CSCU Communications

Jun 04, 2026

State Bond Commission Approves $32 Million in Bonding to Support Projects Across CSCU

Dear CSCU Community,

We are pleased to share that the Connecticut State Bond Commission recently approved $32 million in bonding to support critical deferred maintenance, code compliance, and infrastructure projects across our colleges and universities.

Many of our facilities were constructed decades ago and no longer meet current technological or operational standards. These investments will allow us to modernize classrooms, labs, and student spaces, improve safety, and strengthen the infrastructure that supports teaching and learning across the system.

By upgrading our facilities, we are enhancing our ability to prepare students for success, meet regional workforce needs, and contribute to Connecticut’s economic growth. These improvements will help create more engaging, supportive environments that promote student learning, persistence, and completion.

These investments are not just about buildings, they are about our students and the future of our state.

We are grateful to Governor Lamont, the State Bond Commission, and members of the legislature’s Finance, Bonding, and Revenue Committee for their continued partnership and commitment to CSCU and the students we serve.

We look forward to working with our campus communities as these projects move forward.

May 29, 2026

Update from Board of Regents Interim Chair Santiago

Dear CSCU Community,

The Connecticut Board of Regents for Higher Education today announced that Karen Buffkin, General Counsel of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) system, has been placed on administrative leave effective immediately, pending the outcome of the comprehensive third-party, independent review.

The Board of Regents is continuing to advance the independent review related to the ongoing matter involving the former interim chancellor. CSCU issued a public Request for Proposals through the Department of Administrative Services to identify a qualified firm to conduct a thorough assessment of the system’s response, including whether established procedures and best practices were followed and whether any related patterns of conduct exist.

The submission period closed on May 18. CSCU’s Office of Compliance, in collaboration with the Chairs of the Board’s Audit and Human Resources Committees, has reviewed all qualifying proposals. The Board is now in the final stages of selecting a firm and expects to make an announcement shortly.

Our goal is to ensure a thorough, fair, and objective review process. This includes developing a complete understanding of what occurred, ensuring that all perspectives are heard, and identifying any actions or improvements needed to strengthen our policies, procedures, and reporting mechanisms.

The Board anticipates receiving an initial report by June 30 and will provide updates as the review progresses. The findings will be made public upon completion.

Dr. Lloyd Blanchard, who for three years has been serving in the role of Interim Vice President for Administration and Chief Financial Officer for CSCU, will serve as the administrative lead for the system until Natalie Braswell begins her role as Interim Chancellor of CSCU on June 15.

Sincerely,

Ari Santiago,
Interim Chair of the Connecticut Board of Regents for Higher Education

May 27, 2026

Message from the BOR Interim Chair

Dear CSCU Community,

I want to address the recent votes of no confidence adopted by our institutional senates regarding CSCU system leadership and the Board of Regents.

The Board recognizes the seriousness of this action and understands that it reflects deep frustration and concern among members of the CSCU community. We do not dismiss those concerns, and we know that rebuilding trust will require listening, engagement, accountability, and action.

The Board of Regents, faculty, and staff, share a common commitment to the success of the learners we serve. We see that shared commitment in the more than 12,000 students graduating this month, the Board’s new general education transfer credit policy, and the 7% enrollment increase realized in 2025.

The Board also shares the urgent desire for concrete answers regarding recent events and broader concerns about leadership, accountability, governance, communication, and trust. That is why steps are already being taken to conduct a thorough and independent review. The findings will be made public so faculty, staff, students, policymakers, and the broader public receive the transparency they need and deserve.

Transparency is essential, but it is only one part of the work ahead. The Board is committed to using the facts developed through this process to determine what actions are necessary. We are also committed to listening directly to institutional leaders, shared governance bodies, faculty, staff, and students across the system.

CSCU’s mission is too important for us to avoid difficult conversations or delay needed action. Our responsibility is to ensure that the system supports its institutions, strengthens student success, and operates with accountability to the people and communities we serve.

I know trust cannot be restored through one message. It must be earned through consistent action over time. I accept this responsibility and am committed to moving forward with transparency, accountability, action, and a renewed focus on students.

Sincerely,

Ari Santiago
Interim Chair, Connecticut Board of Regents for Higher Education

May 27, 2026

Update from the Board of Regents

Dear CSCU Community,

The Board of Regents has been informed that an additional individual has come forward with allegations of misconduct involving the former interim chancellor. We take this allegation seriously, and we are acting on it.

To anyone who has experienced or witnessed misconduct: you deserve to be heard, protected, and treated with dignity. Coming forward takes courage. The Board is grateful for that courage, and we are committed to ensuring that no one faces retaliation for speaking up. Retaliation against anyone who reports misconduct, participates in a review, or raises concerns will not be tolerated - period.

If you are experiencing difficulties and would like confidential support, our Employee Assistance Program partners are available 24/7 at no cost:

• Connecticut State Community College, Central Connecticut State University, Southern Connecticut State University, and System Office employees: The Lexington Group — 1-800-676-4357
• Charter Oak State College employees: UConn Health EAP — 860-679-2877
• Eastern Connecticut State University and Western Connecticut State University employees: Solutions EAP — 1-800-526-3485

If you have experienced or witnessed misconduct, please report the incident. Information about available reporting channels can be found through your institution’s Title IX office, Human Resources office, or the CSCU System Office.

CSCU issued a public Request for Proposals through the Department of Administrative Services' portal to identify an independent third-party firm to conduct a comprehensive review of all known allegations, any related patterns of conduct, and CSCU's institutional response. The submission period closed on May 18 and CSCU’s Office of Compliance, together with the Chairs of the Board of Regents’ Audit and Human Resources Committees, reviewed all qualifying proposals. The Board is in the final stages of selecting a firm and will announce it soon.

The review will assess how concerns were reported, whether established procedures were followed, whether appropriate action was taken, and whether there is any ongoing harm that must be addressed. Consistent with the Board’s prior authorization, an initial review will be reported to the Board of Regents by June 30, 2026. The Board will provide updates as the process moves forward, and findings will be made public upon completion.

The former interim chancellor’s departure does not end the Board’s responsibility. We are committed to determining the full truth of what occurred, whether the institution responded appropriately, and what corrective actions and reforms are necessary. The public, our students, faculty, and staff deserve answers, and so do we.

We remain committed to transparency, accountability, and ensuring that every member of the CSCU community can learn and work in an environment grounded in safety, respect, and trust. 

May 26, 2026

CT Board of Regents for Higher Education Appoints Natalie Braswell as Interim Chancellor of CSCU

Dear CSCU Community,

The Connecticut Board of Regents for Higher Education today announced the appointment of Natalie Braswell as interim chancellor of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) system.

Natalie currently serves as General Counsel to Governor Ned Lamont and brings extensive leadership experience across state government, including a strong track record of guiding organizations through periods of transition and challenge.

Over the last three years as Governor Lamont’s General Counsel, she has advised the administration on some of the state’s most significant legal, policy, and operational issues, and has played a key role in efforts to diversify the state’s judicial bench.

Prior to joining the Governor’s Office, Natalie served as Connecticut’s State Comptroller, after being appointed to the role following the resignation of former Comptroller Kevin Lembo due to a serious medical condition. She also served as Chief of Planning, Legal, and Regulatory Affairs at the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP).

Natalie earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political sciences and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Connecticut, and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Connecticut School of Law. She also taught legal practice as an adjunct professor at UConn Law and served on the school’s foundation board and its Diversity, Equity and Belonging Committee.

Natalie will serve as interim chancellor for one year while CSCU conducts a national search for a permanent system leader beginning in Fall 2026. In this role, she will manage strategic leadership and operations for Connecticut’s public higher education system, including the four state universities, Charter Oak State College, and Connecticut State Community College.

As interim chancellor, Natalie will also help oversee the completion of an independent review examining all known facts related to the former interim chancellor’s conduct and CSCU’s response to reports of alleged misconduct, including whether system policies, procedures, and best practices were appropriately followed. The review is expected to conclude within three months, and its findings will be made public upon completion.

May 22, 2026

Ari Santiago Selected as Interim Chair of the Connecticut Board of Regents

Dear CSCU Community,

Today, Governor Ned Lamont announced the selection of Ari Santiago to serve as interim chair of the Connecticut Board of Regents for Higher Education.

Ari has served on the Board of Regents since 2020 as a gubernatorial appointee. He currently serves as vice chair of the board’s Finance and Infrastructure Committee and is a member of its Technology Committee.

“I joined the CSCU Board of Regents because I believe deeply in what this system can do for students, for communities, and for Connecticut's economy,” said Ari. “I am accepting this role with clear eyes. The events of recent weeks have been troubling, and the public, and especially our students, deserve better. Let me be direct: the independent investigation being started must proceed with full transparency and without interference and, following it, any necessary changes will be made. That work will not wait."

"At the same time, this board cannot be defined solely by what has gone wrong. CSCU educates the next generation of Connecticut's citizens and workforce, and I intend to make sure we are doing that job at the highest possible level. I am honored to accept this role and ready to get to work,” he said.

In addition to his service on the Board of Regents, Ari has built a career as an entrepreneur, executive, and advisor focused on technology-driven solutions for small and midsize businesses.

In 2002, Ari founded the technology management company IT Direct, growing it into Connecticut's largest pure-play managed services provider. Under his leadership, the company was recognized for seven consecutive years on the Inc. 5000 list of America’s fastest-growing companies and was repeatedly named as one of Connecticut's best places to work by the Hartford Business Journal.

Following IT Direct's acquisition by CompassMSP in 2020, Ari became CEO of the combined organization and continued in that role through 2025. During his tenure, he scaled the organization to more than 350 team members, and the organization was recognized on Inc. 5000 (2022) and the Connecticut Technology Council’s Tech Top 40. Following the acquisition of CompassMSP by Agellus Capital in 2025, Ari was appointed as an advisor to CompassMSP, and he continues to provide the company with counsel on growth, culture, and client relationships.

CSCU serves the largest student population in Connecticut, with 16 campuses and more than 17 million square feet of facilities statewide. During the 2024–25 academic year, CSCU served nearly 100,000 learners and awarded more than 13,000 degrees and certificates. More than 80% of graduates from the state universities, CT State Community College, and Charter Oak State College remain in Connecticut to live and work, underscoring CSCU’s vital role in strengthening the state’s workforce and economy.

One of the greatest strengths of Connecticut’s public higher education system is its ability to create seamless pathways for students — from workforce certificates and associate degrees to bachelor’s degree completion and beyond. As an integrated system, CSCU is uniquely positioned to help students advance successfully through every stage of their educational journey.

Please join us in welcoming Ari to this leadership role.

May 18, 2026

Statement from Marty Guay, Chair of the Board of Regents

Dear CSCU Community,

After much reflection, I have submitted my resignation as Chair of the Board of Regents, effective immediately.

I am grateful to Governor Lamont for the trust he placed in me to help lead Connecticut’s public higher education system and to serve our students, faculty, staff, and campus communities across the state.

I leave this role with deep pride in what we have accomplished together. Throughout my tenure, our focus has remained clear: expanding access, strengthening opportunity, and helping more Connecticut students succeed. I am proud of the progress we made on behalf of our students, and I know that work will continue.

This August, I will begin a year-long fellowship in Harvard University’s Advanced Leadership Initiative. While I had originally planned to transition from my role as chair later this year, I have decided now is the right time to step aside and allow the Board and the CSCU system to move forward focused on the important work ahead.

The Board of Regents and I are in full support of the independent review process currently underway, and I am confident it will be conducted thoroughly and transparently.

Our colleges and universities are powered by great faculty, staff, and leadership who are committed to student outcomes. I wish our institutional presidents, faculty, staff, and especially our students continued success in the years ahead.

With appreciation,

Marty Guay

May 15, 2026

BOR Update from Chair Guay

Dear CSCU Community,

The safety of our campus communities remains our highest priority. Today, the Board of Regents will release records to members of the media in response to requests concerning the circumstances surrounding the former interim chancellor’s resignation. As a public higher education system, we have a responsibility to be transparent and accountable.

The alleged conduct of sexual harassment against the former interim chancellor implicates our Title IX and non-discrimination policy. The Board of Regents and CSCU take all allegations of sexual harassment with the utmost seriousness. This type of alleged behavior is unacceptable and inconsistent with our values, and it will not be tolerated.

The Board has initiated an independent review of all known facts related to the former interim Chancellor’s conduct to determine whether there is any ongoing harm that can be addressed. The review will also analyze our institutional response to the disclosure of alleged misconduct to determine whether it was consistent with internal and external best practices.

The Board is also directing CSCU’s Chief Compliance Officer to design and implement a system-wide communication plan with the goal of continuing to increase awareness and remind the CSCU community about relevant available reporting mechanisms, the processes through which reports are resolved, and available support for impacted parties. This review is a critical step in ensuring accountability and helping prevent situations like this from occurring again.

At the same time, I want to be clear: our priority remains unchanged. The safety and well-being of our campus communities is paramount, and our focus continues to be on supporting our students, faculty, and staff.

The strength of CSCU lies in its people and in the work happening every day across our colleges and universities. That work - teaching, learning, research, and student support - continues without interruption.

The Board is taking steps to ensure steady interim leadership during this transition and will move forward with a national search for a permanent chancellor later this year.

We recognize that many of you may have questions. While we must respect the integrity of the independent review process, we are committed to sharing additional information as it becomes available.

Marty Guay,
Chair of the Connecticut Board of Regents

May 07, 2026

Making a Difference Every Day: Celebrating Public Service Recognition Week and Teacher Appreciation Week

The Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) system proudly joins organizations across the nation in recognizing Public Service Recognition Week and Teacher Appreciation Week. These observances provide an opportunity to celebrate the extraordinary individuals across our system whose work changes lives every day.

Led nationally by the Partnership for Public Service, Public Service Recognition Week highlights the dedication and impact of public servants whose efforts strengthen communities and expand opportunity. Teacher Appreciation Week similarly recognizes the educators, mentors, and role models who inspire students and help shape their futures.

We take this opportunity to recognize and celebrate faculty and staff across the CSCU system whose commitment to students, colleagues, and Connecticut residents reflects the very best of public service and education.

Together, these celebrations are a reminder of the essential role educators and public servants play in building stronger communities and creating pathways to success across our state and beyond.

Thank you for the dedication and excellence you bring to the CSCU system every day. 

May 04, 2026

The Board of Regents Adopts Resolution Initiating an Independent Review of the Circumstances, Response, and Remediation Regarding the Interim Chancellor's Resignation

Dear CSCU Community,

As Connecticut’s public system of higher education, we recognize that transparency, accountability, and public trust are essential to our mission. We understand that there are important questions surrounding the circumstances that led to the former interim chancellor’s resignation. Our students, faculty, staff, and the people of Connecticut deserve clear answers, and we are committed to providing them.

To that end, the Board of Regents is engaging an outside firm to conduct an independent review of all known facts related to the former interim Chancellor’s conduct to determine whether there is any ongoing harm that can be addressed. The review will also analyze our institutional response to the disclosure of alleged misconduct to determine whether it was consistent with internal and external best practices.

The Board is also directing CSCU’s Chief Compliance Officer to design and implement a system-wide communication plan to remind the CSCU community about relevant available reporting mechanisms, the processes through which reports are resolved, and available support for impacted parties.

Throughout the review, the Chief Compliance Officer will report any recommendations for policy, process, and educational improvements, as well as monitoring for future action by the Board. An initial update will be provided to the Board during its June 30 meeting with subsequent reports being delivered bimonthly depending on the time-sensitivity of the subject.

This step is necessary to ensure accountability, to establish a clear understanding of what occurred, and to help prevent situations like this from happening again.

At the same time, we are focused on maintaining stability and continuity across our six colleges and universities, particularly during one of the busiest and most meaningful times of the academic year. Campus operations are continuing as normal.

The strength and stability of our institutions come from the people in this community and the work we do every day, not from any one individual.

We are taking deliberate steps to ensure strong interim leadership and are working to identify an individual who can provide steady, effective governance during this transition.

The Board will launch a national search for a permanent chancellor later this year. I have appointed Vice Chair Juanita James to lead this effort, with the support of Regents Ira Bloom and Don Williams. By our next regularly scheduled Board meeting, we will have a clear and actionable search plan, including a timeline for selecting a search firm, forming the search committee, and opening the application process.

This search will be thorough, inclusive, and focused on identifying a leader who can strengthen our system and move CSCU forward.

We are committed to keeping you informed as this process moves forward and to sharing additional information as it becomes available and appropriate.

Thank you for your continued dedication to our students and to one another during this time.

Marty Guay,
Chair of the Connecticut Board of Regents

Apr 25, 2026

Update from BOR Chair Marty Guay

Dear CSCU Community,

The Connecticut Board of Regents for Higher Education has accepted the resignation of Interim Chancellor O. John Maduko, effective April 24, 2026.

On April 20, Dr. Maduko was noticed that he was the subject of a complaint that he violated policy and an investigation would be initiated. On April 23, Dr. Maduko was placed on administrative leave.

The Board remains focused on the effective operation of the system and continued support for its students, faculty, staff, and institutions. General Counsel Karen Buffkin will serve in an acting leadership role to ensure continuity of operations while the Board determines next steps in the selection of new leadership.

As previously announced, the Board will launch a national search for a permanent chancellor, which will take place later this year. Chair Marty Guay has designated Vice Chair Juanita James to lead the search. Regent James will be assisted by Regents Ira Bloom and Don Williams.

The Board’s commitment remains unchanged: the stability of the system and to support its students, faculty, staff, and colleges and universities.

Feb 25, 2026

Launch of Presidential Search for Charter Oak State College

Dear CSCU Colleagues,

I am pleased to announce the launch of a national search for the next President of Charter Oak State College, Connecticut’s only public online college.

We are committed to conducting an inclusive and transparent search process that engages the full Charter Oak community. In the coming weeks, we will be hosting virtual listening sessions to gather input from the Charter Oak community about the qualities, experience, and leadership attributes most important in the College’s next president. This feedback will inform the development of a leadership profile that will guide recruitment and candidate evaluation.

The Search Committee will be chaired by Eastern Connecticut State University President Dr. Karim Ismaili with the executive search firm Greenwood Asher & Associates facilitating the process. Committee membership includes representatives from key Charter Oak constituencies to ensure the needs and priorities of the entire College community are well-represented throughout the search process.

I want to express my sincere gratitude to President Ed Klonoski for his 18 years of dedicated leadership. President Klonoski joined Charter Oak in 1997 as its 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. He also oversaw the creation of the Community College Tuition Match Scholarship Program, which enables CT State Community College (CT State) graduates to complete their bachelor’s degrees at Charter Oak at the same tuition rate they paid at CT State. 

At the center of this search is our unwavering commitment to students, ensuring they have access to equitable opportunities, a supportive environment, and the resources they need to succeed. Together, we will identify a leader who will build upon Charter Oak’s strong foundation and guide the College into its next chapter as a vital part of the CSCU system.

Thank you for your continued support and engagement in this important process. I look forward to the work ahead and the opportunities it will bring for Charter Oak and the entire CSCU system.

In partnership,

O. John Maduko, M.D.
CSCU Interim Chancellor

Feb 23, 2026

CSCU Testifies Before Appropriations Committee

Dear CSCU Community,

Yesterday, we testified before the legislature’s Appropriations Committee to reaffirm our essential role in providing an affordable, high-quality higher education to more than 100,000 students each year across our six institutions.

I want to extend my sincere thanks to our college and university presidents - Central Connecticut State University President Dr. Zulma Toro, Charter Oak State College President Ed Klonoski, CT State Community College Interim President Dr. Christina Royal, Eastern Connecticut State University President Dr. Karim Ismaili, Southern Connecticut State University Interim President Dr. Sandra Bulmer, and Western Connecticut State University President Dr. Jesse Bernal – for their strong and thoughtful advocacy.

Pictured: Wanda Warshauer. Director of Academic Services at Charter Oak State College; CSCU Interim Chancellor John Maduko; state Rep. Toni Walker, chair of the Appropriations Committee; Chelsea Neelon, senior director of government relations for CSCU; and Charter Oak State College President Ed Klonoski pose with Charter Oak students and faculty before their testimony before the Committee.

We are especially grateful to the students from across the CSCU system who shared their personal stories with the Committee. They spoke powerfully about how public higher education has transformed their lives by opening doors to meaningful careers, empowering them to give back to their communities, and shaping who they are today. By sharing your experiences, you demonstrated the profound impact our colleges and universities have as engines of access, opportunity, and social mobility.

I also want to recognize and thank the many faculty and staff for their steadfast advocacy on behalf of our institutions. Your voices, expertise, and commitment to our mission demonstrate the collective impact of our community.

Finally, I extend my sincere thanks to Mike Moriarity, Chief Financial Officer of Charter Oak State College, for his leadership in developing our fiscal narrative in partnership with the institutional CFOs. I am grateful to the CSCU System Office staff who led the development of the testimony and presentation and prepared our students for their remarks. Their hard work and dedication to our students and to the success of our colleges and universities were instrumental to our efforts.

CSCU's Testimony

• Access the presentation submitted to the Appropriations Committee.
• View the testimony of CSCU students, faculty, and staff.
• Watch CSCU's testimony.

Our testimony follows Governor Lamont’s release of his FY27 budget adjustment recommendations. With more than 70 days remaining in the 2026 legislative session, CSCU will continue working closely with our partners in the General Assembly to advocate for the restoration of proposed reductions – including for the Finish Line program – and to pursue strategic investments that strengthen our students, campuses, and workforce mission.

In partnership,

O. John Maduko, M.D.
CSCU Interim Chancellor

Feb 06, 2026

CSCU Extends Dr. Royal's Appointment as Interim President of CT State

Dear Colleagues,

I am pleased to announce the extension of Dr. Christina Royal’s appointment as interim president of Connecticut State Community College (CT State) through June 30, 2027.

Dr. Royal has served in this role since August 1, 2025. She previously served as president of Holyoke Community College and was selected as a 2024–2025 Judith Block McLaughlin President-in-Residence at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

During a pivotal period in CT State’s evolution as a unified institution, Dr. Royal’s leadership has provided stability while advancing meaningful progress. Her collaborative approach with students, faculty, staff, and partners across business, industry, and education has strengthened CT State’s role in workforce development and social mobility. Extending her appointment ensures continuity as the college builds on this momentum in service to students, families, and communities across Connecticut.

Under Dr. Royal’s leadership, CT State launched its first college-wide strategic planning process as a singly accredited institution. She established the Inaugural Strategic Planning Steering Committee to guide engagement, data collection, and recommendations aligned with the college’s mission and vision. College-wide engagement will occur in Spring 2026, with the strategic plan expected to be finalized by the end of the 2026 calendar year.

This planning effort coincides with broader institutional progress, including a landmark partnership with the Connecticut Technical Education and Career System (CTECS) to strengthen pathways from technical high schools to community college. The agreement expands dual enrollment, aligns curricula, and prepares students for high-demand careers critical to Connecticut’s workforce.

CT State has also expanded access to healthcare careers through the launch of a second practical nursing certificate program, now offered at CT State Norwalk. The four-semester program combines classroom instruction, simulation-based learning, and supervised clinical training at local healthcare facilities to address the state’s nursing shortage.

These initiatives are reflected in CT State’s growing enrollment. In Fall 2025, total student enrollment increased by 4.3 percent over the previous fall semester. Today, CT State serves more than 43,000 students statewide and is the largest community college in the Northeast.

Prior to joining CT State, Dr. Royal led Holyoke Community College, where she advanced initiatives to break cycles of generational poverty; secured one of the largest individual philanthropic gifts to a U.S. community college; led the institution’s first strategic plan; oversaw development of a Life Sciences Center; and launched a childcare program to support student parents.

Thank you for your continued dedication to our students and to the mission of CT State.

In partnership,

O. John Maduko, M.D.
CSCU Interim Chancellor

Feb 04, 2026

Start of the 2026 Legislative Session

Dear CSCU Community,

Today, the Connecticut General Assembly gaveled back in for the 2026 legislative session. This year’s “short” session runs from February 4 through May 6.

Governor Ned Lamont also released his FY 27 budget adjustment recommendations today. This proposal represents the starting point of the budget process, not the final outcome. The General Assembly will now begin its review and revision of the Governor’s recommendations in the weeks ahead.

CSCU will work closely with our partners in the General Assembly to advocate for the restoration of proposed reductions, including funding for the Finish Line program, and to pursue additional investments that support our students, campuses, and workforce mission.

Below are links related to Opening Day and the Governor’s budget proposal:

• Governor’s Proposed Budget (Pages 19–20 of the PDF include the Higher Education budget narrative)
• Governor’s Budget Address on CT-N
• Office of Policy and Management Budget Press Briefing

We will continue to keep the CSCU community informed as the legislative session and budget process move forward.

In partnership,
O. John Maduko, M.D.
CSCU Interim Chancellor

Jan 20, 2026

CSCU Forward: Building Toward 2026

Dear Colleagues,

As we begin a new semester and welcome our students back to campus, I want to thank you for your dedication and contributions over the past term. Your commitment to our students and to one another continues to shape the strength of our CSCU system.

Before we turn to the work ahead with renewed energy and focus, we are pleased to share CSCU Forward: Building Toward 2026, a new systemwide report that reflects where we are today and how we are building for the future of CSCU’s six colleges and universities.

Download a PDF of CSCU Forward: Building Toward 2026

Visit CSCU Forward: Building Toward 2026

Serving nearly 100,000 learners each year across Central Connecticut State University, Charter Oak State College, Connecticut State Community College (CT State Community College), Eastern Connecticut State University, Southern Connecticut State University, and Western Connecticut State University, CSCU remains the most accessible and affordable pathway to higher education in our state.

This report highlights our shared progress, the impact of our collective work, and the values that guide us as we look toward 2026 and beyond.

Together, we have:

Expanded access to early college opportunities through dual and concurrent enrollment;
Advanced academic innovation through new programs and strategic partnerships;
Positioned our institutions to meet Connecticut’s evolving workforce needs;
Strengthened affordability and access for students across the system; and
Enhanced accountability, transparency, and systemwide coordination.  
As we welcome students back this semester, this report also invites us to look ahead. Planning is already underway for 2026 and beyond, with a focus on continued enrollment growth, enhanced transfer pathways, expanded experiential learning opportunities, and coordinated systemwide efforts that support student success from entry through completion. In addition, we are developing an 18-month roadmap that sets the strategic direction and efforts for both the upcoming 2026 legislative session and the following 2027 biennium, recognizing that long-term success requires building a strong foundation now and extending beyond a single session.

I extend my deepest gratitude to all faculty, staff, institutional leaders, and students, as well as external partners, and state government leaders for their continued support and unwavering commitment to the mission of public higher education in Connecticut.

When CSCU succeeds, Connecticut succeeds.

In partnership,

O. John Maduko, M.D.
CSCU Interim Chancellor

Jan 09, 2026

System Update

Dear Colleagues,

I am writing to share that Michael Moriarty, Vice President of Administration & Chief Financial Officer at Charter Oak State College, has agreed to provide temporary, part-time support to the Chancellor’s Office beginning next week.

In this additional capacity, Michael will serve as an institutional financial advisor helping to bring an institutional perspective to system-level financial discussions. His role is intended to support alignment and coordination across the system, help surface institution-level considerations, and assist in building shared understanding among our member institutions.

This work is advisory and collaborative in nature and is designed to complement, not duplicate or replace, the responsibilities of the System Office Finance team. Michael will continue to serve in his primary role at Charter Oak State College and will coordinate closely with System Office leadership to ensure consistency and clarity.

We appreciate Michael’s willingness to take on these additional responsibilities, and we are grateful to our finance colleagues across the institutions and the System Office for their continued engagement and collaboration.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

In partnership,

O. John Maduko, M.D.
CSCU Interim Chancellor

Jan 08, 2026

In Memoriam: Dr. John B. Clark, Former President of Western Connecticut State University

Dear CSCU Community,

It is with deep sadness that I share the passing of Dr. John B. Clark, former president of Western Connecticut State University, who died after a short illness on January 2.

Dr. Clark served as WestConn’s ninth president from 2015-2022. During his tenure, he expanded the university’s traditional recruitment area beyond Connecticut by extending in-state tuition to students from New York and New Jersey. This policy not only increased out-of-state enrollment but also strengthened WestConn’s regional reach and impact.

Dr. John B. Clark

Dr. Clark also led the university through the unprecedented disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic. Under his leadership, WestConn transitioned to a fully online learning model while prioritizing the health and safety of students, faculty, and staff, and thoughtfully planning for a safe return to campus.

In addition to his leadership, Dr. Clark was a lecturer in the Department of Philosophy and Humanistic Studies for several years. Before joining WestConn, he held leadership positions at both the City University of New York and the State University of New York.

Earlier in his career, Dr. Clark spent 18 years on Wall Street in public finance and municipal bond research, with a focus on health and higher education, and also held positions in New York City and state government. He was a Vietnam-era veteran.

On behalf of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities system and the Board of Regents for Higher Education, I extend sincere condolences to Dr. Clark’s family, friends, colleagues, and all those whose lives were touched by his service. I join the WestConn community in keeping them in my thoughts and prayers.

View details regarding Dr. Clark’s memorial services.

In partnership,

O. John Maduko, M.D.
CSCU Interim Chancellor

Nov 10, 2025

Support CSCU’s On-Campus Food Pantries

We invite you to join us in supporting our on-campus food pantries across CSCU’s colleges and universities. Your generous donations will help students, colleagues, and community members who are experiencing food insecurity.

Donation boxes will be located in the third-floor breakroom at 61 Woodland St. Please consider contributing any of the following items:

• Non-perishable canned goods (soups, vegetables, beans, tuna, etc.)
• Boxed and dry goods (pasta, rice, cereal, oatmeal)
• Personal care and hygiene products
• Baby items (formula, wipes, diapers)

Every item you give will help make a difference and further support our CSCU community.

Thank you for your generosity!

Oct 21, 2025

Shaping CSCU's Response to H.R. 1

Dear CSCU Community,

With the implementation of H.R. 1 – a sweeping federal budget and policy package that reshapes financial aid, student loan programs, and institutional accountability across higher education – CSCU is taking proactive steps to ensure our students, campuses, and communities are prepared for what lies ahead. To coordinate this work, CSCU has formed an H.R. 1 Committee to guide our system’s response as these federal changes take effect. 

This committee includes representatives from across our colleges, universities, and the System Office. Members were appointed by the CSCU presidents and the Interim Chancellor, who have encouraged each member to ensure faculty, staff, and student voices are reflected in relevant subcommittees and working groups. Together, they will leverage institutional expertise to prepare for federal changes, track implementation and related legal developments, and ensure CSCU can respond promptly. The committee reports to the Interim Chancellor and the Presidents Council, and recommendations will be reviewed by them before any decisions are finalized.

 The committee’s responsibilities include:

• Coordinating systemwide planning and compliance for H.R. 1
• Monitoring H.R. 1 implementation and related legal developments
• Recommending systemwide approaches for financial aid, compliance, accountability, and workforce alignment
• Elevating budgetary and legislative implications to the Interim Chancellor, the Presidents, and the Board of Regents

To keep everyone informed, we will share committee updates, including membership, engagement summaries, FAQ’s, and helpful resources, on the CSCU Federal Updates webpage. 

We also want to thank our colleagues in Financial Aid, Enrollment Management, Sponsored Programs, and Research, who have done an exceptional job maximizing financial resources to support our students and institutions amid this unprecedented federal landscape.

Finally, thank you to all of our faculty, staff, and administrators for your continued commitment as we navigate these changes together and chart a path forward for CSCU.

Together, we'll ensure our colleges and universities continue to provide an accessible, high-quality, and valuable public higher education for all students.

Oct 01, 2025

Update on Federal Government Shutdown and Impact on CSCU

Dear CSCU Community,

Last night, Congress did not pass a short-term continuing resolution to keep the federal government operating beyond the end of the 2025 fiscal year, resulting in a shutdown of the federal government.

We understand that this uncertainty may be of concern to our students, families, and institutions. While a prolonged shutdown could present additional challenges, not all operations of the U.S. Department of Education (ED) will cease in the short term.

Many ED programs supported by mandatory funding or previous years’ appropriations will continue without interruption.

However, if the shutdown extends, there could be delays in processing current-year financial aid and planning for the 2026-2027 academic year.

Several of our universities receive federal grant funding through programs such as TRIO and GEAR UP. At this time, we do not anticipate any immediate disruptions. However, if the shutdown persists, pending drawdowns or staffing concerns could arise.

Students using Veteran Readiness and Employment benefits, an education program for disabled veterans, should be aware that the federal program will retain only a limited number of staff to process payments, which may result in delays.

In response to a request from the Office of Policy and Management (OPM), the System Office worked closely with our six institutions to assess potential impacts. Together, we prepared a coordinated preliminary analysis, which was submitted to OPM yesterday. This proactive effort helps ensure state leaders are fully informed of CSCU’s needs and positioned to advocate for timely support should the shutdown persist.

We remain hopeful that Congress will come together to reach a resolution and end the shutdown soon. In the meantime, CSCU will continue to actively monitor the situation and stay in close contact with our state and federal partners.

We will share updates as more information becomes available.

In partnership,

O. John Maduko, M.D.
CSCU Interim Chancellor

Sep 25, 2025

Governor Lamont Appoints Former Senate President Pro Tempore Donald E. Williams Jr. to the Connecticut Board of Regents

Dear CSCU Community,

Today, Governor Ned Lamont today announced the appointment of former Senate President Pro Tempore Donald E. Williams Jr. to the Connecticut Board of Regents for Higher Education (BOR). He will fill a vacancy on the BOR previously held by JoAnn Ryan, former chair.

Williams brings decades of experience in public service, leadership, and policymaking, with a focus on education and workforce development. He served in the Connecticut General Assembly from 1993 to 2015, including 10 years as Senate President Pro Tempore. During his legislative career, he chaired the Appropriations Higher Education Subcommittee, where he played a key role in overseeing policy and fiscal matters related to the Connecticut Colleges and Universities (CSCU) system and the University of Connecticut.

Among his legislative achievements, Williams helped secure $320 million in capital improvements for the state’s community colleges, now unified as CT State Community College, and led efforts to invest $1 billion to transform the facilities and campuses of Connecticut’s four regional state universities. He also worked with leaders at Quinebaug Valley Community College, now CT State Quinebaug Valley, to secure the resources for a 30,000-square-foot addition to the college’s campus and fund its Advanced Manufacturing Center, further supporting workforce development in eastern Connecticut.

Williams was the Executive Director of the Connecticut Education Association (CEA) where he managed and helped lead policy development for Connecticut’s largest education union, representing more than 43,00 public school teachers. He previously served two terms as First Selectman of the Town of Thompson.

Williams holds a J.D. from Washington and Lee University School of Law and a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism from Syracuse University.

Sep 23, 2025

CSCU System Begins an Online Subscription to The Wall Street Journal

Dear CSCU Community,

CSCU has begun a system-wide online subscription to The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), a critical source of news about business, finance, economics, and politics. Through the subscription, the CSCU community has unlimited remote and on-campus access to WSJ articles (most recent four years of content) along with videos, podcasts, and tools for instructors.

The system-wide subscription was established through the CSCU Library Consortium and with the support of the CSCU Council of Library Directors. Before the system-wide subscription, two institutions (CT State Community College and Southern Connecticut State University) maintained individual subscriptions. The system-wide subscription supersedes those subscriptions in a way that maximizes buying-power and expands access to include all students, faculty, staff, and administrators at all CSCU institutions.

To access WSJ, start by creating an account using a CSCU-issued email address. Each CSCU Institution has a portal:

• CT State Community College and CSCU System Office*
• Charter Oak State College
• Central Connecticut State University
• Eastern Connecticut State University
• Southern Connecticut State University*
• Western Connecticut State University

Once you have an account, go to WSJ.com or open the WSJ app and sign-in.

For questions about online access to WSJ or other newspapers, contact your institution’s library.

*For individuals at CT State Community College and Southern Connecticut State University who already have accounts through their institutions’ superseded subscriptions, no actions are needed. Your account has automatically rolled over to the system-wide subscription.

Aug 22, 2025

Welcoming Alphonso Atkins as CSCU's Executive Director of Civil Rights Compliance

Dear CSCU Colleagues and Friends,

We are pleased to announce that Alphonso Atkins, J.D., is joining CSCU as the Executive Director of Civil Rights Compliance, starting August 22, 2025. Alphonso joins CSCU with more than 15 years of experience in civil rights compliance leadership.

As CSCU’s Executive Director of Civil Rights Compliance, Alphonso will serve as our system-wide Title IX Coordinator and oversee our civil rights compliance efforts and programs. 

Previously, Alphonso was the Deputy Director of The Philadelphia Museum of Art where he served as the museum’s first Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Access chief administrator. Among other responsibilities, he was tasked with delivering harassment prevention and nondiscrimination training for the Board of Trustees, museum management, and staff.

Prior to working at the museum, Alphonso held various civil rights compliance leadership roles at diverse higher education institutions, including working as the Title IX Coordinator and Chief Diversity Officer at the University of South Carolina Upstate. Alphonso also served as a civil rights compliance leader in the community college setting while at Ivy Tech Community College and Community College of Rhode Island. 

Alphonso holds a B.S. in Speech Communication & Humanities from Northwest Missouri State University, an M.A. in Theatre Arts from Minnesota State University, and a J.D. from Indiana University McKinney School of Law. 

Please join us in welcoming Alphonso to his new role.

In partnership,
O. John Maduko, M.D.
CSCU Interim Chancellor

Aug 02, 2025

Welcome Back Students, Faculty, and Staff!

Dear CSCU Colleagues and Friends,

As we welcome students, faculty, and staff back for the Fall 2025 semester, our campuses across the CSCU system are once again alive with energy, curiosity, and purpose. This is when our mission – access, affordability, excellence, and service – comes to life in real time. You see it in every lecture, every advising session, every lab discovery, and every interaction with our students.

This new academic year marks an exciting chapter for CSCU, one shaped by both continuity and innovative leadership. We welcome Dr. Jesse Bernal at Western Connecticut State University, Dr. Sandra Bulmer at Southern Connecticut State University, and Dr. Christina Royal at CT State Community College. 

At CT State, we are also proud to welcome a strong cohort of campus presidents who bring diverse experience and a deep commitment to student success: Dr. Shiang-Kwei Wang, Dr. Mike Rooke, Dr. Mary Ellen Jukoski, Dr. Kamari Collins, Dr. Joshua Moon-Johnson, Dr. Sharale Mathis, and Cheryl De Vonish. 

Leadership transitions offer a unique opportunity to plant new seeds while continuing to nurture what is already strong – to carry forward what works and embrace fresh ideas to meet the demands of a changing world.

At the same time, we find ourselves navigating a rapidly shifting policy and funding environment that will test our adaptability. Changes to student financial aid at the federal level, evolving requirements for grants, and new mandates here in Connecticut are reshaping the higher education landscape. We remain in regular communication with state and federal officials along with national higher education associations to assess the impacts of policy and funding changes for the many members of our CSCU community.

Yet amid this uncertainty, our commitment to access, affordability, and academic excellence remains unwavering.

I want to thank our incredible colleagues in Financial Aid, Enrollment Management, Sponsored Programs, and Research for maximizing financial resources to support the cost of attendance, housing, support services, academic enrichment, innovation, and experiential learning amid unprecedented federal changes. Your resilience in the face of complexity ensures students remain at the center of every decision and drives our institutions forward in service of their missions.

As your new interim chancellor, I am honored to serve during this time of growth and renewal. I look forward to partnering with our dedicated leaders, students, faculty, and staff as we continue to transform lives, families, and communities through the power of higher education.

I wish everyone a strong start to the 2025-2026 academic year. I look forward to seeing you on campus and celebrating your many accomplishments ahead. 

In partnership,

O. John Maduko, M.D.
CSCU Interim Chancellor

Jul 25, 2025

Understanding H.R.1’s Impact on Students and Their Futures

Dear Colleagues and Friends, 

On July 4, 2025, President Trump signed H.R.1 into law, a sweeping federal budget and policy package that reshapes financial aid, student loan programs, and institutional accountability across higher education.  

This legislation marks a shift from decades of incremental policy changes by expanding access to short-term, workforce-focused programs while introducing new borrowing limits, repayment structures, and accountability measures that could affect student access and introduce additional institutional burdens.

We are actively engaging with internal and external experts, national associations, and our federal and state partners to assess the law’s implications and help shape our response. 

As this work unfolds, our collective focus remains on strong advocacy for our students and institutions throughout this process. 

Our colleges and universities are united by a shared commitment to access, affordability, and academic excellence. Our institutions meet the diverse needs of Connecticut’s learners by offering dual enrollment, workforce credentials, fully online degrees, and academic pathways from the associate to the doctoral level. As federal policy shifts, our commitment to this shared mission and student success remains unchanged.  

We want to thank our community of faculty, staff, and administrators, especially our financial aid professionals, as they work to understand the implications of this bill. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to our students and your dedication to academic excellence. 

We will continue to monitor developments and provide updates to you as additional federal guidance becomes available.  

In partnership,

Dr. O. John Maduko,
Interim CSCU Chancellor

Dr. Zulma Toro,
President of Central Connecticut State University

Ed Klonoski,
President of Charter Oak State College

Kerry A. Kelley,
Interim President of CT State Community College

Dr. Karim Ismaili,
President of Eastern Connecticut State University

Dr. Sandra Bulmer,
Interim President of Southern Connecticut State University

Dr. Jesse Bernal,
President of Western Connecticut State University

Additional resources

• Office of the State Comptroller Special Examination on H.R. 1: One Big Beautiful Bill Act
• NASFAA: Federal Student Aid Changes from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act
• Dear Colleague Letter: Federal Student Loan Program Provisions Effective Upon Enactment Under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act
• Association of Governing Boards
• Association of Community College Trustees
• Inside Higher Ed
• American Council on Education
• State Higher Education Executive Officers Association
• National Associate for College & University Business Officers
• National College Attainment Network

Jul 21, 2025

CSCU Appoints Dr. Christina Royal as Interim President of Connecticut State Community College

Dear Colleagues and Friends,

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Christina Royal, Ph.D., as interim president of Connecticut State Community College (CT State), the largest community college in New England. Dr. Royal will begin her term on August 1, 2025, and serve through June 30, 2026.

Dr. Royal previously served as president of Holyoke Community College and was selected as a 2024-2025 Judith Block McLaughlin President-in-Residence in the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

During her presidency at Holyoke Community College, Dr. Royal championed initiatives to break cycles of generational poverty; secured one of the largest individual philanthropic gifts to a U.S. community college; led the development of the college’s first strategic plan; oversaw the creation of a new Life Sciences Center to enhance academic and workforce programs; and launched a childcare program to support student-parents.

She brings more than 25 years of leadership experience in higher education to her new role at CT State.

As CT State’s next interim president, Dr. Royal will build on the college’s ongoing progress in student access and success, workforce development, and economic impact. In fiscal year 2023, CT State contributed $3 billion to Connecticut’s economy and supported 30,000 jobs across the state. During the 2024-2025 academic year, nearly 20,000 CT State students benefited from debt-free tuition through the Mary Ann Handley Award. The college also awarded 6,084 associate degrees and certificates to more than 5,200 graduates.

Dr. Royal embodies CT State’s values: she is mission-driven, leads with a deep commitment to equity and inclusiveness, and places student success and access at the heart of her work. She is well positioned to build on CT State’s momentum by guiding the development of the college’s first strategic plan and advancing its vision to become one of the nation’s leading community colleges.

We recognize that this has been a time of transition, and I would like to thank Kerry A. Kelley for serving as Interim CT State President over the past few weeks. Her steady leadership has played a key role in maintaining continuity and institutional stability and will be vital in supporting a smooth transition as Dr. Royal steps into her role.

CSCU will remain actively engaged with CT State's new campus presidents and the broader college community as we ensure a successful start to the Fall 2025 semester.

In partnership,

Dr. O. John Maduko
Interim CSCU Chancellor

Jul 14, 2025

Introducing WestConn's New President

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.

Jul 10, 2025

CSCU Announces the Retirement of Charter Oak State College President Ed Klonoski

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

Jul 02, 2025

Introducing Southern's New Interim President

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. 

Jul 01, 2025

Kerry A. Kelley Appointed as Acting President of CT State

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

Jun 30, 2025

Thank You from Chancellor Cheng

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

Jun 26, 2025

Board of Regents Appoints Dr. O. John Maduko as Interim Chancellor of CSCU

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

Jun 06, 2025

Dr. Sandra Bulmer Appointed as Interim President of Southern Connecticut State University

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 

May 06, 2025

Dr. Jesse M. Bernal Appointed as President of Western Connecticut State University

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

Apr 28, 2025

CSCU System Office Leadership Update

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

Mar 26, 2025

Virtual Town Halls on Federal Directives – Dates & Details

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

Mar 20, 2025

Update Regarding New Federal Executive Order

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

Mar 06, 2025

CSCU Continues to Monitor New Federal Action

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

Feb 24, 2025

CSCU Community Message from Chancellor Cheng

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

Feb 10, 2025

Spring 2025

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

Feb 07, 2025

Community Message from CSCU Chancellor Cheng

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

Jan 29, 2025

Update on White House Decision to Rescind Pause on Federal Loans and Grants

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

Jan 28, 2025

Message Regarding Pause on Federal Grants and Loans

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

Jan 27, 2025

Update Regarding New Federal Executive Orders, Policies and Directives

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

Jan 08, 2025

Start of the 2025 Legislative Session

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

Dec 23, 2024

CSCU Affirmative Action Plan and Policy Statement Annual Notice to Employees

Dear System Office Staff,

The CSCU System Office Affirmative Action Plan and Policy Statement have been approved by the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO). The Affirmative Action Plan is available to review in the Human Resources Office through the end of March 31, 2026. This Affirmative Action Plan covers the reporting period of March 1, 2022 through February 28, 2024.

As Chancellor, I am strongly committed to promoting the principles of affirmative action, equal employment opportunity, diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace. The Affirmative Action Plan guides us in our efforts to comply with state laws and regulations. Specifically, to identify strengths and weaknesses in our employment system, resolve problems and concerns as they appear, help prepare our current employees for advancement through training programs and affirmatively recruit new employees.

The CSCU System Office Affirmative Action Plan, Affirmative Action Policy Statement, and CSCU Affirmative Action Plan Executive Summary have been added to the CSCU website along with the Discrimination Complaint Procedure and BOR Sexual Misconduct Policy. 

Please take a few minutes to review these documents:

• Affirmative Action Plan
• Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Policy Statement
• Affirmative Action Plan Executive Summary
• Discrimination Complaint Process
• BOR Interim Discriminatory Harassment, Nondiscrimination, and Title IX Policy

All employees shall conduct themselves in a respectful and professional manner consistent with the various elements of the Affirmative Action Plan and supervisors will be held accountable for the day-to-day oversight and compliance of staff and related programs. Information regarding Equal Employment Opportunity can also be found on the CSCU website: https://www.ct.edu/hr/diversity

If you have any questions or comments about any aspect of the Affirmative Action Plan, Policy Statement, Summary of Objectives, or the Discrimination Complaint Process including suggestions for future enhancements, please contact Cameron Liston, Chief Compliance Officer at Cameron.liston@ct.edu. Any and all comments and questions on the Affirmative Action Plan will receive a response and will be accounted for in the next submission.

Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment.

Terrence Cheng
CSCU Chancellor

Dec 19, 2024

Reappointment of Dr. John Maduko as President of CT State

Dear CSCU Community,

We are pleased to share that Dr. O. John Maduko has been reappointed as President of Connecticut State Community College (CT State) for a four-year term beginning June 3, 2025. Dr. Maduko has served as the inaugral president since June 2022 following the merger of the state's 12 community colleges.

Under Dr. Maduko’s leadership, CT State earned accreditation from the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), establishing a comprehensive and statewide community college with 12 campuses and multiple satellite locations across Connecticut.

In its inaugural year, CT State served more than 64,000 students in credit and non-degree workforce programs, making it the Northeast’s largest community college and the sixth-largest nationwide. CT State also held its first series of commencement ceremonies in May and conferred 5,844 credit degrees and certificates alongside 2,516 workforce development credentials.

During his tenure, Dr. Maduko has expanded access to Connecticut’s free tuition program, continued to offer innovative and rigorous courses that prepare students for rewarding careers in high-demand sectors, and established new partnerships with leading businesses and organizations.

Dr. Maduko has built a strong foundation for CT State's continued success and we are excited to further partner with him on identifying ways to increase enrollment, connect students to new opportunities, and enhance CT State's program offerings.

Before 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 33 institutions and 380,000 students Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System (Minnesota State). He has served in various leadership roles, from chief academic officer to vice president to vice chancellor to dean to professor, for two-year and four-year institutions in Minnesota, Texas, Florida, and Georgia.

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Maduko on his reappointment.

Terrence Cheng
CSCU Chancellor

Dec 10, 2024

Updated Communication

Dear WestConn Community,

Following the special meeting of the Board of Regents (BOR) last week, significant attention has been directed toward Western Connecticut State University (WestConn). With the challenges and opportunities highlighted, it is now more important than ever to focus on and enhance the transformative work already underway to ensure WestConn’s long-term success and sustainability.

I am pleased to share that Connecticut State Colleges & Universities (CSCU), in collaboration with Central Connecticut State University (CCSU), is launching a three-year initiative aimed at achieving financial sustainability, academic excellence, and operational improvements for WestConn. Leadership from the System Office and CCSU will collaborate closely with WestConn’s leadership to provide critical guidance and strategies to support these goals.

This initiative leverages and compliments ongoing efforts at WestConn, including the newly- released strategic plan, which incorporates working groups tasked with addressing concerns raised by NECHE. This collaborative effort aims to strengthen the institution’s foundation and position it to thrive in an evolving higher education landscape.

This work will focus on the following key areas:

• Operational Excellence (Dec 2024 – Jun 2025): Enhancing budgeting, academic program strategies, student services, and technology to create a more efficient and supportive environment for students.
  
   
• Accreditation (Dec 2024 – Aug 2025 & Beyond): Building on existing work to meet NECHE’s recommendations by highlighting the progress, sharpening focus on key action areas, and demonstrating the ongoing commitment to providing a high-quality, student-centered education.
  
   
• Five-Year Sustainability Plan (Dec 2024 – Dec 2027): Optimizing academic strengths, campus infrastructure, strategic partnerships, and enrollment strategies to secure WestConn’s long-term financial and operational health.

A cornerstone of this initiative is shared governance and broad stakeholder engagement. Faculty, staff, and students will play an integral role in shaping and implementing this work. We are committed to creating opportunities for collaboration and open dialogue to ensure this work reflects the collective voice of the WestConn community.

As we move forward, CSCU System Office and CCSU leadership will work closely with Interim President Singh and his leadership team, whose guidance and expertise will be instrumental in ensuring the success of this initiative and supporting the WestConn community.

I extend my deepest thanks to President Zulma Toro and her team at CCSU for their leadership and partnership in this effort. Together, we will ensure that WestConn remains a vibrant institution that continues to serve its students and the greater Danbury community with excellence.

We look forward to updating you as this work progresses. Your collaboration and engagement are vital to the success of this initiative.

Sincerely,

 

Terrence Cheng
Chancellor, CSCU

Nov 26, 2024

CSCU System Update

Dear CSCU Community:

It is with mixed emotions that I share the news that Lori Lamb, Interim Assistant Vice Chancellor for Human Resources & Labor Relations, will be stepping down from her position, with her last day being December 6th. Lori joined us in January and, though her time here has been short, she has made a tremendous impact on CSCU. Her decision to step away is a personal one, and while we are sad to see her go, we are deeply grateful for all she has accomplished during her tenure.

As Interim Assistant Vice Chancellor of Human Resources & Labor Relations, Lori provided vision and strategic leadership for systemwide human resources, labor relations, and employee relations policies and programs. She oversaw critical functions such as HR operations, HR strategy, labor relations, payroll, and talent acquisition, while focusing on building stronger relationships with our bargaining units, and enhancing organizational effectiveness.

Lori brought a wealth of experience to CSCU, drawing from her impressive career as a consultant and her 16 years of leadership in higher education human resources at both the institution and system levels, including her roles at California State University and Minnesota State Colleges and Universities. Her knowledge, dedication, and thoughtful leadership have left a lasting mark on our system.

Even with Lori's departure, we remain optimistic about the foundation she has built and the bright future ahead. Lori has helped us to continue strengthening our HR & LR operations and fostering a more effective and inclusive organization.

We are committed to ensuring a seamless transition as we carry forward the important work Lori began, and we will be in touch soon with additional updates.

Sincerely,
Terrence Cheng
CSCU Chancellor

Nov 25, 2024

CSCU Launches Search for the Next President of Southern Connecticut State University

Dear CSCU Community:

As we approach the end of the fall semester, I want to take a moment to thank our students, faculty, staff, and administrators for their hard work and dedication. This time of year is an opportunity to reflect on the progress we’ve made together and to look ahead with optimism and purpose.

As mentioned in my remarks at last week’s Board of Regents meeting, I am pleased to announce the launch of a search for the next President of Southern Connecticut State University. Following extensive conversations with the Southern community, it is clear that establishing permanent leadership is a top priority. A permanent President will provide the stability and long-term vision needed to build on Southern’s strengths and chart a path forward for continued success in academic excellence, access, social justice, and service to the public good.

The search process will be inclusive and transparent, ensuring that the voices of Southern’s faculty, staff, students, alumni, and broader community are heard. We will begin with a campus listening tour in December to gather input on the qualities and experiences the university needs in its next leader. This feedback will shape a leadership profile that will guide the search and recruitment effort.

The Search Committee will be co-chaired by President John Maduko of CT State Community College and Jes Kraus, Southern's Chief Human Resources Officer, with the executive search firm WittKieffer facilitating the process. In the coming weeks, I will appoint representatives to the Search Committee, which will include key members of the Southern community.

Additionally, a Search Advisory Committee will be formed, bringing together a diverse group of individuals from across the university. This committee will include representatives from constituencies such as students, faculty, staff, community members, and other stakeholders. Their insights and input will ensure that the needs and priorities of the entire Southern community are well-represented throughout the search process.

I want to express my heartfelt thanks to Southern’s Interim President, Dr. Dwayne Smith, for his dedicated and collaborative leadership over the past year. Dr. Smith has shown an unwavering commitment to Southern’s mission as a social justice institution and a deep understanding of the transformative impact of public higher education. His contributions have been instrumental in advancing the university’s growth, and I am truly appreciative of his steadfast dedication to Southern’s ongoing success.

At the heart of this process is our unwavering commitment to students, ensuring they have access to equitable opportunities, a supportive environment, and the resources they need to succeed. Together, we will identify a leader who will continue to guide Southern into its next chapter, ensuring the university continues to be a vital part of our system’s impact and legacy.

Thank you for your dedication and support as we move forward in this important process. I look forward to the work ahead and the opportunities it will bring for Southern and the entire CSCU system.

Sincerely,

Terrence Cheng
CSCU Chancellor

Nov 21, 2024

CSCU Welcomes Michael Mundrane as Interim Chief Information Officer and Cameron Liston as Chief Compliance Officer

Dear CSCU Community, 

We are pleased to announce the appointments of Michael Mundrane as the (Interim) Chief Information Officer (CIO) and Cameron Liston as Chief Compliance Officer for the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) system.

With over 28 years of extensive experience in IT leadership and a proven track record of driving technology innovation at both campus and state levels, Michael will lead CSCU's Office of Information Technology (OIT) to ensure alignment with the diverse needs of our institutions and communities.

Under the direction of the Vice President of Administration and Chief Financial Officer, Michael will oversee the coordination, development, and improvement of IT systems, services, and policies across the CSCU system. His immediate focus will be assessing the unique IT needs of CT State as a newly consolidated institution, working closely with President Maduko and his team to provide tailored support. Additionally, Michael will collaborate with institutional technology leaders to align shared IT initiatives and implement policies and solutions that enhance IT services, driving operational efficiency and advancing the strategic goals of the entire CSCU system.

At the University of Connecticut, Michael spearheaded numerous major initiatives, including the development and execution of a five-year strategic plan for Information Technology Services, which guided the institution's IT evolution to better support its mission and constituents. His dedication to creating robust and forward-thinking systems has earned him recognition as a leader in advancing technology in higher education.

Michael’s expertise and vision will be invaluable as we continue to enhance our IT infrastructure, expand capabilities, and provide the tools necessary for student success and institutional growth.

Cameron Liston brings extensive experience in compliance, investigations, and legal affairs to this important role. He most recently served as the Title IX Coordinator at the University of Connecticut, where he coordinated the university’s system-wide response, prevention, and education initiatives related to Title IX and other relevant federal, state, and local laws. His work focused on ensuring compliance for UConn's Title IX program, specifically in student-involved matters.

Before his time at UConn, Cameron held the position of Associate Director of Investigations in UConn's Office of Institutional Equity. He also served as Assistant Director in the Office of University Rights and Responsibilities at Arizona State University, where he investigated discrimination and harassment allegations and developed procedures to ensure compliance with institutional policies.

Cameron is admitted to practice law in Arizona and earned his law degree from Arizona State University’s Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish Linguistics from Arizona State University, where he was recognized as a First Team Pac-12 Conference All-Academic honoree as a member of the Cross Country and Track and Field teams.

We are excited to have Michael and Cameron join the CSCU team, and we look forward to their leadership, expertise, and commitment they will bring to their new roles.
Michael and Cameron will begin their roles on November 29th.

Best regards,
Terrence Cheng
CSCU Chancellor

Oct 31, 2024

Karen Buffkin Appointed CSCU General Counsel

Dear CSCU Community,

After a national search launched in July, we are pleased to announce the appointment of Karen Buffkin as the new General Counsel for the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) system, effective November 29, 2024.  With more than 30 years of experience in public service at both the municipal and state levels, Karen brings a wealth of knowledge in legal affairs and labor relations that will greatly benefit the CSCU system.

Karen currently serves as the Executive Director of Employee Relations at the University of Connecticut, where she oversees the Office of Faculty and Staff Labor Relations. In addition, she is a trustee of the State Employees Retirement Commission, contributing her expertise to managing statewide employee benefit programs.

Throughout her distinguished career, Karen has held several key leadership roles, including General Counsel to the Governor, Undersecretary for Legal Affairs, and Deputy Secretary at the Office of Policy and Management. She has also served as General Counsel to the State Board of Labor Relations and the State Comptroller, along with her earlier work in the Corporation Counsel’s Office for the City of Hartford.

We are thrilled to welcome Karen to the CSCU team and look forward to her leadership and contributions as General Counsel.

Please join us in welcoming Karen Buffkin to her new role.

Terrence Cheng
CSCU Chancellor

Oct 29, 2024

Update on the Development of the ACT Framework

Dear CSCU Community,

I am pleased to share an update following the October 24th Board of Regents meeting, during which President Zulma Toro presented the progress of the Presidents’ Council’s work on developing goals for the ACT framework.

• Accessibility | Expanding Talent Pipelines
• Completion | Cultivating & Developing Talent
• Talent | Activating Talent for Future Success

As a reminder, the BOR tasked the system office with working alongside each institution to establish systemwide goals and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for each ACT pillar, with a target completion date in November. The Presidents' Council reviewed a preliminary analysis of each institution’s strategic plans, identifying common themes aligned with the ACT framework. These strategic plans, which ensure compliance with accrediting bodies and governance structures, served as the foundation for developing systemwide goals focused on enhancing student success — a core mission of all CSCU institutions.

Our six presidents have identified the following shared goals under the ACT Framework, which can be found on the ACT website, created to keep all stakeholders informed of the initiative's progress.

Next Steps:

• Our presidents will begin engaging with each institution’s shared governance structures to review the identified goals. Together, they will develop the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) needed to track and measure progress on these goals at the institutional level.
• The system office team will also meet with the Student Advisory Committee (SAC) and the Faculty Advisory Committee (FAC) to ensure input and representation from across the system.
• Once this process is complete, the Presidents' Council, in collaboration with the system office team, will review each institution’s KPIs and determine a consolidated KPI for each systemwide goal under the ACT Framework. This will result in a total of 9 systemwide goals and 9 corresponding KPIs.
• Our objective is to finalize the systemwide goals and their associated systemwide KPIs in November for review by the Board of Regents.

This initiative represents an exciting opportunity for us to collaborate in defining and measuring student success across the CSCU system. We look forward to your active engagement and feedback as we move forward with this important work.

Terrence Cheng
CSCU Chancellor

Sep 16, 2024

Welcome Back, CSCU!

Dear CSCU Community,

From celebrating new milestones to achieving new successes, we have so much to look forward to this upcoming year. 

VIDEO: Welcome Back 2024

Central Connecticut State University is marking its 175th anniversary as the state’s oldest publicly funded institution of higher education. Eastern Connecticut State University welcomed its seventh president, Dr. Karim Ismaili, who will build on the university’s success as the state’s liberal arts college. Southern Connecticut State University began enrolling students into its new STEM Doctorate in Business Administration, the only such degree program currently offered in the CSCU system. Western Connecticut State University has introduced several new degree programs in emerging areas, including a master’s program in Artificial Intelligence. 

Connecticut State Community College (CT State) recently marked its one-year anniversary as the Northeast’s largest community college and will build on the strong foundation it has created in the year ahead. Charter Oak State College has also launched three Fast Track options, which are great for working adults who want to complete their bachelor’s degree online, and immediately earn their master’s within one year of graduating with a bachelor’s degree.

With such great work happening across Connecticut State Colleges and Universities’ campuses, I cannot wait to see what this academic year holds for students, faculty, and staff. 

Wherever your higher education journey takes you, know that our faculty, staff, and administrators are there to support you every step of the way.

I wish you all the best in the months ahead and look forward to seeing you on campus this semester!

Terrence Cheng
CSCU Chancellor

Aug 26, 2024

CSCU Launches Search for the Next President of Western Connecticut State University

Dear CSCU Colleagues,

As we kick off the fall 2024 academic year, I want to wish all our students, faculty, staff, and administrators the very best as the semester begins. This time of year brings many opportunities to grow, learn, and make meaningful strides together.

With that in mind, I want to provide an update on the search for the next President of Western Connecticut State University. As highlighted in the recent NECHE report, the university requires stability and consistent, steady leadership to move forward effectively. The need for a permanent president who can provide a long-term vision and direction has been strongly emphasized, and we are committed to addressing this crucial need.

To that end, we will begin the search for WestConn’s next leader this fall. Our focus is not only on finding a leader who embodies stability but also someone who can enhance communication, foster shared governance, and bring innovative approaches to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Our goal is to build a strong foundation that will support WestConn’s continued success for years to come.

We are dedicated to conducting a thorough and inclusive search process that engages the entire WestConn community. Together, we will identify a president who can lead WestConn into a future marked by growth, collaboration, excellence, and innovation.

I want to express my gratitude to Western Connecticut State University Interim President Singh for serving as a dedicated and collaborative leader over the past year. Dr. Singh has made significant contributions to the university’s culture of academic excellence and student success by introducing innovative programs and helping to improve WestConn’s approach to recruitment and retention. There is no doubt that Dr. Singh’s contributions will have a lasting impact, and I am deeply appreciative of his commitment to WestConn’s continued success.

The search committee will be chaired by Central Connecticut State University President Dr. Zulma Toro, with the executive search firm WittKieffer facilitating the process. WittKieffer will begin their work in September with a campus listening tour to gather WestConn’s insights on the qualities and experiences the university needs in its next President. The resulting leadership profile will be essential in recruiting the most qualified and innovative candidates.

In the coming weeks, I will appoint representatives to the Search Committee, which will include key members from the WestConn community. Additionally, a Search Advisory Committee will be established, bringing together a diverse group of individuals from across the university. This committee will include representatives from various constituencies such as students, staff, faculty, community members, and other stakeholders, and their input will ensure that the needs and priorities of the entire WestConn community are well-represented throughout this process.

I look forward to the work ahead, and to the ultimate outcome: a President who will position Western Connecticut State University for growth, prominence, and impact.

Terrence Cheng
CSCU Chancellor

Jul 31, 2024

Welcoming President Dr. Karim Ismaili to Eastern Connecticut State University

Dear CSCU Community,

I am excited to officially welcome Dr. Karim Ismaili as the next president of Eastern Connecticut State University! Dr. Ismaili begins his new role as Eastern’s President today, July 31 after serving as Executive Vice President and Provost at Bridgewater State University in Massachusetts.

Dr. Ismaili brings to Eastern extensive leadership and administrative experience, having worked in higher education for close to three decades. Throughout his career in postsecondary education, Dr. Ismaili has advanced new degree programs based on workforce needs; guided successful interim and comprehensive regional (NECHE) accreditation reviews; and deepened relationships with public and private higher educational institutions to build academic pathways, with a particular focus on low income, first generation, and students from systemically minoritized groups.

Not only will he help us reimagine a liberal arts university for the 21st century, but Dr. Ismaili will also build on Eastern’s success and chart a path forward with energy and optimism. Please join me in welcoming him to the Eastern community.

I also want to thank Dr. William Salka and Dr. LaMar Coleman for serving as Interim Presidents during this time of transition. Due to Dr. Salka’s and Dr. Coleman’s efforts, Eastern is on track for a successful start to the Fall 2024 semester.

CSCU will continue to work closely with Dr. Ismaili, Eastern leadership, and community stakeholders during this period of transition to ensure Eastern’s continued culture of academic excellence and student success.

Terrence Cheng
CSCU Chancellor

Jun 26, 2024

Update on FY25 Spending Plan and ARPA Funding Allocation

Dear CSCU Colleagues,

After receiving emails and other forms of communication regarding Connecticut State Colleges and Universities' (CSCU) allocation of ARPA funds, we wanted to provide you with an update on our spending proposal.

CSCU system office leaders recently presented to the Board of Regents' Finance and Infrastructure Committee a spending plan for fiscal year 2025 as well as a proposal for how the $80 million in additional American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding awarded to CSCU would be allocated.

Throughout the legislative session, CSCU system office leaders and members of the Board of Regents advocated for additional ARPA funding in order to address existing budget shortfalls, cover SEBAC-related wage increases, expand Connecticut's free-tuition program, and provide tuition-relief for students. We also want to thank administrators, faculty, staff, and students for their efforts in advocating for further investment in CSCU's colleges and universities.

Section 7 of Public Act 24-81 also potentially provides for an additional $20 million in ARPA funding at the end of the year, which the Board of Regents and CSCU intend to use for tuition-relief for students.

These proposals will be discussed further during tomorrow's Board of Regents meeting.

The Board of Regents and the CSCU system office are committed to fiscal responsibility and further investing in its higher education institutions to ensure an affordable, high-quality education is provided to all students.

If you have any further questions about the fiscal year 2025 spending plan or ARPA allocation proposals, please contact your institutional representatives.

Thank you,

CSCU Chancellor Terrence Cheng and
Board of Regents Chair-Designee Marty Guay

Jun 21, 2024

Welcoming Molly Newberry

Dear CSCU Colleagues, 

I am pleased to announce that Molly Newberry has joined the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) Office of General Counsel as an Associate General Counsel where her focus will be administrative law, contracts, due diligence related to mergers, partnerships, and alliances, intellectual property, and other transactional work.

Molly spent the last five years serving as a general counsel in the scholarly publishing industry with GeoScienceWorld, a nonprofit collaborative organization providing sustainable information and service solutions for the global research community. Previously, she practiced administrative law and public policy with Hogan Lovells and Squire Patton Boggs, both in Washington D.C.

Molly is an alumna of Smith College, where she received her B.A. cum laude, and the University of Virginia School of Law. In her spare time, she enjoys being outside, especially in the water or on her mountain bike.

I am confident that Molly will be an asset to CSCU as she collaborates with stakeholders to delineate streamlined contracting processes, updates key BOR policies, and takes on additional responsibilities.

Please join me in welcoming Molly to CSCU. You can reach her by email at Molly.Newbewrry@ct.edu and by phone at 860-723-0275.

Terrence Cheng
CSCU Chancellor

Jun 17, 2024

Celebrating Juneteenth

Dear CSCU Community,

On Wednesday, we recognize Juneteenth, a day when the last enslaved people in the United States, in Galveston, Texas, were proclaimed free on June 19, 1865. This day of jubilation and liberation marks a pivotal moment in our nation’s fight for freedom and equality.

While we take a moment to reflect on how far the nation has come, we must also acknowledge how much further there is to go.

In higher education, we have a responsibility to recognize and confront the injustices that stem from the painful history of inequality in our nation. Thank you for taking on the challenge to work together to confront these systemic inequities and empower today’s students and future generations to effect change that builds a more just and inclusive society.

By doing so, we foster inclusive environments where every member feels valued, respected, and empowered. We ensure that everyone has the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their backgrounds. And we lift up the voices of those around us and make sure they are heard.

CSCU students come from every corner of our state and our largest cities and towns. They proudly represent every one of Connecticut’s 169 municipalities, and I thank all of our faculty, staff, and administrators for standing by and exercising our system-wide values of inclusivity. I deeply appreciate the work you all do to make sure our students receive everything they need and deserve inside and outside the classroom.

Today, and every day, let’s reaffirm our commitment to building partnerships and fostering collaborations that continue to drive our diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts forward.

All state offices will be closed on Wednesday, June 19, in observance of Juneteenth. 

Terrence Cheng
CSCU Chancellor

Jun 12, 2024

Marty Guay Appointed as Next Chair of the Connecticut Board of Regents

Dear CSCU Community,

Today, Governor Ned Lamont announced that he is appointing Martin Guay to serve as chair of the Connecticut Board of Regents. In assuming the leadership role, Marty will succeed current chair, JoAnn Ryan, who announced that she will not seek reappointment to the board when her term as a member expires on June 30, 2024.

Pictured above from left to right: CSCU Chancellor Terrence Cheng; JoAnn Ryan, Board of Regents; Governor Ned Lamont; and Marty Guay, Board of Regents.

We are so thankful and appreciative of JoAnn’s tireless work on behalf of the board and the entire CSCU system. She has been a guiding light during a period of transition, helping to provide a strategic vision for how our newly merged community college, Connecticut State Community College, would create more opportunity for students and be more responsive to the state’s workforce needs. 

JoAnn also helped the Board of Regents leverage the power of the CSCU system to create more efficiencies and drive innovation and has always put the needs of our students first. We will miss her greatly.

Marty will be an exceptional leader for the board and will continue to build on the progress we have made by ensuring our universities and colleges provide our students with the high-quality skills, training, and resources they need to succeed. His experience working on workforce development, economic development, and advanced manufacturing strategies in Connecticut and across the country will play a significant role in shaping the future of the CSCU system. 

Marty brings a keen understanding of how to strengthen partnerships between our institutions of higher education and the private sector. We are excited to work with him on developing overarching workforce development goals that are aligned with Connecticut’s growth strategy.

Marty will begin his term as chair of the Board of Regents on July 1, 2024.

Please join me in congratulating Marty on his appointment and in thanking JoAnn for her service.

Terrence Cheng
CSCU Chancellor

Jun 07, 2024

Celebrating Pride Month

Dear CSCU Community,

As we kick off Pride Month, we are reminded how diversity is one of CSCU’s greatest strengths – diversity of our faculty and staff, diversity of thought, and the diversity of our students.

• 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)
   

Terrence Cheng
CSCU Chancellor

May 16, 2024

Appointment of Eastern Connecticut State University Interim President

Dear CSCU Community,

I am pleased to inform you that Dr. William Salka, Eastern Connecticut State University’s Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, has been appointed Interim President for Eastern. Dr. Salka will serve as Interim President of Eastern beginning June 1 until July 4, following the retirement of Dr. Elsa Núñez on May 31.

As Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Salka has worked with academic departments to ensure that Eastern’s curriculum remains relevant to the evolving needs of its students and economy, leveraging market data to identify key skills and career paths for graduates. He played a pivotal role in shaping Eastern’s new liberal arts core, which prioritizes critical thinking, ethical reasoning, communication, creativity, and quantitative literacy. Dr. Salka also provided leadership during Eastern’s rigorous 10-year accreditation process by the New England Commission or Higher Education, ensuring that Eastern met and exceeded accreditation standards.

Following the duration of Dr. Salka’s appointment as Interim President, Dr. LaMar Coleman, Vice President for Equity & Diversity at Eastern, will take over as Interim President from July 5 to July 30. In his current role, Dr. Coleman supports Eastern’s longstanding commitment to equity and diversity and oversees the university’s compliance with all state and federal laws pertaining to equity, diversity, and civil rights. Dr. Coleman played a pivotal role in enhancing Eastern’s Title IX processes and has revamped the Affirmative Action search procedures while also providing diversity awareness trainings and programs. Dr. Coleman has positioned Eastern to be a model for its Title IX incident-response by the Association of Title IX Administrators (ATIXA) and he has been called upon to assist other institutions throughout the CSCU System with Title IX and other civil rights investigations. Prior to serving as the Vice President for Equity & Diversity, Dr. Coleman led the largest department within the Division of Student Affairs as Eastern’s Director of Housing and Residential Life. In this role he developed numerous initiatives to enhance student success and the overall collegiate experience for all residential students. 

Last week, I announced that I will appoint Dr. Karim Ismaili as the next president of Eastern Connecticut State University. He begins his new role on July 31. Dr. Ismaili is currently Executive Vice President and Provost at Bridgewater State University in Massachusetts, where he advanced new degree programs based on workforce needs; guided successful interim and comprehensive regional (NECHE) accreditation reviews; and deepened relationships with public and private higher educational institutions to build academic pathways.

We are so grateful for Dr. Núñez's leadership at Eastern over the past 18 years. She has given so much to Eastern and has contributed greatly to the university’s culture of academic excellence and student success. Under her steadfast leadership, the university has cemented itself as the state's public liberal arts institution. This is an exciting time for Dr. Ismaili and Eastern’s incredible students, faculty, and staff to write the next chapter.

CSCU will continue to work closely with Eastern leadership and community stakeholders throughout this transition to ensure a successful start to the Fall 2024 semester.

Terrence Cheng
CSCU Chancellor

Apr 05, 2024

System Update

Dear CSCU Colleagues,

I am writing to inform you that Dr. Hitesh Rai Kathuria, Ph.D. will join Empire State University as provost and executive vice president for academic affairs on Monday, April 15, 2024. Dr. Kathuria has been an important member of our community, serving as CSCU's Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs for nearly two years. His dedication and contributions have been invaluable, and we wish him the best in his new professional endeavor.

The previously announced organizational changes within the Office of Academic and Student Affairs at the system office remain in effect and enhance our ongoing dedication to advancing systemwide effectiveness and CSCU’s mission of delivering transformative educational opportunities throughout the state.

Sincerely,
Terrence Cheng 

Feb 23, 2024

Thank You to CSCU Students, Faculty, and Staff

Dear CSCU Community,

I wanted to express my deep gratitude to all of the students, faculty, and staff who testified before the legislature’s Appropriations Committee earlier this week. Thank you for sharing how higher education has opened doors to academic, cultural, professional, and financial opportunities that have allowed you to grow, thrive, and achieve remarkable success.

VIDEO: Student Testimonies

So many of our students shared how at their respective college or university they found their purpose. This is in part to the dedicated faculty and staff who work tirelessly to support our students and help them unlock their full potential. You give our students a safe place to learn, grow, and make their dreams a reality.

I am so proud to be a part of the CSCU community.

In case you missed our students, faculty, and staff testifying before the Appropriations Committee:

• CSCU students testify during Appropriations Committee
• Chancellor Terrence Cheng and CFO Lloyd Blanchard testify during Appropriations Committee
• Terrence Cheng: Will we stifle growth of Connecticut’s workforce and economic future?

We will continue to work to ensure that our students are able to receive the highest quality and most affordable education in Connecticut by fighting for the funding and resources they deserve.

Sincerely, 
Terrence Cheng 
CSCU Chancellor

Feb 20, 2024

Update on Today's Appropriation

Dear CSCU Community,

Today, we gave testimony before the legislature’s Appropriations Committee to underscore why our colleges and universities are the best investment the state can make.

VIDEO: Chancellor Terrence Cheng Provides Update on Appropriations Committee Hearing

Many members of the CSCU community joined us at the Legislative Office Building as we advocated for the additional funding needed to address the $47.6 million shortfall in fiscal year 2025.

I want to thank our college and university presidents – Ed Klonoski (Charter Oak State College); John Maduko (CT State); Elsa Núñez (Eastern Connecticut State University); Manohar Singh (Western Connecticut State University); Dwayne Smith (Southern Connecticut State University); and Zulma Toro (Central Connecticut State University) – and countless students, faculty, and staff who showed their support for our institutions at today’s hearing by highlighting how this funding can make a meaningful difference in students’ lives.

While our system makes an $11 billion annual impact on the state’s local economy, the real value lies in the significant and positive effect our institutions, faculty, and staff have on the lives of our students. For so many, our colleges and universities represent a vital gateway to social mobility, opportunity, and success.

With 78 days left in the 2024 legislative session, let's unite to secure the additional funding our system needs. Please consider reaching out to your legislators through calls, emails, testimony at public hearings, or personal meetings. Our dedicated faculty and staff, who interact with our students daily, play a critical role. Sharing personal stories about how your work has positively influenced students' lives and strengthened our communities is one of the most effective advocacy tools available.

• Call, meet, or email your legislator.
  • Find Your Legislators (cga.ct.gov)
• Submit testimony for a public hearing.
  • A Guide for Testifying at Public Hearings and Reaching State Legislators (cga.ct.gov)
  • Appropriations Committee Written Testimony Submission (cga.ct.gov)   
    
     

Over the coming weeks and months, we’ll continue to work closely with Governor Lamont’s office and state lawmakers to ensure higher education funding remains a top priority for the state this year.

Sincerely,   
Terrence Cheng   
CSCU Chancellor

Feb 14, 2024

Academic and Student Affairs Update

Academic and Student Affairs Update

Dear CSCU Colleagues,

I am writing to provide you with important updates and organizational changes within the Office of Academic and Student Affairs at the system office.

We have recently realigned our leadership reporting structure in the following areas:

• Dr. Nancy Becerra-Cordoba, our Associate Vice President for Decision Support and Institutional Research, will now report to Dr. Lloyd Blanchard, who is serving as the Interim Vice President for Administration and Chief Financial Officer.
   
• Dr. Aynsley Diamond, the Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs, and Lesley Mara, J.D., the Associate Vice President for Systemwide Initiatives and Sponsored Programs, will now report directly to me.

Dr. Diamond will take on additional responsibilities in overseeing day-to-day academic operations. Similarly, Lesley Mara will be expanding her role to further enhance and develop strategic partnerships for the CSCU system. With these changes, and an even closer alignment to the Chancellor’s office, we further strengthen our commitment to elevating academic parity and excellence across the system.

In addition, I am pleased to announce that Dr. Tamara O'Day-Stevens has joined the Academic and Student Affairs team as the Interim Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management and Student Success. Previously serving at CT State Community College as the Associate Vice President of Teaching and Learning, Dr. O'Day-Stevens brings extensive experience and innovative approaches to student support and engagement, which are set to significantly enrich our academic community.

I appreciate your attention to these important updates and am excited about the positive impact these changes will have on our CSCU community. These adjustments reflect our ongoing dedication to advancing systemwide effectiveness and CSCU’s mission of delivering transformative educational opportunities throughout the state.

Sincerely,

Terrence Cheng
Chancellor, CSCU

Feb 07, 2024

2024 Legislative Session

Dear CSCU Community,

Today marks the start of the 2024 legislative session. Every day from now until midnight on May 8, we will be fighting to ensure CSCU receives the funding it needs to continue to foster the next generation of teachers, nurses, manufacturers, and corporate leaders.

This year, state lawmakers are faced with a simple question: are the next generation of teachers, nurses and healthcare professionals, and manufacturers worth investing in; or will we stifle the growth of Connecticut’s workforce and economic future?  

Our faculty are second to none and are committed to doing everything they can to help our students succeed. But we can’t do this alone. It is critical for the Governor’s Office, state lawmakers, key stakeholders and advocates to all work together to implement a solution that puts our students first.

Over the coming weeks and months, we will advocate for the additional funding we need to address the $47.6 million shortfall in fiscal year 2025.

Our universities and colleges have an $11 billion annual impact on the state’s economy and play an integral role in the state’s success and ability to balance its operating budget. Now it is time for the state to help further support our students and their futures.

Our colleges and universities are key economic drivers, helping to meet the state’s needs. In spring 2023, we graduated more than 8,700 students, many with degrees in high demand fields such as health care, education, manufacturing, and business. In addition, an estimated total of more than 12,000 credentials were conferred during the spring 2023 semester.

In spring 2023, CSCU graduated 1,721 students in health professions and related clinical sciences; 1,648 students in business, management, marketing, and related support services; 946 students in education; 670 students in psychology; 568 students in advanced manufacturing; 384 students in public administration and social service professions; and 299 students in engineering technologies/technicians.

Through additional funding, this number will only grow, and we can continue to increase the number of workers we educate, train and graduate to meet Connecticut’s workforce shortage.

Our students have gone on to achieve remarkable milestones and accomplishments: Rhode Scholars, Fulbright Scholars, state legislators, members of Congress, professional athletes, governors, writers, teachers and school administrators, corporate leaders, and leading healthcare providers and manufacturers.

If we fail to invest in our students, we may miss out on an opportunity to be a main chapter in Connecticut’s growth story.

Governor Lamont has challenged businesses and aspiring leaders to “Make It Here.” Let’s help our students do just that by making critical investments in their education and career.

Sincerely,   
Chancellor Terrence Cheng

Dec 19, 2023

CSCU Retirement Incentive Program

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

Nov 22, 2023

Thanksgiving Holiday Message

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

Nov 10, 2023

Gratitude for our Veterans

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

Sep 14, 2023

Welcome Back

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

Sep 11, 2023

Welcoming Adam Joseph

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

Aug 16, 2023

Thanking Dr. Beran and Introducing Dr. Singh

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

Aug 02, 2023

Fiscal Update

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

Jul 25, 2023

Welcoming Lloyd Blanchard

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

Jul 17, 2023

Office of General Counsel Update

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

Jul 13, 2023

System Office Update

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

Jul 12, 2023

CSCU Digital Barriers Survey

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

Jul 03, 2023

Happy Independence Day

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 

Jun 29, 2023

Race-Conscious Admissions Ruling

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.

Jun 28, 2023

BOR Budget Actions

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 

Jun 21, 2023

CT State Receives NECHE Accreditation

Jun 16, 2023

Celebrating Juneteenth

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

Jun 06, 2023

State Budget Update

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

Jun 01, 2023

Pride Month

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

May 26, 2023

Memorial Day

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

May 18, 2023

Thanking President Núñez

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

May 01, 2023

Asian/Pacific Heritage Month

Apr 24, 2023

Budget Update

Apr 18, 2023

Appropriations Committee Budget

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

Apr 14, 2023

Finance Committee Testimony

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

Mar 31, 2023

Trans Day of Visibility

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

Mar 31, 2023

Welcoming Southern’s Interim President

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 

Mar 08, 2023

#EmbraceEquity

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

Mar 06, 2023

Hartford Courant Op-Ed

Mar 03, 2023

Thanking President Joe

Feb 15, 2023

Appropriations Testimony

Feb 08, 2023

Gov. Lamont's Proposed Budget

Feb 01, 2023

Black History Month

Jan 30, 2023

Responding to Recent Tragedies

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

Jan 24, 2023

Announcing CSCU 2030

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)  

Jan 13, 2023

Celebrating Dr. King’s Legacy

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

Dec 19, 2022

Happy Holidays

Dear CSCU Community,

As the semester winds to a close, I want to take a moment to pass along my immense gratitude for your good work throughout the year.                                                               

This was the first semester in a long time that resembled normalcy. Thanks in large part to your tireless efforts, enrollment has finally begun to stabilize at most of our institutions, and the intangible but very noticeable “buzz” on our campuses is beginning to feel like it did before the pandemic.

Of course, we will have a great deal of work to do in the new year – this new year especially. Our team will be fighting harder than ever for bold, new state investments, making the case that CSCU and its institutions are the primary engine of social mobility and economic impact for the state. Our students come from Connecticut, are educated in Connecticut, and they stay in Connecticut. We are second-class to no one, and we must prove that. If we are unified in this message—faculty, staff, students, and administrators—we will build capacity and support, and achieve great things. That’s what our students, our system, and our state deserve.

In the meantime, I hope you have a joyful and relaxing holiday season – whatever holidays you celebrate.

I look forward to seeing you in January.

Sincerely,

Terrence Cheng
President, CSCU

Dec 14, 2022

Ten Years

Dear CSCU Community,

On this date 10 years ago, 20 children and six adults were killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School. Everyone who works in our system was impacted in some way by that horrific act—some were affected personally. A decade later, the pain and sense of shock remain, so today we remember the victims, and think of the families and communities struck by this tragedy.

Much has changed in ten years—in our country, and in the world. It is worth noting that since the Sandy Hook tragedy, more than 500 gun safety and gun violence prevention laws have been passed at the state level, and Connecticut has some of the strongest gun laws in the nation. But of course, recent tragedies in Colorado, Virginia, Texas and elsewhere, remind us there is so much more work to do. The loss of two law enforcement officers in Bristol back in October drive this point home even more.  

At CSCU, public safety and security is a top priority, but we can always do better. Anyone who puts a child on a bus, or sees a spouse or loved one out the door, or walks into an office or a store or a place of worship, should not feel that millisecond pang of dread or fear. In the classroom, and as community advocates across the state, we will continue to work with our faculty and staff, and our students, legislators and local leaders to effect positive change. The work of several Sandy Hook families and organizations must be lauded and supported. From despair and unspeakable tragedy, they have created knowledge and grace and light. They have changed how we see the world, and I am inspired by them.

On this sad day, I hope you will take a moment to reflect on what we have and what we value, as individuals, professionals, and as families; and commit to doing our best to keep communities safe across Connecticut and CSCU.

Sincerely,

Terrence Cheng
President, CSCU
 

Nov 11, 2022

Gratitude for our Veterans

Dear CSCU Community,

Every person who serves our nation in uniform has made a significant personal sacrifice in defense of the common ideals we all hold dear. We are privileged to live in a state and a nation in which freedom, democracy, and the rule of law are deeply rooted. Yet that did not happen by accident, and it persists in large part because of the willingness of our veterans to serve, and potentially put their lives on the line.

Today, Veterans Day, is an opportunity to say thank you.

The Board of Regents, the CSCU system, and our individual institutions have a long history of serving our veterans and their families, and we are proud to count many veterans among our students and colleagues. On behalf of the BOR and our institutional leaders, I reaffirm that commitment to fostering a welcoming environment to those who have served in our military. It is one of our most important jobs as public institutions of higher education, and one we take with the utmost seriousness.

To the veterans who work and study in the CSCU system: thank you for your service. Your experiences and perspectives make our system a better place, and we owe you our profound gratitude.

Sincerely,

Terrence Cheng
President, CSCU

Sep 13, 2022

Welcome Back Address Sept 15

Dear CSCU Community,

This Thursday, September 15 at 10am, I will deliver my annual welcome address to the CSCU community live from the Center for New Media at Middlesex.

At that time, please join us at the below link to watch along.

• Thursday, September 15th, 10AM.  Pres. Cheng Welcome Message (YouTube)

Thanks very much, and I hope to see you Thursday.

Sincerely,

Terrence Cheng
President, CSCU

Sep 08, 2022

Final DACA Rule

Dear CSCU Community:

Last week the Department of Homeland Security published a final rule on the DACA program in the Federal Registry. This new rule essentially codifies the existing DACA program into regulation with some minor changes, while the eligibility criteria and application process remain the same as the current program. However, the rule does not lift the suspension on initial applications from a July 2021 appeals court decision.

While this is a positive step in the right direction, we need a long-term legislative solution for DACA recipients, other Dreamers, their families, the higher education institutions who serve them and the employers who rely on them. In the ten years this program has been in place, more than 800,000 individuals have relied on DACA for work permits, deportation protections, and to pursue their higher education goals.

My family brought me here from Taiwan as a child to provide every opportunity to me. I understand firsthand the hopes and dreams that brought these families here. No one should be denied an opportunity to pursue their personal, education and professional goals because they were brought here as children. These are our neighbors, our friends, our loved ones, and the students we serve. They’re just as American as you or I, and they deserve every opportunity that we had.

I hope you all will join me in urging our members of Congress to find a permanent solution for our DACA students and other Dreamers that allows them to live their lives with some certainty and hope for the future.

For additional information, please see this fact sheet from the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration.

• DACA Final Rule: What You Need to Know (PDF)

Sincerely,

Terrence Cheng

President, CSCU

Aug 29, 2022

First Day of Classes

Dear CSCU Community:

With our first classes of the fall semester officially underway, I want to take a moment to wish all of our faculty, staff and administrators the very best. In my experience, the first day of classes has always been an exciting day, representing the possibility and opportunity of the academic year ahead – generally coupled with a fair bit of nervousness. It is our chance to reset, build on what we have learned, and recommit to giving our students the best possible academic experience.

All of us – whether our role is directly student-facing or not – play an important role in helping our students succeed. So as we kick off the semester in earnest, I thank you for everything you do and send you positive wishes for the weeks and months ahead.

I expect to deliver my annual livestreamed address to the CSCU community on Thursday, September 15 at 10am, and my team will share additional details, including a link, in coming days.

I look forward to seeing all of you on campus this semester.

Sincerely,

Terrence Cheng
President, CSCU

Jul 01, 2022

Wishing you a happy Independence Day

Dear CSCU Community:

As we embark on the holiday weekend, I want to take a moment to wish you a happy Independence Day. I know that the Fourth of July has a differing and complicated set of meanings for many members of our community, myself included. It is a day to celebrate freedom and democracy in a nation that has, at times, failed to live up to those ideals. It feels particularly precarious today, when those fundamental guarantees seem more fragile than any time in recent memory.

Still, it is my personal belief that we live in one of the greatest nations in the world. You have heard me say before, that as an immigrant, I have known the U.S. as “mei guo” (“beautiful country” in Mandarin) before I ever called it America. It is a place that has given me and my family life and opportunity that could not be dreamed of elsewhere. I will always value and cherish this; and because of this I will always work with you and for you to help achieve those individual and collective dreams.

Your hard work and dedication is further evidence and inspiration that what we work toward is indeed the greater good. Thank you for all you do on behalf of our students, communities, and state. It is never easy, but it is always something we should be proud of. You have earned this opportunity to celebrate. So as you observe the holiday this weekend, hopefully in the company of family and friends, please be safe and have a good time.

Sincerely,

Terrence Cheng
President, CSCU
 

Jun 17, 2022

Celebrating Juneteenth

Dear CSCU Community:

This Sunday marks Juneteenth, a day to recognize the emancipation of enslaved African-Americans in Galveston, Texas on June 19, 1865, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation took effect. It is a day to recognize the formal end to the United States’ grave historical injustice and celebrate Black individuals, communities, and cultures.

Juneteenth is also a day to reflect on the work left to do, a reminder that there is a direct link between the legacy of slavery and societal inequities that exist today. Here at CSCU, working to reduce those inequities and provide access and opportunities to students who have been traditionally left behind, is core to who we are. As our recent commencements remind us, many of our students are successful in their pursuits. Yet, despite our best efforts, we also fail too many students when institutional barriers prevent academic success and completion. As a system, it is our job to examine those barriers and do everything in our power to remove them. We can and will do better.

Juneteenth is a day that deserves to be recognized, and I am thrilled that, starting in 2023, it will finally become an official state holiday in Connecticut.

• Gov. Lamont’s Juneteenth bill signing (ct-n.com)

• Juneteenth: A celebration of freedom (nps.gov)

I hope all of you will take a moment this weekend to reflect on the significance of the holiday, celebrate the richness and diversity of Connecticut’s Black communities, and recommit to doing the work necessary to create a more equitable society.

Sincerely,

Terrence Cheng
President, CSCU

May 27, 2022

Commemorating Memorial Day

Dear CSCU Community,

For many, Memorial Day marks a long weekend of parades, barbecues, family gatherings, and the beginning of the summer travel season. All of our employees have worked hard this year, and you deserve a break, no doubt.

But let us also remember the meaning behind Memorial Day and honor the sacrifice of the service members who lost their lives in defense of our nation.

I encourage you to take a moment to read about some of the folks with ties to Connecticut who were killed in the line of duty.

• Members of Connecticut's Wall of Honor (ct.gov)
  
  

All of the stories on the Wall of Honor website are inspiring and heartbreaking, but I was especially struck by the profile of Army Specialist Tyanna Avery-Felder of Bridgeport, who was just 22 years old when she was killed in Iraq in 2004. She was the first Connecticut woman service member to be killed in Iraq. She was also one of our students, having spent a year at Southern Connecticut State University before enlisting in the Army. Like far too many others, Spc. Avery-Felder’s young life was cut short, and this weekend we pause to honor her and all who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

We also pay tribute the families of the fallen. I cannot imagine the pain that Gold Star parents, children, siblings, and spouses have endured – and continue to endure on a daily basis – but I keep them in my thoughts this weekend, as well.

I wish you all a meaningful Memorial Day.

Sincerely,

Terrence Cheng
President, CSCU

May 25, 2022

Responding to tragedy in our nation and communities

To the CSCU Community,

In the aftermath of yesterday’s school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, and on the heels of the attacks in Buffalo, New York and Santa Ana, California, I want to say a few things.

First, in Connecticut, we know the pain and impact of these events all too well. Many folks are feeling the compounded effect of this trauma and I want to remind you that our campuses have resources for those who are seeking assistance and support. We are here to help and support those in need in any way we can. Please do not hesitate to reach out.

• Community college and system office EAP (the-lexington-group.com)
  • Your unique employee password is “cscuE”
• Mental health services for student-workers (illumu.com)
• CCSU Employee Assistance Program (ccsu.edu)
• Charter Oak State College’s EAP is administered by UConn Health and can be reached at 860-679-2877.
• ECSU Employee Assistance Program (solutions-eap.com)
  • Maria Weinberger, Assoc VP,. Labor Relations, is the staff contact and can be reached at 860-465-0654
• SCSU’s EAP program is administered by The Lexington Group. Employees are asked to contact human resources for long-in information (southernct.edu)
• WCSU Employee Assistance Program (wcsu.edu)

Second, I want to assure you that each of our campuses have public safety and security teams, with plans for emergency situations such as active threat. We review these plans regularly, and such horrific events only remind us of how important it is to bolster our work in this area, which we will continue to do. Of course, while our public safety response plans and staff are ready for these situations, trying to stop an individual committed to doing harm is nearly impossible. It is up to all of us to remain vigilant.

Finally, as a system of public higher education, it is our responsibility to advocate for the health, safety, and viability of the institutions, employees, and students we serve. The epidemic of gun violence in the United States threatens our communities and our campuses. I look forward to working with our state and federal elected officials to advocate for policy changes that will make our institutions better, safer places to work and learn.

Words can do no justice in the face of such tragedy. We think of our own children, families, and communities. I am with you in this, no doubt. I hope we can show each other compassion and understanding, and help healing. In that process we will grow stronger each day, hopefully, together.

Sincerely,

Terrence Cheng
President, CSCU

May 06, 2022

An update on the legislative session

Dear CSCU Community,

On Wednesday night, the legislative session came to an end and I’m pleased to report that our systemwide advocacy efforts were successful in securing the funding needed to close our $274 million projected shortfall for FY23! 

I want to thank each and every one of you who took the time out of your busy lives to reach out to your legislators and make the case for a much needed investment in our students and our institutions. This success belongs to all of you, from the amazing students who testified at our Appropriations Committee panels, to all the faculty, staff, administrators, campus leaders, and regents who helped legislators see the value in investing in CSCU. I would like to especially thank the bargaining units that supported our advocacy requesting state support. This united effort sent a powerful signal to our legislators, and I am convinced it was a big reason for our successful legislative session.

This is a huge win for our students, our employees, our institutions, our system, and the communities we serve. This infusion of one-time support provides a lifeline for FY23 while we fight to rebuild enrollment, address our budget challenges, and come back next legislative session to make as much of these one-time funds recurring as possible.

Outside of the new funding, I’m pleased to report that working in collaboration with our partners in the legislature we were able to help secure the passage of new policy changes that will help our students and communities. This includes:

• Expanding the PACT debt free college program to part time students earning between 6-12 credits. 
• New reporting and tools to address student food insecurity.
• A new state initiative to support faculty positions and student financial aid in high demand nursing and mental health programs at the colleges and universities. 
• Increased funding and new policies to help expand child care options at our campuses.

These new state laws and much needed funding will go a long way toward helping our system to continue our mission to provide accessible, affordable, and excellent educational opportunities for all of Connecticut’s residents. Thank you again for all of your efforts and support in advocating on behalf of our students and our system this year. I look forward to working with all of you again next year to make these one-time funds recurring and convince legislators to make an even larger investment in CSCU!

Sincerely,

Terrence Cheng
President, CSCU

May 02, 2022

Celebrating AAPI Heritage

Dear CSCU Community:

Each May marks Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, an opportunity to celebrate the many contributions of those of Asian descent to our CSCU community.

As you may know, I am an immigrant from Taiwan. My parents – who had previously fled mainland China when Mao Zedong came to power in 1949 – came to the United States when I was a baby, leaving good jobs behind, to give me the opportunity for a better life. In many ways, my story is typical of the immigrant experience. And I know that like my parents, many of our AAPI employees and students have sacrificed so much to be here today.

We have witnessed in recent years that anti-Asian sentiment, racism, and even violence continues to be all too prevalent. The otherization of Asian-Americans has deep roots in this country, stemming from explicitly racist policies like the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 and the unconstitutional internment of Americans during the Second World War because of their Japanese heritage. AAPI individuals have been ascribed the problematic “model minority” label and expectations. And, tragically, hate crimes directed at Asian American communities have climbed in recent years.

Yet there is so much to celebrate. Asian Americans are an integral part of our society at large, making innumerable contributions to academia, the arts, government and politics, STEM, and culture. Here at CSCU, they are our colleagues in faculty, staff, and administrative positions, and they are our students, making each of our institutions stronger.

Of course, there is no one monolithic “AAPI community.” We are diverse in nation – or nations – of ancestry, language, race, and political affiliation. Yet AAPI individuals and communities are a big part of what makes this country great.

This month, let us celebrate the contributions of our Asian American colleagues, students, and friends, and let us commit to speaking up and speaking out against anti-AAPI sentiment.

Sincerely,

Terrence Cheng
President, CSCU

Apr 28, 2022

Announcing Our New Provost

Dear CSCU Community,

I am pleased to announce that Dr. Rai Kathuria has accepted the position of CSCU provost/senior vice president of academic and student affairs and will officially begin his tenure on June 3, 2022.

Dr. Kathuria will join the CSCU system with experience in system-wide collaborative efforts with faculty, staff and administrators, and a proven track record of success as an academic leader, scholar and administrator. He brings strategic, collaborative and innovative leadership during this critical time in the CSCU system, as we serve the educational needs of our students coming out of the pandemic.

He comes to us from Indiana University (IU) where he is currently assistant vice president in the office of the executive vice president for University Academic Affairs (UAA) and director of the Office of Collaborative Academic Programs (OCAP), IU Online. Dr. Kathuria has served in the Office of UAA since 2016, and has 16 years of higher education experience, serving the last 14 years as a faculty member and administrator at IU.

In these roles, he creates, implements and administers online and hybrid degrees over seven IU campuses, and has created 56 undergraduate and graduate programs targeting adult and continuing learners. As the director of OCAP, he leads a system-wide collaborative effort to build and implement collaborative degrees. Dr. Kathuria is a tenured associate professor of chemistry and biochemistry at Indiana University East, one of the seven campuses in the IU system.

He holds a Ph.D. in biochemistry and molecular biology from the University of Delhi in New Delhi, an M.S. in biochemistry from Hamdard University in New Delhi, and a B.S. (honors) degree in biochemistry from the University of Delhi. He also completed the management development program at Harvard University and holds master reviewer certification from Quality Matters™ and is a peer reviewer for the Higher Learning Commission.

Please join me in welcoming Dr. Kathuria to the CSCU system. His energy, enthusiasm, sophistication, presence, and ingenuity are going to be a vital piston in the engine of CSCU’s work in the years to come. I have no doubt his efforts will help to catapult our system to the next level.

I would also like to thank Dr. Ken Klucznik, who has served as interim provost since Dr. Jane Gates’s retirement in December. Ken has handled the role ably, and I greatly appreciate his leadership and partnership over these last few months.  I am very pleased that he is returning to his position of vice president for academic affairs and will continue to contribute to the important work of the provost’s office.

Sincerely,

Terrence Cheng
President, Connecticut State Colleges and Universities

Apr 20, 2022

Joint Advocacy for our System

Dear CSCU Community:

As we enter the final weeks of the 2022 legislative session, the CSCU team is working around the clock to ensure our system is fairly funded. To that end, I am happy to share with you a joint letter of advocacy signed by every institutional leader within the system and the presidents of the majority of the unions representing CSCU employees. I am proud that labor and management were able to come together to request the funding necessary to support the students and institutions we are entrusted to serve. I am optimistic that, thanks in large part to this show of unity in our advocacy efforts, we can come to a successful resolution this session.

Please take a moment to read the letter, which was sent late last week to all members of the General Assembly.

Sincerely,
Terrence Cheng

Joint Letter from CSCU Administrative and Union Leaders re: Midterm Budget Adjustments

To the Honorable Members of the Connecticut General Assembly,

We write today as leaders of our 17 CSCU institutions and the 6 unions representing more than 60,000 students and more than 15,000 faculty and staff with a joint request to help close our projected budget shortfall. This is the first time in the history of our system that CSCU labor and management have presented a united budget request to the Connecticut General Assembly, and our purpose is to underscore the seriousness of the financial challenge facing our system. 

First, we deeply appreciate the additional funding for CSCU included in the Appropriations Committee proposal. This builds on the significant investments proposed by the Governor and goes a long way toward reducing the projected shortfall for the system for FY 2022 and FY 2023. However, this proposal still leaves more than $33 million in projected shortfalls across the system in FY 2023. 

This shortfall reflects the decennial 27th payroll and associated fringe benefits required next year. While both the Governor and the Appropriations Committee proposed $10 million of carryforward funds to help CSCU cover this, it is projected to cost CSCU $40,785,409 in FY 2023. We are asking legislators to help us cover the remaining $30.8 million in 27th payroll and related fringe costs. 

The pandemic and its related enrollment impacts have depleted our revenue by $84 million (compared to FY 2019) and left our institutions with severely limited reserve balances to cover this shortfall until we are able to rebuild our enrollment. CSCU is committed to preserving our capacity to serve students with a wide range of programs at our colleges and universities across the state. Providing the funding to continue these programs is critical to our ability to support our students and deliver pathways to economic and social mobility to countless Connecticut residents, particularly for our students hardest hit by the pandemic. 

We are doing everything we can to address our financial shortfalls on our own, in addition to our request for more support from the legislature. The Board of Regents approved increasing tuition at the community colleges and the state universities by 5% next year, but we also believe that raising it any further to close this gap is not fair to our students and their families, will not serve our mission of excellence, affordability, and accessibility, and risks a further downward push on our enrollment. 

It took nearly a year and half for us to come together and reach collective bargaining agreements which do right by our students that we all serve, our employees, and our institutions. Our negotiations were contentious, difficult, and labor and management disagreed strongly on various issues. And yet, we reached fair and equitable agreements, because we agree wholeheartedly on this: our institutions are critical to the lives of our students today and those that will come tomorrow. Connecticut cannot stand by and allow these vital institutions to falter or fail while the state has the funding to support them. We urge you to support our labor agreements, and the necessary funding that is needed for our colleges and universities to thrive. 

We look forward to working with all of you and Governor Lamont to help close this funding gap to make sure we can continue to provide excellent, accessible, and affordable higher education to all of Connecticut’s residents across the colleges and universities of the CSCU system.

Sincerely,

President Joe Bertolino, Ph.D.
Southern Connecticut State University

CEO William (Terry) Brown, Ph.D.
Gateway Community College

President Terrence Cheng
Connecticut State Colleges & Universities
              
President John Clark, Ph.D.
Western Connecticut State University

CEO Michelle Coach, Ed.D.
Asnuntuck Community College 

Regional President Tom Coley, Ph.D.
Shoreline West Region Community Colleges

President Gregg Crerar
State University Organization of Administrative Faculty (SUOAF)
Local 2836 of Council 4, AFSCME
              
CEO Cheryl DeVonish, JD
Norwalk Community College

CEO Lisa Dresdner, Ph.D.
Naugatuck Valley Community College    

CEO Duncan Harris, Ed.D.
Capital Community College

Interim CEO Kimberly Hogan
Middlesex Community College  

CEO Karen Hyneck, Ed.D.
Quinebaug Valley Community College

CEO Mary Ellen Jukoski, Ed.D.
Three Rivers Community College
              
President Ed Klonoski
Charter Oak State College

Regional President Jim Lombella, Ed.D.
North-West Region Community Colleges              

President Paul Morganti
Charter Oak State College Professional Bargaining Unit
AFSCME Local 1214, Council, AFL-CIO

President Elsa Núñez, Ed.D.
Eastern Connecticut State University      

President Patricia O’Neil, Ph.D.
Connecticut State University - American Association of University Professors (CSU-AAUP)

CEO Darryl Reome, Ed.D.
Tunxis Community College          

President Mike Rooke, Ph.D.
Northwestern Connecticut Community College
Interim President, CT State

President Larry Salay
AFSCME, Local 2480 (Community Colleges)
              
CEO Dwayne Smith, Ph.D.
Housatonic Community College

Regional President Rob Steinmetz, Ed.D.
Capital-East Region Community Colleges              

President Zulma Toro, Ph.D.
Central Connecticut State University

Mar 31, 2022

Trans Day of Visibility

Dear CSCU Community:

March 31 marks Transgender Day of Visibility, and I would like to take the opportunity to reaffirm to our trans, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming community members that you are seen and valued. You are esteemed colleagues and friends who make our institutions stronger because of your lived experiences.

In recent months we have seen a noticeable uptick from politicians around the country – and, yes, even here in Connecticut – proposing anti-trans legislation and engaging in hateful and transphobic discourse. The Board of Regents for Higher Education and the CSCU system have long been at the forefront of inclusivity. We understand that respecting each other’s humanity and expanding accommodations to allow every person to live their truth improves our community and the educational services we offer.

As long as I am president of this system, I will continue to advocate for our trans community members and push for policies and procedures to make our institutions even more welcoming.

Sincerely,

Terrence Cheng
President, CSCU
 

Mar 23, 2022

Middlesex Leadership Announcement

Dear CSCU community,

Today I share the bittersweet news that Dr. Steve Minkler will be moving on from his role as CEO of Middlesex Community College. His final day at MxCC is April 7. Fortunately, he’s not going far, as he has accepted the position of Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs at Central Connecticut State University.

During Steve’s decade at Middlesex, he oversaw the creation of an Honors Program, credit-bearing programs in Computer Information Technology, Health Information Management, New Media Production, Veterinary Technology, and post-primary certifications in diagnostic imaging, and an expanded set of offerings for short-term workforce training. He helped secure over $13 million in federal, state, and private grants to enhance academic programs and student support services, to create a GEAR UP partnership serving over 650 high school students in the city of Meriden, and to build the state-of-the-art Center for New Media.

Dr. Minkler expanded partnerships with CCSU to bring university classes and a recruiting office to Middlesex’s campus. He worked closely with nearby Wesleyan University to build the Center for Prison Education partnership, jointly offer filmmaking classes, and allow Middlesex Honors students to take two classes at Wesleyan free of charge. And, he has nurtured close relationships with Middlesex Health and Pieper Veterinary, which serve as the clinical teaching locations for the Radiologic Technology and Veterinary Technology programs.

Steve also co-created the monthly "Courageous Conversations" series and developed the college's Council on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Both have fueled work on campus to create an inclusive, compassionate environment, address equity gaps, and strengthen a sense of community for all faculty, staff, and students.

I thank Steve for his great work at Middlesex and congratulate him on the new role at CCSU.

I am also very pleased to announce that Kim Hogan, MxCC’s current Dean of Administration, has agreed to assume the role of interim CEO. I am fully confident that Kim has the skills and experience to be a highly successful leader for the Middlesex campus.
 
Dean Hogan will provide leadership through June 2023, while we conduct a full national search for a permanent CEO. We look forward to engaging the campus community in the search as we’ve done in the past. 
 
Sincerely,

Terrence Cheng
President, CSCU

Rob Steinmetz
Regional President, Capital-East

Mar 01, 2022

March is Women’s History Month

Dear CSCU Community:

Today marks the start of the 2022 Women’s History Month, an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women in our historical endeavors to build a more equitable society. Through hard work, organization, and occasionally civil disobedience, women have overcome significant obstacles. Winning the right to vote in 1920 is an obvious example. But other victories are less well known today: women won the right to serve on federal juries in 1957, to access credit in their own name in 1974, to guarantee they wouldn’t be fired for getting pregnant until 1978, and to serve in military combat in 2013.

There has been real and demonstrable progress in recent years but change is slow for white woman and even slower for women from minority communities.
 
Of course, Women’s History Month should not be restricted to cisgender women. Despite some gains, trans women are amongst the most discriminated people in our society. A significant number of states continue to have no protections – discrimination remains ostensibly legal – for trans individuals. And trans kids continue to be subject to widespread harassment at school, in their communities, in the media and in political rhetoric.

Connecticut, thankfully, is better than that. Connecticut has some of the strongest laws protecting women’s rights and we were one of the first states to adopt significant protections based on gender identity. And CSCU, at the direction of the Board of Regents, has actively worked, through policy and in practice, to foster a welcoming and affirming environment.

We must recognize that much work remains, from equal pay, to representation in corporate boardrooms and government. All of us in public higher education have a role in building that better, more equitable future. Our institutions and the education they provide can and should be a ladder to economic and social mobility. Let us look at women’s history, at the ongoing struggle for equal rights, as an inspiration for that work.

Sincerely,

Terrence Cheng
President, CSCU

Feb 25, 2022

Thinking of our Ukrainian-American students and colleagues

Dear CSCU Community,

As we head into the weekend, we have all seen the horrific images from the invasion of Ukraine. It is important to remember that, as a state with tens of thousands of Ukrainian-Americans residents, many within the CSCU system continue to have family members in the region.   As this siege persists, let us keep our colleagues, students, and community members with ties to Ukraine and its neighbors in our thoughts.  

Sincerely,

Terrence Cheng
President, CSCU
 

Feb 01, 2022

Celebrating Black History

Dear CSCU Community,

Each February, we celebrate Black History Month in the United States and reflect on the rich economic, scientific, civic, cultural, and educational contributions of Black Americans to our society at large.

Appropriately, this year’s Black History Month theme is health and wellness. This highlights the difficult reality that the COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated health disparities between white communities and communities of color – disparities that have, tragically, existed for generations. Of course, it also highlights the work Black Americans have done to build and strengthen the medical and public health fields, often finding innovative solutions in the face of discrimination. The creation of the Howard University College of Medicine and Meharry Medical College, for instance, was necessary because aspiring physicians who were Black were barred studying medicine at traditionally white institutions. Of course, it is not difficult to draw a direct line from this segregation in early medicine to disproportionate health outcomes, even generations later.

I also use Black History Month as the opportunity to ask myself and our institutions what we are doing to break cycles of discrimination that continue to exist today. How can we, as diverse institutions, better serve all of our students, and in particular our students of color? How can we do more to ensure our employee population more closely resemble the diverse communities and state we serve? I certainly don’t have all of the answers, but my commitment – and that of each of our extraordinary campus, system and BOR leaders – to diversity, equity and inclusion is steadfast. I am confident that by working together, defining shared goals for a stronger and more diverse community, and creating plans of action, we can better serve our students and do our small part in the effort to bring equity to our state.

Sincerely,

Terrence Cheng
President, CSCU

P.S. I am sharing some additional resources below.

• The Official BHM website (blackhistorymonth.gov)
• NCI study highlights pandemic’s disproportionate impact on Black, American Indian/Alaska Native, and Latino adults (nih.gov)
• The forgotten history of defunct black medical schools in the 19th and 20th centuries and the impact of the Flexner Report (nih.gov)
• Black History Month Toolkit (minorityhealth.hhs.gov)

Jan 27, 2022

Strategic Changes at CSCU system office

Dear CSCU Community,

I am writing today to give you an update on a change in the system office organizational structure.

Broadly speaking, the new structure will consist of two new teams. The first, under the leadership of CFO Ben Barnes, will bring together all finance and administrative functions in order to organize their services, practices, policies and expertise, and to provide better services to the campuses and system office. This will expand his direct reports to include IT and HR Vice Presidents in addition to the Finance and Facilities leaders who currently serve on his team. At the same time, Andy Kripp has made the decision to step back from his role as vice president for human resources and into an advisory position. I greatly appreciate Andy’s continued service in this capacity and thank the new administrative team in advance for their hard work ahead to improve services at CSCU.

In addition, Chief of Staff Dr. Alice Pritchard who manages the President’s office as well as the Board Affairs office will reposition her team to prioritize efforts on strategic planning and partnerships, external relations, resource development, and workforce initiatives. Her team which includes communications, government relations, board affairs, and legal affairs functions will be focused on ensuring CSCU is positioned to take advantage of partnerships with state agencies, business and municipal leaders, community organizations and others to bring resources to our institutions and most importantly our students.

It is important to note that, except for a few managers, reporting lines will not change for most employees. However, I believe that the changes will foster additional interdepartmental collaboration, greater strategic capacity, and improved external relations and ultimately yield better results for the institutions and students we serve.

Sincerely,

Terrence Cheng
President, CSCU
 

Jan 17, 2022

Strength Through Peace

Dear CSCU Community,

Before the hustle and bustle that comes with the beginning of the semester, we take a moment to reflect on the life of Dr. Marin Luther King Jr. and his enduring legacy. Of course, Dr. King’s teachings, strength through nonviolence, the importance of universal and equitable education, and an emphasis on community service, continue to influence the fight for social justice. As one of our most iconic leaders of the 20th century, and the most prolific orator of a generation, the power of his deeds and words continue to inspire us.

More than 50 years after his assassination there has been progress, but many of Dr. King’s dreams remain unfulfilled. And in recent years, we have backslid on a number of important issues – from states working to make it more difficult for people to vote, to concerted attacks on k-12 curricula that teach the history of racial oppression in the United States. Democracy and freedom are fragile concepts if we do not work to codify them as reality for all.

Let us understand that the roles we play in higher education—faculty, staff, and students—are more important than ever. Our public colleges and universities, long paragons for creative thought and robust debate, must continue to fulfill our critical responsibility as the most accessible high-quality educational opportunity for all residents, regardless of their socioeconomic background. By doing our part with boldness, integrity, and consistency, we will live up to Dr. King’s teachings and move society in a more equitable direction.

I hope you have a relaxing and meaningful day before we hit the ground running this week. Thanks again to all of you for what you do. Your ethos and work weave the tapestry that is CSCU. As single threads we are weak, but together we are strong.

Sincerely,

Terrence Cheng
President, CSCU