Celebrating the Launch of Connecticut’s Quantum Workforce Hub at Southern

Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU) officially opened the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities Center for Quantum and Nanotechnology (QNT) with a ribbon cutting that brought together state leaders, industry partners, faculty, and students. The QNT Center positions the university and state at the forefront of the next technological revolution and serves as both a research hub and workforce engine, preparing students to engage with fields such as quantum computing, nanomaterials, and advanced manufacturing. The program featured remarks from Governor Ned Lamont, Southern Connecticut State University Interim President Sandra Bulmer, CSCU Interim Chancellor John Maduko, representatives from QuantumCT, and state officials, along with a student research showcase and guided lab tours.

Pictured from left are: Crossby Dessalines, a senior and research fellow who transferred to Southern from CT State Naugatuck Valley; Maggie Blanchard, a junior double majoring in physics-engineering and applied mathematics; Chancellor Maduko; Governor Ned Lamont; Dr. Al Green; Marty Guay, chair, Connecticut Board of Regents; Dr. Sandra Bulmer, SCSU interim President; Dr. Julia Irwin, SCSU interim provost and vice president of Academic Affairs; and Dr. Christine Broadbridge, founding director for the center, SCSU executive director of Research and Innovation, and member of the QuantumCT leadership team.

CSCU Embarks on the Charter Oak State College, Business-Higher Education Forum, and Axim Collaborative Expand AI Academy to Empower Connecticut’s Small Businesses and K-12 Districts

Charter Oak State College, in partnership with the Business-Higher Education Forum (BHEF) and Axim Collaborative, announced the expansion of its AI Academy at an event held at the Connecticut Science Center. This initiative delivers specialized Artificial Intelligence (AI) training that connects learners directly to workforce needs using the Open edX platform. Through this partnership, Charter Oak learners, job seekers, educators, and employees of small and mid-sized businesses will gain new pathways to in-demand careers. Simultaneously, the Academy is launching a dedicated pathway for K-12 school districts, focusing on an AI mindset and strategic deployment.

Speakers at the CT AI Academy event included: CSCU Interim Chancellor John Maduko; Lt. Governor Susan Byseiwicz; Marty Guay, chair, Connecticut Board of Regents; Dr. David Ferreira, provost, Charter Oak State College; Dr. Kelli-Marie Vallieres, chief workforce officer, Office of Workforce Strategy; Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam; Stephanie Khurana, CEO, Axim Collaborative; Kristen Fox, CEO, Business-Higher Education Forum; Matt Fleury, president and CEO, Connecticut Science Center; Danielle Cloud, CBIA policy director; Jon Bishop, assistant superintendent, Canton Public Schools; and State Senator James Maroney sent video remarks.

(From left to right): Jennifer Thornton, SVP and Chief Programs Officer for the Business-Higher Education Forum; Kristen Fox, CEO of the Business-Higher Education Forum; Nancy Taylor, Director of Workforce Development for Charter Oak State College; Dr. Dave Ferreira, Provost of Charter Oak State College; Charter Oak State College President Ed Klonoski; Stephanie Khurana, CEO of Axim Collaborative; and Nicole Fadavi Snyder, Vice President of Partnerships for Axim Collaborative, attend an event at the Connecticut Science Center announcing the expansion of Charter Oak's AI Academy. 

WestConn’s Presidential Inauguration of Dr. Jesse M. Bernal

Western Connecticut State University inaugurated Jesse M. Bernal, Ph.D. , as its 10th president on Friday, March 27. This occasion was marked by two days of events that celebrated the campus community and the future of WestConn.

The inauguration began with the WestConn Presidential Inaugural Gala Thursday, March 26, hosted by the WestConn Foundation, serving as a fundraising celebration in support of the university’s mission and student success.

The celebration continued on Friday, March 27, with a series of on-campus inaugural events, highlighted by the formal Investiture Ceremony, in which Governor Ned Lamont helped swear in President Bernal.

Governor Proclaims Community College Month, Highlighting Impact of CT State

Governor Ned Lamont has proclaimed April as Community College Month in Connecticut, recognizing the role of Connecticut State Community College (CT State) in expanding affordable higher education and career training for nearly 65,000 students each year across its 12 campuses.

“A strong economy starts with a strong education system, and that’s exactly what we’ve been focused on successfully building here in Connecticut,” said Governor Ned Lamont. “Connecticut State Community College continues to make meaningful strides by expanding career-focused programs, strengthening connections with local employers, and creating more flexible, affordable options for students. That progress is helping position Connecticut to have one of the most skilled and competitive workforces in the country, while opening doors to good-paying, long-term careers.”

Central Nursing Students work with Patients in Puerto Rico during Spring Break

A group of eight Central Connecticut State University nursing students enrolled in Central’s new Spanish Certificate for Health Professionals, traveled to the University of Puerto Rico’s Medical Sciences Campus in San Juan from March 16 to 21 for an immersive experiential learning program. Accompanied by faculty members Dr. Rocío Fuentes and Dr. Lourdes Casas, the students engaged directly with healthcare professionals and patients in a fully Spanish-speaking environment.

CT State Announces New Dental Assistant Program at Gateway

Connecticut State Community College (CT State) launched a new noncredit dental assistant program at CT State Gateway, during Dental Assistants Recognition Week. Dental assistant responsibilities include preparing patients for procedures, sterilizing instruments, taking dental X-rays, and supporting administrative.

Eastern President Ismaili Advocates for University in Washington, D.C.

During several trips to Washington, D.C. this semester, Eastern Connecticut State University President Karim Ismaili has advocated for Eastern at a time when higher education faces historic challenges. By strengthening the university’s connections with national organizations and federal lawmakers, his efforts make Eastern a constructive voice in imperative conversations about the future of higher education.

Pictured are AAC&U President's Trust Symposium panelists (left to right): Lynn Pasquerella, president of the American Association of Colleges & Universities (AAC&U); Karim Ismaili, president of Eastern Connecticut State University; Brian Rosenberg, president emeritus of Macalester College; Steven Poskanzer, president emeritus of Carleton College; and Pam Eddinger, president of Bunker Hill Community College.

Southern’s New Center for Police Social Work Formalizes a Growing National Field

Southern Connecticut State University has officially established the Center for Police Social Work, transforming what began as a pilot initiative into a permanent academic and community-based hub for training, research, and workforce development.

The center builds upon the success of the Social Work and Law Enforcement (SWLE) Project, co-founded in 2020 by Isabel Logan, associate professor of social work, in response to Connecticut’s Public Act 20-1 — sweeping police accountability legislation passed following the deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor.

American Job Center Opens at WestConn, Expanding Opportunity for Learners and Employers

Western Connecticut State University celebrated the ribbon cutting for the American Job Center’s new location on the university’s Midtown campus, marking a new partnership among WestConn, the Northwest Regional Workforce Investment Board, and the American Job Center. WestConn President Jesse Bernal (third from right) joined Danbury Mayor Roberto Alves; Catherine Awwad, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Northwest Regional Workforce Investment Board; representatives from the American Job Center; and WestConn faculty, staff, students, community partners, and state elected officials for the ribbon cutting.

CT State Naugatuck Valley Hosts the 2026 CT Open Educational Resources Summit

On March 13, 2026, over 100 people in Connecticut’s higher education community visited CT State Community College Naugatuck Valley to attend the seventh annual Open Educational Resources (OER) Summit. Sponsored by the CT OER Coordinating Council, the event explored how OER (free, high-quality alternatives to traditional textbooks) can make a college degree a more affordable and open experience for students.

The summit featured a keynote presentation by Dr. David Wiley, an Associate Professor at Marshall University and one of the founders of the OER movement. Dr. Wiley explored how AI is poised to reshape how OER are created and adopted. The summit also featured lightning talks, breakout sessions, and updates from the CT OER Coordinating Council.

Visit the event’s agenda page for additional information including links to presentation slides.

Pictured (left to right) Tiara Arnold, Research Services Coordinator, Fairfield University; Jaime Hammond, Director of Library Services, CT State Naugatuck Valley; Patrick Carr, Chair of the CT OER Coordinating Council; Amy Tan, Vice Provost of Academic Affairs, CT State Community College; David Wiley, Associate Professor at Marshall University

New Grant to Infuse Nursing Education with Critical Emotional Intelligence and “Soft Skills” Training

Southern Connecticut State University received a $210,000 grant award from the Davis Educational Foundation to infuse nursing education with the critical emotional intelligence and “soft skills” training needed to support patients, their coworkers, and themselves. The training will take place through Southern’s Sim Lab within the College of Health and Human Services building.

Eastern Students Bring Tax Savings to Willimantic Residents

Students from Eastern Connecticut State University’s College of Business are providing cost-free tax preparation services to local community members through the IRS’ Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program (VITA) this tax season. Willimantic’s VITA site is a partnership between Eastern’s Small Business Resource Center, United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut, and The Village for Families and Children. The location is staffed by 18 student volunteers who completed IRS tax certification and provide income-tax preparation services to community members. Pictured is site coordinator Ian Kim assisting a community member with tax filing.

CT State Holds Open Houses Throughout Connecticut

Connecticut State Community College (CT State) will hold Open Houses at 12 locations throughout Connecticut in April for those interested in learning about becoming a CT State student, and touring campuses to learn about degree and certificate programs, financial aid, the free tuition program, and admissions.