Communications

Dear CSCU Colleagues:

Today, the Board of Regents approved a resolution concerning the CSCU Retirement Incentive Program.

The program will be offered to full-time unclassified faculty, non-teaching professionals, and management/confidential personnel within the CSCU system who are currently eligible for normal retirement under their respective retirement plans. It's important to note that for our unionized employees, participation in this program is contingent upon the agreement of their respective unions.

We recognize the importance of making well-informed decisions, particularly in retirement planning. To support this, we will ensure all eligible employees have access to expert advice and resources. This includes retirement and financial advisory services through Empower, designed to help individuals make the best choice for their future.

In the coming weeks, we will be diligently working with Human Resource leaders across the system to develop comprehensive guidance aimed to clarify eligibility, outline steps for participation and address any questions that our community may have. Please be on the lookout for that communication after the start of the new year.

Lastly, as we approach the holiday break, I encourage everyone to take this time to relax and enjoy the company of family, friends, and loved ones. Your hard work and dedication to CSCU are greatly appreciated, and I hope this break offers you a well-deserved rest.

Sincerely,

Terrence Cheng
Chancellor, CSCU

Thanksgiving Holiday Message

Dear CSCU Colleagues:

As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, I hope you’ll join me in a moment of gratitude for our vibrant state college and university system. As we reflect on our many blessings, I know that I am incredibly thankful to be a part of this amazing system.

I’m grateful for our dedicated faculty and staff, who go above and beyond to support our students’ growth and success.

I’m inspired by our students, who approach each day with limitless determination, dedication and hard work that serve as an example for us all.

I’m humbled by the incredible community partners who share our commitment to academic excellence and preparing the next generation of Connecticut’s workforce.

There is much happening in the world that is hard. I hope we can all take a moment to recognize and lean into the good with us and around us and be thankful.

At this time, I also want to provide you with an update on the status of the system’s budget and our collective efforts to find balance as we move forward.

The State of Connecticut's current biennium budget allocation for CSCU falls significantly short of what is necessary to maintain our existing levels of operations, requiring us to creatively adapt and innovate in ways we might not have considered previously. Our multifaceted approach to deficit mitigation involves collaborative efforts and shared responsibility within our system. This plan includes technical adjustments updating our initial deficit projections, revenue enhancement initiatives, expenditure reductions, and utilizing cash reserves.

While we face significant challenges, our resolve remains unwavering. Our system is defined by its strength and our resilience – attributes that are a testament to the remarkable employees and students who contribute so tirelessly to our shared mission. Together, we hold the power to shape the future of higher education in Connecticut, ensuring that it remains an enduring force for good.

My wish is that this Thanksgiving break provides you with rest, joy, and quality time with loved ones.

Sincerely,

Terrence Cheng
Chancellor, CSCU

Dear CSCU Community,

As we commemorate Veterans Day, I would like to express my deepest gratitude and respect to the brave men and women who have served — and continue to serve — in our nation’s armed forces. Veterans Day is a powerful reminder of the extraordinary sacrifices military personnel and their families have made to our country.

Within our Connecticut State Colleges and Universities system, we are proud of the faculty, staff, and approximately 2,100 student veterans who have served our country, and the invaluable contributions our veterans bring to the CSCU community. Please join me in honoring our heroes by expressing our appreciation for their service, dedication, and sacrifices.

On this day, we must also remember that the challenges faced by veterans do not end when they return home as many struggle with the transition to civilian life. The Board of Regents, CSCU system, and our individual institutions are committed to providing comprehensive support, resources, and assistance to veterans, ensuring they have the tools needed to succeed in their academic pursuits and in the workforce.

To the veterans who work and study in the CSCU system: thank you for your service. Together, we can build a community that acknowledges and celebrates the unique experiences and perspectives our veterans bring to our institutions.

Sincerely,

Terrence Cheng
Chancellor, CSCU

WATCH CHANCELLOR CHENG’S WELCOME MESSAGE

Dear CSCU Community:

There is great work happening across the CSCU System — from the exciting launch of CT State, to the achievements of our faculty and students, to new facilities and dynamic initiatives. We have accomplished much since last year, and there is a great deal to be proud of. I invite you to view my Welcome Back message that highlights the remarkable things happening across CSCU’s six institutions, even as we continue to work toward addressing new challenges in an ever-evolving landscape. Working together, I look forward to a productive and rewarding academic year.

As we continue to play a critical role in giving our students the best possible academic experience by going above and beyond in helping them succeed, I wish our faculty, staff, and administrators the best.

I look forward to seeing all of you on campus this semester and send you positive wishes for the weeks and months ahead.

Sincerely,
Terrence Cheng
Chancellor, CSCU

Dear CSCU Colleagues:

I am pleased to announce that Adam Joseph, who currently serves as director of communications for the Office of Governor Ned Lamont, has agreed to join the CSCU system as our Vice Chancellor of External Affairs.

Adam brings valuable experience in strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and crisis management, having worked in multiple levels of state and local government. As director of communications for Governor Lamont, Adam leads a diverse team of communications specialists and is the administration’s lead communications strategist and primary on-the-record spokesperson.

He also works closely with legislative and policy departments to craft multi-audience communications plans and advocacy strategies to build support from the public and from within the Connecticut General Assembly for the governor’s legislative priorities. Adam manages the governor’s and state’s brand through strategic media relations, social media and advertising to shape media coverage and positive public perception of the administration.

Adam previously served as chief of staff for the Office of Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz throughout the duration of the Lamont administration’s first four-year term. In that role, Adam oversaw the office’s strategic planning, policy, communications, legislative matters, and operations. From 2011 to 2019, he served as communications director for Senate President Pro Tempores Don Williams, Jr., and Martin M. Looney, and the Connecticut Senate Democratic Caucus. Before that, he was communications director for then Secretary of State Susan Bysiewicz. He began his career working in the New York State Senate. Adam is a graduate of James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia.

I look forward to working with Adam as he brings his extensive communications and external relations experience in state government to the CSCU system. I am confident that Adam’s commitment to shared collaboration and fostering strategic partnerships will be an asset to our colleges and universities.

Adam will officially begin on October 6, 2023, and with his hiring, the Chancellor’s executive team is complete. Team members include:

• Dr. Rai Kathuria
  Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs
• Dr. Lloyd Blanchard
  Interim Vice President for Administration and CFO
• Jessica Paquette
  Vice Chancellor for System Affairs and Chief of Staff
• Adam Joseph
  Vice Chancellor of External Affairs
• Vita Litvin
  Interim General Counsel
• Daniel Aniello
  Executive Director for System Project Management
• Dr. Paul Beran
  Senior Advisor for System Innovation

In the meanwhile, I ask you to join me in welcoming Adam to CSCU.

Sincerely,

Terrence Cheng
Chancellor, CSCU

Dear CSCU Colleagues:

I am announcing this morning that Interim President Paul Beran will step back into an advisory role before the beginning of the fall semester. Over the past academic year, Dr. Beran has brought decisive leadership to WCSU, and I look forward to working with him as a contributor in the CSCU leadership team going forward.

“It has been my privilege to complete my higher education leadership and teaching career spanning forty-four years at Western Connecticut State University as the interim president this past year,” Beran said. “We have made significant changes in university leadership, institutional organization, and fiscal management strategies. Faculty, staff, and administration have worked together collaboratively to shape WCSU into the 21st century institution it must be to serve our students and the communities that depend on our university for an educated workforce. WCSU is now poised to re-emerge as a strong engine of innovation, inclusiveness, social awareness, and career readiness, led by a gifted faculty and dedicated administration.”

We will continue to build upon WCSU’s accomplishments under Dr. Beran’s leadership. To that end, it is my pleasure to announce that I am appointing Dr. Manohar Singh, who currently serves as dean of the School of Graduate and Professional Studies at Southern Connecticut State University, to succeed Dr. Beran as interim president at WCSU. For the past 11 months, Dr. Singh has been working closely with me as part of his American Council on Education fellowship and has gained invaluable insight, knowledge, and perspective about the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities System. He has significant academic experience and is an expert in both the practice and theory of public finance, having served in faculty positions at Penn State University, Willamette University, University of Nevada-Reno, Long Island University (LIU), University of New Hampshire-Durham, and University of New South Wales (Australia). Coming from a faculty position, he has a deep understanding and commitment to the principles of shared governance; indeed, he served as both chair and vice chair of the faculty senate for the Great Valley School of Graduate Professional Studies during his time at Penn State.

In addition, Dr. Singh – who is the first generation in his family to go to college – served as an academic administrator as dean of the College of Professional Studies at Humboldt State University, as division head for business and social sciences at Penn State Abington, and as interim chair of the Department of Finance at LIU – in addition to his current role at Southern Connecticut State University. He has also held governmental positions in India as a member of the Indian Civil Services.

I invite you to take a moment to learn more about Dr. Singh’s background. His experience will serve him well as he seeks to build a strong, cooperative, and productive relationship with WCSU’s faculty and staff.

About Dean Singh (southernct.edu)

Dr. Singh will begin his role on August 25, and while his title may be “interim president,” I expect him to be here for the long haul. I have the greatest confidence that he will build on Dr. Beran’s successes and rise to the challenge as an effective, collaborative, and stable leader for Western Connecticut State University.

“Higher education is about access and opportunity,” Dr. Singh added. “Western Connecticut State University has incredible assets, from a world-class faculty dedicated to academic excellence, to a committed and talented staff, to an intelligent, diverse and driven student body. Significant budgetary and demographic challenges of course remain. Yet, I am confident that the future of WCSU is bright. I intend to bring a collaborative approach to the interim presidency. I believe that it is only through adhering to the principles of shared governance that the university can live up to its full potential.”

Finally, in close consultation with the Board of Regents, after listening very carefully to the community’s concerns during WittKieffer’s listening tour in early May and during our many discussions with campus leadership groups, we will be suspending the WCSU presidential search. We heard in no uncertain terms that, given our current budget challenges, WCSU cannot wait a year and a half for a new president to get acclimated, and that we should focus our time and attention on the issues most pressing to WCSU’s students and the Danbury community. I hear those concerns; I agree, and I believe that the best path forward is to appoint an interim leader with significant experience in all aspects of higher education to guide the activities for the next few years.

I believe that Dr. Singh will be that leader, and I ask you to give him a warm welcome to Western Connecticut State University.
 

Sincerely,

Terrence Cheng
Chancellor, CSCU

Dear CSCU Colleagues,

I hope your summer is going well. I am writing today with an update on the system’s current financial situation, and the direction of activities that will take place this coming year.

Over the course of this past year’s legislative session, so many of us worked hard to advocate for resources. Together we successfully made a case for and secured greater state funding for FY 2024. Still, some of our institutions face significant shortfalls in FY 2024, and, as a system, we are confronted with a projected deficit of $147 million for CSCU in FY 2025.  

We do indeed plan on significant advocacy efforts during the upcoming legislative session. Our situation requires no less. It is tempting to rely solely on the hope that our state partners will find additional funding. But expecting and relying on additional funds from the next legislative session, or depleting reserves to address the FY 2025 deficit and beyond, is not a viable strategic approach. The reality is that we must live within the budget as appropriated, and fully engage in the challenging work of aligning our operational expenditures within the available financial framework.

In the coming months, we will announce system-wide initiatives aimed at bolstering enrollment and generating additional revenue. In the meantime, to ensure that our students continue to experience quality and academic excellence, system office and institutional leaders are working together to develop budget deficit mitigation strategies that ensure the long-term fiscal health of our system and institutions. I have tasked our presidents with taking the lead on these inclusive efforts to find solutions that meet the needs of their campuses and communities. This will be a collaborative effort, and I, as well as your campus leadership team, will be in regular contact throughout the process to keep you updated on the progress and seek your guidance.  

I have full confidence in our system office and institutional leaders who are diligently working to develop short- and long-term strategies to improve our system’s outlook. We are committed to keeping you informed and engaged throughout this collaborative process, and to adhering to shared governance principles and processes. I am confident that we will navigate this together and emerge stronger than ever, moving beyond short-term mitigation and toward a sustained long-term trajectory that puts us on firm financial footing, as we continue to proudly serve the residents and communities of Connecticut.

Sincerely,

Terrence Cheng
Chancellor, CSCU

Dear CSCU Colleagues:
 
I am pleased to announce that Dr. Lloyd Blanchard, who currently serves as the vice president of strategic initiatives and planning, chief strategy officer and was formerly the interim vice president for finance and chief financial officer at UConn, has agreed to join the CSCU system as our interim vice president for administration and CFO.
 
Dr. Blanchard has extensive teaching, research, and administrative experience. Before joining UConn, where he has also served as a professor-in-residence in the School of Public Policy, he served in senior roles as senior vice president for administration and COO at Medgar Evers College of The City University of New York; vice provost for fiscal management at Louisiana State University; deputy CFO for policy at NASA; COO of the Small Business Administration; and program associate director for general government programs the White House Office of Management and Budget. He has also served on the faculty at Syracuse University and the University of Washington.
 
I have worked closely with Dr. Blanchard over the years. I know him to be a steadfast advocate for public higher education, a strong and collaborative leader, and a person of the highest integrity. He is also highly respected among our external partners.
 
These are challenging times for our system as we seek to confront a significant projected budgetary shortfall in FY25. That said, this is also a chance to create new paradigms and opportunities. I am confident that Dr. Blanchard’s poise, collegial approach, and expertise will help us in so many different capacities as we seek even greater cooperation between the system office, institutional leaders, employees, students, and all relevant stakeholders.
 
You can learn more about Dr. Blanchard by reading his CV or visiting his UConn website.
 

• Lloyd Blanchard CV (pdf)
• Lloyd Blanchard | School of Public Policy (UConn.edu)

 
Dr. Blanchard will officially begin on September 8, 2023. In the meantime, I ask you to join me in welcoming him to CSCU.
 
Sincerely,
 
Terrence Cheng
Chancellor, CSCU

Dear CSCU Colleagues,

I am writing to make you aware that Ernestine Weaver, who has served as CSCU general counsel for more than a decade, will be moving into the role of senior advisor fellow. Ernestine is a talented attorney who has provided a steady voice in often turbulent times. I am grateful that she will continue to serve CSCU in her new capacity.

I am confident the Office of General Counsel will be in good hands, as Vita Litvin, who currently serves as associate general counsel, has agreed to take on the role of interim CSCU general counsel.

I know there have been a number of high-profile changes of late, and I want to assure you that my team and I are committed to smooth transitions while ensuring employees within those departments get the support they need to continue doing their jobs at a high level.

Collaboration, communication, and teamwork across the CSCU organization are more important now than ever, and I am confident that we will have the teams in place to be successful as we navigate the challenges on the horizon.

Sincerely,

Terrence Cheng
Chancellor, CSCU

Dear CSCU Colleagues:

I write today to make you aware of a significant change in the CSCU leadership team. After nearly five years as CSCU’s chief financial officer, Ben Barnes will be departing his post. Ben has been a consummate professional throughout his time here and in his previous roles in state government. I appreciate his service to CSCU, and I wish him nothing but the best in his next chapter.

I will reach out with additional information on the management structure for finance, human resources, facilities, and IT in the near future.

Sincerely,

Terrence Cheng
Chancellor, CSCU

Dear CSCU Community,
 
Reliable access to broadband internet and connected technology continues to be a challenge that impacts students across our nation. The state of Connecticut was recently awarded $144 million to improve digital equity across the state, and our community has an opportunity to access this funding in support of students and our local communities.
 
Your participation in the CSCU Digital Barriers Survey, which is administered by the UConn College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, will have a direct impact on how these dollars are spent. The survey closes on Friday July 21, and I appreciate you taking 5-10 minutes to lend your perspective.
 

• CSCU Digital Barriers Survey (qualtrics.com)

Sincerely,
 
Terrence Cheng
Chancellor, CSCU

Dear CSCU Colleagues,

As we prepare to step away to celebrate our nation's founding, I want to wish every member of our community a happy Fourth of July. I hope your holiday is filled with family and friends, and that you have the opportunity to relax and recharge.

America is a great country; its creation and roots run deep, and it has given people like me—an immigrant and person of color—a chance to be who and what I am today, serving people and institutions that I am so proud to serve. We are not perfect because nothing is perfect. But our journey, our task, our challenge is to make things better, each and every day.

I thank all of you for your hard work on behalf of our students over the past academic year, and happy Independence Day!

Sincerely,

Terrence Cheng
Chancellor, CSCU 

Dear CSCU Community,

This morning, the Supreme Court issued its decision in the two cases related to affirmative action in college admissions. As was widely expected, the court stuck down the ability of selective colleges and universities, both public and private, to consider race as one factor of their admissions decisions.

While I don’t expect this ruling to have a significant impact on CSCU or its institutions, it should be alarming for all of us in higher education, chiefly because race-conscious admissions are by far the most effective means of increasing diversity at selective schools. We know this from experience. After California voters passed Proposition 209 banning affirmative in 1996, the percentage of Black and Latino students in UCLA and UC Berkley’s next first-year class plummeted by nearly half. Despite more than two decades of intensive and expensive efforts, the UC system continues to be less diverse than the state’s demographic makeup. Unfortunately, we can expect similar results at selective institutions in Connecticut.

This decision underscores the importance of investing in the CSCU system and other regional public institutions of higher education. We will continue to be the most important drivers of social mobility and workforce development – a responsibility we take with the utmost seriousness. But the removal of our colleague institutions’ most effective tool in undermining a legacy of structural racism is a serious step in the wrong direction and will result in furthering societal inequities.

I am also deeply concerned about the court’s potential willingness to strike down affirmative action in employment – a step that, if taken, would cause significant harm to CSCU’s efforts to foster a workforce that is reflective of the state and student body we serve.

I am disappointed – though not surprised – by today’s ruling. But it is yet another reminder of the importance of our diversity, equity, and inclusion work, and it only redoubles my commitment to that work as a central component of everything we do as higher education leaders.

Dear CSCU Community:

Earlier this year, the Board of Regents (BOR) deferred action on several important items, including tuition and fees at CT State and Charter Oak, pending the resolution of the state budget. Today, the BOR adopted a spending plan for FY2024 that takes several important steps to solidify CSCU’s position for FY2024 and begins to make preparations for the $116 million cut in overall state funding expected in FY2025, the second year of biennial state budget.  

Some important action items include:  

• A 5 percent increase in tuition and mandatory fees at CT State; this represents a $266 annual increase for full-time community college students.
• A 3 percent increase in undergraduate tuition and fees at Charter Oak and a 2 percent increase in graduate-level tuition and fees.
• Requiring the system office to develop and administer procedures for all CSCU institutions to undertake a systemic review of academic offerings to ensure they are meeting student needs and workforce demands and are financially sustainable within anticipated state subsidy levels.
• Charging CSCU leadership to conduct a thorough, data-driven analysis of the CSCU system organization, structures, policies, and practices and to make recommendations for the future of CSCU.
• And requiring all CSCU institutions to develop and submit FY25 deficit mitigation plans to the Board of Regents by November 1, 2023 for their consideration and approval.

These are difficult decisions. The board and the system office understand the struggles our students face and see tuition increases as a last resort. At the same time, the financial reality driven by significant projected declines in state support are such that action is needed now.  

Over the coming year, we will continue to work in a collaborative manner, allowing institutional presidents and their leadership teams to take the lead on developing mitigation strategies for FY2025 that meet campus and community needs. They will approach this process with open ears and open minds, but with the understanding that we must do everything in our power to ensure the long-term viability of our colleges and universities. Our students deserve nothing less.

This represents a first step in that work, and as always, your institutional leaders and I will continue to keep you updated.

Sincerely,

Terrence Cheng 
Chancellor, CSCU 

Dear CSCU Community:

On Monday, we will recognize Juneteenth for the first time as an official state holiday in Connecticut.

Juneteenth represents a pivotal moment in American history, marking the day when the last enslaved people in the United States, in Galveston, Texas, were finally informed of their freedom on June 19, 1865. This day of jubilation and liberation is a reminder of the resilience and strength of African American communities in the face of unimaginable adversity.

It is also a reminder, I would argue, that in higher education, we have a responsibility to recognize and confront the injustices that stem from the painful history of chattel slavery in our nation and its lasting impact on the lives of Black Americans — in health care, housing, education, the justice system, and more. Through public higher education, we can confront these dark legacies, and empower today’s students and future generations to effect change that builds a more just and inclusive society. By acknowledging and celebrating Juneteenth, we reaffirm our commitment to fostering an environment where every individual is valued and respected.

I would also like to extend my deepest gratitude to the members of our community who have championed the recognition of Juneteenth as a state holiday in Connecticut. Your efforts have contributed to this important milestone, and I applaud your dedication to social justice. At a time when state legislatures across our country are attacking DEI, this work is more important than ever.

As we celebrate Juneteenth, let us remember the past, honor the present, and work collectively towards a future where equity and justice prevail. Thank you for the hard work you do at your institutions, and for our system. I hope the summer gets off to a great start for you all.

Sincerely,

Terrence Cheng
President, CSCU

Dear CSCU Community:

As you may have seen, the legislature has passed, and the governor is expected to sign, the biennial state budget. There is some good news for CSCU and our students in this bill including more than $100 million in additional funding above the original budget proposal and an expansion of eligibility for the PACT program to include non-first-time students.

I appreciate the efforts of our lawmakers and the Lamont administration in finding additional funding to help support our students and operations. It represents significant progress for FY2024. However, the reality is that, as the budget is structured, we will still be left with a significant shortfall in FY2025, the second year of the biennium.

Every community across Connecticut benefits from the work of CSCU institutions. Our students—who come from Connecticut, are educated and trained in Connecticut, and stay to live and work in Connecticut—look to us for opportunities they would not have otherwise. We are the engine of social mobility and workforce development for the state, and we will go back to the legislature during the 2024 legislative session to advocate for necessary funding for our public colleges and universities. Our students, faculty, and staff deserve no less.

That said, we must begin preparing mitigation measures. I will work closely with our presidents, who will take the lead in developing these plans at each institution. Please know that we will work collaboratively throughout this process, and we will do everything in our power to minimize the impact of these actions on our students, employees, and communities.

I will continue to provide regular updates about the actions we are taking, as well as opportunities to continue advocacy efforts.

Sincerely,

Terrence Cheng
President, CSCU

Dear CSCU Community:
 
My message to our LGBTQ+ communities this Pride Month is a simple one: I stand with you, and I support you. We are living through a time when attacks against LGBTQ+ people and LGBTQ+ identity are unquestionably on the rise. We hear stories every day about attempts to ban books, deny gender affirming care to trans people, or restrict the ability of educators to address students by their correct pronouns. It is a sad state of affairs when people in positions of power use their voice to bully marginalized communities. And it underscores the importance of the love and acceptance showcased during Pride.
 
This month, we celebrate the uniqueness of our LGBTQ+ friends, colleagues, students, and fellow community members. We recognize the beauty of individuality, and we stand together – on the shoulders of those who rose up at Stonewall, in the halls of Congress, and in the courts – in support of the right of every person to live their truth and exist in peace.
 
The Board of Regents has long been committed to fostering a supportive environment for all students to learn and grow. In recent years, the board has adopted policies related to use of gender identity and pronouns, use of a preferred first name, and inclusive facilities accommodations for trans and nonbinary people. Our institutions have LGBTQ+ centers with resources and services to help students thrive, as well as guidance to help faculty members be as supportive as possible in the classroom. I encourage everyone to familiarize themselves with the resources available on our campuses, and I thank the dedicated faculty and staff members who make these centers so successful. Your work truly changes lives.
 

• CCSU LGBT Center (ccsu.edu)
• ECSU Pride Center (easternct.edu)
• Sexuality and Gender Equality (SAGE) Center (southernct.edu)
• WCSU Pride Center Home Page (wcsu.edu)

 
To every member of our community who identifies as LGBTQ+: You are seen, you are valued, and your voice matters. Happy Pride!
 
Sincerely,
 
Terrence Cheng
President, CSCU

Dear CSCU Community:
 
This Memorial Day weekend, we pause to reflect on perhaps the most solemn of holidays we observe, as we pay tribute to the American service members killed in the line of duty. We honor their courage and selflessness, and we acknowledge that their sacrifice has made the world a better, safer, and freer place.
 
The state of Connecticut maintains a tribute to those who died in the line of duty since September 11, 2001 through the Wall of Honor, which is physically located in the concourse between the State Capitol and the Legislative Office Building and has an accompanying website with remembrances of the fallen service members. If you have a moment, I encourage you to read about the people with ties to Connecticut who gave their lives in combat. It is a tragic and wrenching reminder of the human toll of war.
 

• Connecticut State Wall of Honor (ct.gov)

 
People with Connecticut ties include our students, one of whom was Army Chief Warrant Officer William Brennan, who was killed in Iraq in 2004 at the age of 36. CWO Brennan was not only a father who was active in his community of Bethlehem, he was also a graduate of Mattatuck Community College (today Naugatuck Valley), where he concurrently served in the National Guard. Like far too many others, CWO Brennan was taken far too soon, and this weekend we honor him and all who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
 

• William Brennan – Connecticut State Wall of Honor (ct.gov)

 
Mr. Brennan’s story is also a reminder of the sacrifices borne by Gold Star families. I did not serve in the military, but I am a parent, and I can only imagine the enduring pain the families of the fallen must experience on a daily basis. I can only imagine the acute emotions this weekend must exacerbate. So, I keep the parents, children, spouses, siblings, friends, and service members who served alongside of those who died in the line of duty in mind this Memorial Day.

 
Sincerely,
 
Terrence Cheng
President, CSCU

Dear CSCU Community:

As you may have heard, earlier this morning, Eastern Connecticut State University President Elsa Núñez announced her intention to retire. Dr. Núñez will leave a strong legacy at Eastern, having served with distinction for 18 years. Under her able leadership, the university has grown stronger, cementing itself as the state’s public liberal arts institution. She has transformed the physical and academic landscape of the campus, building bridges to the community, and steadfastly advocating for the students she has been entrusted to serve.

Dr. Núñez has also been an invaluable asset to the system in her role as vice president for universities. I have benefited from her guidance and expertise over the past two years, and deeply appreciate her commitment to students and academic excellence. She has high standards, and I’ve watched her face challenges fearlessly and with the best interest of the institution and the Eastern community centered at all times.

Ultimately, Dr. Núñez’s work is grounded in faith and family, kindness and respect, and of all things, this may be what I admire most about her. While her retirement is certainly well-deserved, I am sad to see her go, and I have no doubt that she will continue to make an impact in her next chapter.

Today is about celebrating Dr. Núñez and her service to Eastern, the CSCU system, and the state of Connecticut. In coming weeks, I will be in touch about next steps for selecting her successor. It is my hope that we will be able to appoint a permanent president by the time her retirement is official.

Once again, I congratulate Dr. Núñez on a job well-done for 18 years, and I am happy to have her as a partner for one more year.

Sincerely,

Terrence Cheng
President, CSCU

Dear CSCU Community:
 
This afternoon, the legislature’s Appropriations Committee is debating and is expected to advance their version of the biennial budget. The committee did add some one-time funding to the governor’s original proposal. However, the Appropriations budget falls far short of the needs we identified in CSCU 2030, and – to be frank – it would not meet the basic operating needs we have presented to the administration and legislature. I fear that, if enacted, the consequences of this budget would be devastating to our institutions, employees, students, and the communities we serve.
 
We know that our faculty and staff’s work literally changes lives and creates real upward mobility for our students. We know that our institutions are the lifeblood of the communities they serve, and we know that CSCU is the most important component of the state’s workforce pipeline. Without sufficient funding from the state, all of this would be at risk.
 
Particularly in a year that the state is seeing overflowing revenue and as our enrollment begins to rebound from COVID-related declines, I believe that the choice to inadequately fund our system would be a shortsighted and costly mistake.
 
In the coming weeks, legislative leadership and the administration will meet to negotiate a final budget, so we still have the opportunity to make our case for fair funding for our public colleges and universities. As a part of that push, I will work closely with campus leaders as well as our collective bargaining units to share publicly exactly what a lack of necessary investment would mean for our institutions, staff and students. Now more than ever is the time for collective advocacy, and you will play a critical role in those efforts. I will share information as it becomes available on the impact of this budget on CSCU.
 
In the meantime, we need your voice now. Please call, email, or meet with your legislator. As I’ve noted before, at some point, every member of the General Assembly votes on the budget. Advocacy from constituents to ensure CSCU is funded at adequate levels for sustainability and growth makes a real difference for legislators.
 

• Find Your Legislators (cga.ct.gov)

 
Sincerely,
 
Terrence Cheng
President, CSCU

Dear CSCU Community,
 
Today at 10:00a.m., our team from CSCU will testify at a public hearing of the legislature’s Finance, Revenue, and Bonding committee in support of SB 1246, the bill containing the $2.1 billion request for physical and digital infrastructure projects outlined in the CSCU 2030 proposal. We will highlight the critical work CSCU does to provide education and workforce opportunities to Connecticut residents, while pointing out that the lack of sufficient state investment in our physical spaces in recent years sends a troubling message to our students and raises real equity concerns. In addition, eight panels of campus leaders, faculty members, staff, and students will share their perspective with the committee on the need for investment in our facilities.
 
As people who work and learn in our facilities every day, you don’t need to be told of the serious need for investment. One need look no further than Kinney Hall at Naugatuck Valley, the B-Wing at Norwalk, Wheaton and Snow Halls at Middlesex, Morrill Hall at Southern, or the needs identified on every campus in CSCU 2030 to come to that realization. But the fact of the matter is that of the more than 15 million square feet of space CSCU institutions occupy, the average age is more than 20 years old. In short, students, staff and faculty continue to rely on aging, outdated, and deteriorating facilities, and without a clear plan and dedicated, multi-year source of funding, those deficiencies will only be exacerbated.
 
In recent weeks and months, our campus leaders and their teams reached out to legislators and personally showed them the results of a lack of investment in our facilities. I want to thank everyone who has participated in that process. Allowing lawmakers to see where the need lies has helped to make a much more powerful case for necessary funding than our descriptions or pictures ever could.
 
I encourage you to tune in to our testimony via the committee's YouTube channel or CT-N, read the materials we are presenting, and to submit written testimony of your own in support of SB 1246. Your voice can make a real difference.
 

• CGA Finance, Revenue, and Bonding Committee YouTube Channel (YouTube)
• CT-N Livestream (ct-n.com)
• CSCU’s Presentation (PDF)
• Submit Written Testimony (cga.ct.gov)

I will continue to keep you updated as the legislative session progresses.
 
Sincerely,
 
Terrence Cheng
President, CSCU

Dear CSCU community,

Today, on Transgender Day of Visibility, we come together to celebrate our trans colleagues and students for their incredible talents, unique perspectives, and the strength they bring to our community. As CSCU president, I recognize the importance of uplifting and supporting our trans community, and I am committed to trans inclusivity.

There is no doubt that this is a difficult time to be a trans, nonbinary, or gender nonconforming person. Despite living in a state with some of the most inclusive laws and policies in the country, we are still seeing proposed legislation here in Connecticut that seeks to strip trans people of their humanity. It is, sadly, part of a movement around the country to attack some of society's marginalized groups. To me, this is unacceptable and goes against all for which we stand.

My office recognizes the importance of celebrating our differences and embracing diversity in all its forms. We will continue to work with each of our institutions and campuses within CSCU to continue to fight for trans rights. The Board of Regents has consistently supported trans-inclusive policies, and we will do everything we can to confront divisive rhetoric and legislation that would harm those who are already marginalized.

Today, and every day, we offer love and support to our trans community. We recognize the struggles you face and the challenges you overcome, and we honor your resilience and courage. We celebrate your uniqueness and contributions to our community and commit to creating a safe and inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.

Sincerely,

Terrence Cheng
President, CSCU

Dear CSCU Community,

As you may have heard, beginning June 1, Dr. Dwayne Smith will assume the role of interim president of Southern Connecticut State University. Since 2020, Dr. Smith has served as campus CEO of Housatonic Community College, where he has brought unparalleled energy and passion to the job, immersing himself in the Bridgeport community and tirelessly advocating for the campus and its students.

Dr. Smith has deep academic experience at the university level, both as a faculty member and an administrator. Before coming to Housatonic, he served as interim president Harris-Stowe State University in St. Louis, Missouri, following his successful 13-years as that institution’s provost. Previously, Dr. Smith served as an assistant vice president of academic affairs at Avila University in Kansas City, Missouri. He was also associate vice president for enrollment management and assistant professor of education at Park University in Parkville, Missouri, a faculty member in the graduate school of Education at the University of Missouri Columbia, and an associate dean of multicultural affairs, at Truman State University in Kirksville, Missouri, where he created the university’s first diversity department.

Throughout his career, he has helped secure more than $16 million in external funding. He has received numerous awards and honors for his service to the community – including being recognized as one of the Connecticut NAACP’s 100 Most Influential Blacks in Connecticut in 2021. He is a sought-after presenter at academic conferences. And he has been heavily involved in academic committee work. In short, he has the skill and experience to be a highly successful leader for the Southern community.

Perhaps most importantly, he is deeply committed to the university’s mission as a social justice institution. He understands the transformational power of public higher education and the awesome responsibility that comes with educating our students.

In coming to this decision, I spoke at length with President Joe Bertolino, who recommended Dr. Smith without hesitation. I am fully confident that Dr. Smith’s immense higher education skills, scholarship, and experience, as well as his infectious enthusiasm will serve Southern well, and I hope you will join me in giving him a warm welcome to campus.

Terrence Cheng 
President, CSCU 

Dear CSCU Community:

I am writing to commemorate International Women's Day, which is celebrated annually on March 8, to recognize the contributions and achievements of women in all spheres of life. This year's theme, #EmbraceEquity, aligns with our organizational mission of opportunity and social mobility.
 

• International Women's Day 2023 campaign theme: #EmbraceEquity (internationalwomensday.com)

Today, and every day, we should celebrate the hard work and dedication of all the women in our community who inspire us with their strength, resilience, and determination to succeed.
 
It is important to point out that International Women's Day is not just a recognition of cisgender women. Trans women are women. They are our friends, colleagues, students, and members of our community who have been traditionally left out and, sadly, continue to be attacked across the country, and even in our own state, by divisive agendas and harmful policies that are meant to marginalize and dehumanize.

The theme of #EmbraceEquity is a call to action for us all to strive for a more just and equal world, where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their gender, race, sexual orientation, or any other aspect of their identity; a world where women, including trans women, can live without fear of discrimination or violence, where their voices are heard and their contributions are valued.

As we celebrate International Women's Day, let us reflect on the progress we have made in advancing gender equity and acknowledge that there is still work to be done. Women continue to face obstacles to accessing education, health care, and economic opportunities, and these disparities are even more pronounced for women of color, women with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ women.

Let us also pay tribute to the many women leaders who shape our system and state. More than half of our campus leaders are women, and nearly 60 percent of our overall employees identify as female. We are stronger because we endeavor to embrace diverse perspectives and learn from people's lived experiences.

Just one example of an inspirational woman whose strength and perspective adds much to our system's cultural fabric is Sara Niazai, a student at Gateway Community College who was recognized in Governor Lamont's State of the State address in January. Sara is originally from Afghanistan, where women and girls are excluded from educational opportunities under Taliban rule. We are so fortunate that people like Sara have chosen CSCU, and it is our duty and responsibility to support her, those like her, and all our students in their educational journeys.

Wishing all of you a meaningful International Women's Day.

Sincerely,

Terrence Cheng
President, CSCU

Dear CSCU Community,

Several events during the past week have been horrifying and traumatizing. Every day, it seems, we have woken up to breaking news, with videos, of the painful and implausible. I won’t run through the litany of attacks—but like many of you, they have disturbed me and made me angry, and sorrowful. I have worried that we are becoming anesthetized to such wretched and callous violence, and the brazen disregard for humanity. It is hard to process and reconcile all of this, when we know there are so many in the world trying to do good.

I will say this about the murder of Tyre Nichols: he should be alive today. I am crushed for his family and loved ones. I am sorry that more than two and a half years since the murder of George Floyd, it feels in these moments as if nothing has changed. Though I have read the reporting and accounts, I have not watched the video (or the other videos that have been made public recently). I have made this decision to protect my own mental and emotional health. 

During hard times like these, I implore all of us to do what we need to take care of ourselves. Across CSCU, services are available through employee assistance programs on our campuses and at the system office. I encourage anyone who needs support to take advantage of these services by reaching out to your human resources office.

I believe it is natural to feel helpless; and seeking help is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of strength. We have to be strong to do what we can to help ourselves and others, and move forward. We may start with recommitting to our social justice-driven work, or engaging in advocacy or research to reduce gun violence. We can come together as a community and support our colleagues who are hurting, so let us offer empathy and friendship. Through unity and compassion, we will continue to face down such trials, and grow stronger and heal together.

Thank you for listening, for taking care of yourselves, and for being there for one another.

Sincerely,
Terrence Cheng
President, CSCU

Dear CSCU Community, 

Today, I will present to the legislature and release to the public CSCU 2030, a vision for a generational state investment in our public institutions of higher education. CSCU is an incredible asset to the state. We serve 85,000 students and have an $11 billion annual impact on the state’s economy. We are the primary engine for social mobility and workforce development in the state, and we provide world class education to students from all backgrounds.  

The state has been generous with its funding, yet because of skyrocketing fringe benefit costs coupled with significant inflation, our operating funds have been compressed for the past 15 years.  

[Pres. Cheng: Introducing CSCU 2030 (YouTube)]   

To meet these challenges and do the work of the state and its citizens at the highest and most effective level, CSCU 2030 contains two specific proposals.  

First, it seeks to drive enrollment and meet state workforce goals through investments in affordability, student supports and wrap-around services, and innovative and expanded academic programs. CSCU is proposing state support increases of $54.3 and $127.8 million over FY2023 levels in the new biennium, with support sustained through FY2030.   

• PACT Expansion: Providing free college to all community college students and more than 7,000 university students per year, to matriculate in high-demand, state-priority programs and fields.  
• Student Supports and Wrap-Around Services: Addressing the most prevalent barriers to student success with academic and professional support, and mental health, transportation, food, and housing services. 
• Workforce and Academic Innovation: Prepare students to help fill Connecticut’s 100,000 job vacancies by expanding existing programs and developing new credentials to match industry demands in key areas as outlined by the Governor’s Workforce Council report.  

Second, it seeks to provide CSCU’s students with modern facilities and updated technology, laboratories and classrooms. The CSCU 2030 capital project program proposes $2.21 billion in investments over seven years to make all CSCU campuses safer, more accessible, and more sustainable. 

• Expanded Transportation Jobs Center at Gateway.  
• Updated facility for Capital.  
• Upgrades to buildings at Middlesex and Naugatuck Valley. 
• Improvements to academic and student support buildings at all state universities, including Welte Hall at Central, the health and wellness center at Eastern, Morill Hall at Southern, and the Berkshire Hall Innovation Center at Western.  
• Technology upgrades to increase productivity, innovation and security.  

This is a big, bold, and ambitious vision for the future of our system, one that will allow CSCU to innovate as we evolve, transform how we support our diverse and aspiring students and our talented faculty, staff and leadership. It rebuilds, updates, and refreshes our important but aging infrastructure. I am encouraged by the positive feedback we have received in preliminary conversations with our legislative and administration partners.  

In coming months, I look forward to working with our institutional leaders, our collective bargaining units, and all of you to make CSCU 2030 a reality. 

The detailed version of the CSCU 2030 proposal is available in its entirety at ct.edu/cscu2030. I encourage you to take a few minutes to read the document and reach out to me directly if you would like to get involved in our advocacy efforts. 

Our students and employees are worthy of this investment.  

Sincerely, 

Terrence Cheng 
President, CSCU  

• Read the CSCU 2030 proposal (PDF) 
• View Detailed Capital Request (PDF) 
• View President Cheng’s introductory video (YouTube)  

Dear CSCU Community,

This Monday, we celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. We are reminded of the dreams, actions, and contributions of one remarkable man and the movement he inspired to fight for social justice and civil rights.

Along with Dr. King, we recognize and honor the bravery of the people who marched alongside him and those who took to the street in pursuit of his vision, folks whose names we do not know, who faced tear gas, attack dogs, fire hoses, and other vicious weapons fueled by hate and racism. Their stoicism in the face of unspeakable violence spurred a reluctant Congress to do the right thing and pass landmark reforms. Because of them, we have seen real progress.

Of course, many of Dr. King’s dreams remain unfulfilled. Unacceptable inequities continue to exist. While they present themselves differently, the forces behind the outright violence of the 1960s continue to exist and manifest in so many ways. And so, we continue to fight for progress and change today, and beyond.

All of us have a role to play in making our state and country better. The relentless pursuit of equity is core to who we are as a system and is central to the Board of Regents’ recently-passed strategic vision. As institutions that serve a diverse and diversifying student body, we can make a real difference in creating real opportunities – and we take that responsibility very seriously. We are just a small part of the solution, but we can make an outsized difference.

In coming weeks, I will share information on new plans that will help our system do more to close the equity gap, and we will offer more opportunities to learn about how our own actions can create a more diverse, equitable and inclusive work environment, starting with mandatory trainings to help managers use their positions of power to create positive change throughout our organization.

This MLK weekend, I hope you are able to relax and recharge. If volunteering is your thing, there are plenty of great opportunities this weekend at nonprofits throughout the state. In any case, I look forward to seeing you as we work toward the beginning of the spring semester.

Sincerely,

Terrence Cheng
President, CSCU