southern continues to serve our neighborhoods, region, and state in ways that build and sustain healthy communities.

How do you plan to support students, faculty and staff during your tenure?
As I transition into the role of president, I will need to rely more heavily on our campus leaders to provide direct support to our students, faculty, and staff. I am fortunate to have a talented and dedicated team in place. I have been part of Southern’s community for 26 years, but with a focus on the needs of students, employees, and community partners in the College of Health and Human Services. To fully support our students, faculty, and staff I will need to “go back to school.” I look forward to gaining a deep understanding of the needs of our entire campus, including our other colleges, divisions, departments, and service units. I am committed to being a supportive leader for the entire Southern community.

How would you describe your leadership style?
I often describe myself as an “accidental leader” partly because, over my 40-year career, I have rarely pursued specific titles. Instead, I accept invitations to serve in areas where I feel passion, have talent, and can dedicate the necessary time and effort for success. Through that work, I've taken on many servant leader roles and found leadership to be immensely rewarding, especially when I have opportunities to mentor others. As a leader, I try to stay grounded in the true purpose of the organization, my potential for impact, and the privileges my position affords. I see myself as inclusive, collaborative, strategic, and transparent, and I sincerely hope that those who have worked with me would describe my leadership in the same way.

Southern impacts the wider community in many ways. How has the College of Health and Human Services enhanced community wellness and healthcare during your tenure as Dean?
Without question, the key to our success has been having strong department chairs and division leaders. Examples of their substantial community impact include the Community Alliance for Research and Engagement (CARE), which has secured over $13 million in external grants and contracts to partner with other local organizations and improve health in our communities. Also, in partnership with Yale New Haven Health System, our School of Nursing has addressed critical workforce shortages in our state by developing new degree pathways and doubling the number of nurses it graduates annually.

You have been at Southern for 26 years, first as a professor, then as a dean, and now interim president. What has kept you here at Southern?
Our mission, my colleagues, and our students have been the source of my job satisfaction and joy. Uniquely, the academic calendar affords annual opportunities to pause, reflect, and celebrate our students’ accomplishments. Southern has a deep commitment to teaching and student support. It has been wonderful to work in an environment where I share these values with my colleagues. Finally, state universities were my pathway, so I believe in the mission of public education and understand the transformative impact in can have on individuals, families, and communities. Southern is a special place that provides access to excellent academic programs and opportunities for social mobility.

Can you tell us a little about your family and how they’ve supported you on your journey in higher education?
My parents were unable to attend college, but my sister, Linda, was the first in our family to do so. She finished high school one year early and received a scholarship to attend Syracuse University. She showed me the way, along with many coaches and teachers who had gone to college and encouraged me to follow that path.

As a cyclist, do you think that this sport has shaped your leadership style? Any bucket list cycling trips you’d like to complete?
I’m not sure that I would describe myself as a “cyclist”, but I do enjoy bike touring for my vacations, especially with my husband. My first major cycling trip, at the age of 19, was a self-supported biking trip from Mexico to Canada along Highway 1. I also completed a self-supported bike tour across the U.S. from Seattle, WA, to Bar Harbor, ME. Bike touring from place to place, along with my years of training for swimming, running, and triathlons, has taught me patience, persistence, and discipline and exposed me to the many physical and emotional benefits of maintaining an active lifestyle.

What do you hope for the future and legacy of Southern Connecticut State University?
As a regional comprehensive public university, Southern must continue to thrive as an accessible educational resource for residents in Connecticut. We also need to provide academic programs that meet or exceed the quality of private universities in our region. I hope that Southern’s legacy will be its reputation as a university of choice for Connecticut residents who wish to pursue education, enrich their cultural knowledge and experiences, and hire employees to live, work, and positively contribute to our communities. 

Dear Colleagues and Friends,

Today, the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) system will announce that Ed Klonoski, President of Charter Oak State College, will retire in June 2026 after serving as the leader of Connecticut’s only public online college for 18 years.

President Klonoski began his tenure at Charter Oak State College in 1997 as the institution’s first Director of Technology and was appointed president in 2008. Under his leadership, Charter Oak grew from one academic major to 21 and launched its first four graduate programs.

Since its founding in 1973, Charter Oak has awarded more than 18,000 degrees and played a pivotal role in Connecticut’s workforce development. The college offers associate and bachelor’s degrees in high-demand fields such as business, health care, technology, nursing, social work, early childhood education, criminal justice and cybersecurity.

In recent years, Charter Oak has launched innovative workforce programs, including the Good Jobs Challenge Grant Employment Training Program, a partnership with Trinity Health and Capital Workforce Partners to provide free training for entry-level healthcare jobs to unemployed and underemployed individuals. Charter Oak also opened the Connecticut Online AI Academy in collaboration with Google, a free fully online course accessible to all Connecticut residents 18 and older that introduces learners to the fundamentals of generative AI.

President Klonoski has been a steadfast leader, guiding Charter Oak through a dynamic period of growth and innovation in online education. He leaves a strong legacy and has positioned Charter Oak for future growth and impact. I thank him for his decades of leadership, dedication, and commitment to advancing student success.

Please join me in congratulating him on his well-earned retirement!

O. John Maduko
CSCU Interim Chancellor

Dr. Jesse M. Bernal, Ph.D., was appointed as the 10th president of Western Connecticut State University (WestConn), stepping into the role during the university’s more than 120-year legacy of empowering learners and communities through education. 

A first-generation college graduate, Dr. Bernal brings a deep belief in the transformative power of public higher education. For more than two decades, he has led efforts in strategy, innovation, and equity across higher education and public charter systems in Michigan and California — building partnerships that align academics with workforce and community needs, investing in student and employee success, and creating more inclusive, student-centered institutions. 

In this Q&A, we sit down with President Bernal to discuss how his leadership will guide WestConn into a new era of renewal, impact, and regional engagement.

What drew me most to WestConn was the sense of possibility. It has deep roots in the community, a legacy of access and service, and a bold spirit ready to lead. When I learned we’re now Connecticut’s largest Hispanic-Serving Institution, I saw a reflection of my own journey — and an opportunity to lift up others through education. WestConn’s commitment to transformation, inclusion, and impact mirrors my own values. That alignment made the opportunity deeply personal.

My vision is for WestConn to become the region’s most impactful, community-engaged university — a place that welcomes every learner, weaves together systems to ensure they thrive, and widens pathways to opportunity. We’ll do this while strengthening our academic distinction and all that is central to our mission. Our future will be co-created — built on shared leadership, mutual trust, and a culture of care. We won’t just continue to recover; we will renew. I see us not just reclaiming momentum but reimagining what it means to be a regional public institution: innovative, inclusive, and relentless in our focus on student success and community vitality.

My role is to listen deeply, act with integrity, and create the conditions where everyone at WestConn can do their best work. This is a time to strengthen relationships, restore trust, and elevate voices — especially of those who have felt unheard. That means honoring academic freedom, supporting faculty-led innovation, and building the conditions where teaching, creative activity, and student learning and engagement thrive. It also means aligning resources with what matters most — student and employee success, high-impact education, wellness, and belonging. I will work shoulder-to-shoulder with faculty, staff, and students, uphold shared governance, and ensure transparency and trust in how we move forward together.

I come from a close-knit Mexican American family in South Texas. My mom and grandparents were migrant farm workers, people of deep faith, hard work, and sacrifice. I’m the first in my family to graduate from college. We didn’t have much, but we believed in the power of education to change lives. Their support has been a constant compass for me. I carry them with me in every decision I make.

It means everything. A college degree opened the door to every opportunity I’ve had as it has done for so many who have received a WestConn education. But more than a credential, it gives each of us a voice, a purpose, and the ability to give back. That’s why I believe so strongly in our work — because I’ve lived the power of education to transform not just individuals, but families and communities.

I’ll always lead with empathy. I know what it’s like to feel unsure if you belong, and I know the resilience it takes to keep going anyway. That lived experience drives my deep commitment to equity and inclusion. It shapes how I listen, how I work to build systems of support, and how I advocate for students — especially those who haven’t yet seen themselves reflected in higher education. I know my path hasn’t followed a traditional mold, and I have deep respect for the scholarly excellence and disciplinary rigor that define our faculty leaders. I see my role as complementary — to clear barriers, align resources, and tell our story. It’s precisely this nontraditional journey — across diverse systems, communities, and institutions — that informs my leadership and sharpens my purpose. I’ve come to understand that while credentials matter, so do the courage to challenge expectations and the conviction to expand who gets to lead.

Equity isn’t just a value — it’s a shared responsibility. At its core, it’s about making sure every learner — with all their diverse backgrounds and beliefs — has a fair shot at success. Our institutions must reflect and serve the full diversity of our communities. I believe deeply that excellence and equity go hand-in-hand. Inclusive environments foster the kind of dialogue, innovation, and critical thinking that prepare students for real-world leadership.

My commitment to this work is both personal and professional. It’s about honoring all students’ identities, removing unnecessary barriers, and building systems that enable everyone to thrive — not through ideology, but through compassion, evidence, and a belief in human potential. This doesn’t mean we will always agree. But it does mean we create space for respectful debate, mutual learning, and principled disagreement. That’s the mark of a healthy academic community — and the kind of university I want us to be: bold, welcoming, and united in purpose.

I hope people say we are brave. That we didn’t just weather challenges but turned them into opportunities. That WestConn is a place of purpose and possibility, where students are challenged, supported, and prepared to live meaningful lives.

I want us to be known not just for what we offer, but for how we show up — for leading with courage, collaboration, and care. For building trust, not just programs. And for standing together — faculty, staff, students, alumni, and partners — as one WestConn Wolves community, rising as a pack.

If our graduates leave here ready to lead, serve, and build a more hopeful world — in whatever ways are most meaningful to them — then we’ll know we’ve done our job. That’s the legacy I’m working toward.