CONNECTICUT STATE UNIVERSITY SYSTEM
Connecticut State University System
The 17 Connecticut State Colleges & Universities (ConnSCU) provide affordable, innovative and rigorous programs that permit students to achieve their personal and career goals, as well as contribute to the economic growth of Connecticut. The ConnSCU System encompasses four state universities – Western Connecticut State University in Danbury, Central Connecticut State University in New Britain, Eastern Connecticut State University in Willimantic and Southern Connecticut State University in New Haven – as well as 12 community colleges and the online institution Charter Oak State College.
Until the state’s higher education reorganization of 2011, Western was a member of the former Connecticut State Unviersity System that also encompassed Central, Eastern and Southern Connecticut state universities. With origins in normal schools for teacher education founded in the 19th and early 20th centuries, these institutions evolved into diversified state universities whose graduates have pursued careers in the professions, business, education, public service, the arts and other fields. Graduates of Western and other state universities contribute to all aspects of Connecticut economic, social and cultural life.
In April 2011, Gov. Dannel P. Malloy and the Connecticut legislature unveiled a plan to consolidate the management of higher education. Specifically, they created a Board of Regents for Higher Education which replaced the governance structures for the Connecticut State University System (CSUS), the Connecticut Community Colleges, Charter Oak State College and the Board of Governors for Higher Education. The transition from the CSUS Board of Trustees to the Board of Regents occurred between July 1 and December 31, 2011.
Governance of the CSCU System is the responsibility of the Board of Regents for Higher Education, which comprises 20 appointments: nine by the governor (including the selection of one of his appointees as the chair), four by legislative leaders, two student representatives, and five ex-officio, non-voting members (commissioners of the departments of Economic and Community Development, Public Health, Education and Labor and the chair of the Faculty Advisory Committee).
CSCU leadership team works with the campus leaders, faculty and staff to help increase the educational attainment of Connecticut’s adult population. All 17 college and university presidents report directly to the Board of Regents president, who reports to the Board of Regents for Higher Education. CSCU senior staff provide additional support and guidance for both the board and member institutions.
Connecticut Board of Regents for Higher Education
JoAnn Ryan, Torrington, Vice-Chair
Richard J. Balducci, Deep River
Ira Bloom, Greenwich
Felice Gray-Kemp, Hamden
Holly Howery, Bristol
Juanita T. James
Sophia Jappinen
Dr. Jim McCarthy, Clinton
Richard J. Porth, West Hartford
Ari Santiago
Erin Stewart, New Britain
Elease E. Wright, Hartford
Administrative Officers – Connecticut State University System
Terrence Change, President
Daniel Aniello, Executive Director for System Project Management
Leigh Appleby, Director of Communications
Benjamin Barnes, Vice President Administration / Chief Financial Officer
Sean Bradbury, Senior Director of Government Relations & External Affairs
Pam Heleen, Associate Director of Board Affairs
Rai Kathuria, Provost & Senior VP of Academic & Student Affairs
Jessica Paquette, Executive Director for Presidential Initiatives
Ernestine Y. Weaver, CSCU General Counsel
Connecticut State University System Office
39 Woodland Street • Hartford, Connecticut 06105-2337