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The College Tour

Posted in CT State.

See What It’s Like to Attend CT State Community College!

CT State was featured on The College Tour, an award-winning TV series that shares the real stories of students from colleges across the country. In this episode, 17 inspiring CT State students bring the college’s 12 campuses to life—sharing personal experiences, academic journeys and what makes CT State special.

The episode offers an authentic, student-led look at the energy, diversity and opportunity that define CT State. It highlights academic programs, student life and the distinct strengths of Connecticut’s statewide community college system.

Watch to experience CT State through the voices of the students who know it best.

Ready to Tour In-Person?

Meet Our Students

Don’t miss CT State’s episode of The College Tour—a powerful, student-led look at life, learning and opportunity across all 12 campuses.

Asnuntuck

Katelynn Case

Campus: CT State Asnuntuck
Major: Theater Studies
Hometown: Colebrook

Katelynn talks about the college's vibrant community, the support she received from the Financial Aid office and resources like the Tutoring Center, which have contributed to her academic success.

Capital

Collins Mensah

Campus: CT State Capital
Major: Business Studies
Hometown: Manchester

Collins stresses the importance of the college's supportive environment for students with learning disabilities. He also talks about Capital's welcoming atmosphere and dedicated faculty, along with the benefits of small class sizes

Gateway

Danilzon (Dani) Andres-Pedro

Campus: CT State Gateway
Major: Business Studies
Hometown: Stratford, CT

Dani, a first-generation student, discusses the college's affordable tuition and other support, such as its partnership with CTrides for free transportation. With resources such as the Career Services office, he secured an internship at Yale, gaining valuable experience and skills.

Housatonic

Kya Hunter

Campus: CT State Housatonic
Major: Social Work Studies
Hometown: Derby

Kya found her passion for helping youth during the pandemic, which inspired her to actively engage in community service and to pursue case management as a career field. Kya also runs a small business and, with help from the college's Werth Center, she receives mentorship and funding to enhance her entrepreneurial skills.

Manchester

Jessica Pratt

Campus: CT State Manchester
Major: Respiratory Care
Hometown: Uncasville

Jessica, a working mother, was inspired to pursue the medical field as a result of her father's illness. She explains how the Respiratory Care program partners with Hartford Hospital and the hands-on experience opportunities through the Center for Education, Simulation and Innovation.

Middlesex

Quanice Casablanca

Campus: CT State Middlesex
Major: Social Work Studies
Hometown: Middletown

Quanice relates how she shifted her focus from law to human services. She found a welcoming community at Middlesex that supports her education, her journey as a mother and student and her social life.

Naugatuck Valley

Jenna Garraffo

Campus: CT State Naugatuck Valley
Major: Musical Theater
Hometown: Watertown

Jenna shares her passion for theater and highlights her growth through productions like Macbeth and Alice by Heart in the campus’s two theaters. Jenna also shared how she participated in the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival and her intent to pursue a BFA at a four-year university.

Northwestern

Brianna Packer-McCarthy

Campus: CT State Northwestern
Major: Business Studies
Hometown: Weatogue

Brianna, a native Deaf student, shares how she has benefited from campus resources like the disability and accessibility services, while enjoying a supportive faculty and engaging campus events.

Norwalk

Emma Cruzado

Campus: CT State Norwalk
Major: Nursing
Hometown: Stamford

Emma talks about overcoming challenges like immigration, anxiety, young motherhood and how, with support from the college, including financial aid, she gained essential language skills and resources to pursue her nursing dream.

Quinebaug Valley

Michelle Crousey

Campus: CT State Quinebaug Valley
Major: Medical Laboratory Technician
Hometown: Danielson

Michelle, a non-traditional student, shares her journey of overcoming breast cancer and prioritizing her education at Quinebaug Valley, where she finds support from advisors and tutoring.

Three Rivers

Alyssa Wierzbicki

Campus: CT State Three Rivers
Major: Social Work Studies
Hometown: San Jacinto, CA

Alyssa, a Navy veteran, describes the supportive community and resources at the college, which helped her adjust during her educational journey. She also talks about her involvement in student government and helping other veteran students along the way.

Tunxis

Alexander Cruz Lopez

Campus: CT State Tunxis
Major: Communication Studies
Hometown: Plainville

Alexander, a first-generation student, benefited from the college's wellness services and student organizations, felt welcomed by a supportive and inclusive community and enjoyed the college's many other resources and supports.

Finding Your Fit at CT State

Maritza Sanchez

Campus: CT State Gateway
Major: Chemistry Studies
Hometown: New Haven

Maritza, a first-generation and low-income student, talks about transferring to the college and finding her fit successfully, working as a pharmacy technician, securing a three-month internship in France, founding the Gateway Math Club, conducting research and more.

Engineering and Manufacturing Spotlight

Alexander Litvak

Campus: CT State Asnuntuck
Major: Robotics and Mechatronics Technician
Hometown: Suffield

Alexander highlights the college's engineering and manufacturing strengths and shares his passion for robotics, fueled by engaging classes and supportive professors.

Phi Theta Kappa at CT State

Dakota Lawson

Campus: Northwestern
Major: Liberal Arts and Sciences
Hometown: Torrington

Dakota overcame his initial academic struggles through hard work and community involvement. He joined the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, becoming its Vice President of Service.

Learn more about CT State

Wrap-Around Services

Dakota Lawson

Dean of Students and Faculty

Dean St. James describes the college's focus on supporting students through various initiatives that tackle barriers such as cost, transportation and mental health. The free college program provides financial aid for eligible residents, and OneStop Enrollment Services simplify applications. Additional services like tutoring and disability assistance ensure students succeed academically and in their communities.

Dual Enrollment

Karen Hynick

Acting Provost and Vice President, Academic Affairs, Student Affairs and Workforce Innovation

Provost Hynick details the college's extensive dual enrollment programs, which allow high schoolers to take college classes and experience college life. Alex also meets with dual-enrolled student Ashmeet, who shares her positive experience, noting the advantages of college resources and credits.

Alumnus Experience

Jacob Murphy ’20

Campus: CT State Middlesex
Major: Engineering Science
Hometown: Manchester

Jacob relates the transformative power of education and how he has advanced to working on advanced engineering projects. He credits CT State for the many supports, resources and opportunities provided along the way.

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Manchester, Middlesex and Asnuntuck Presidential Search

Posted in CT State.

CT State Manchester, Middlesex and Asnuntuck Presidential Search

As one of the largest campuses within CT State, Manchester consistently aspires to set the standard for community college education. Located just east of Hartford, it offers a suburban feel while remaining an integral part of the Greater Hartford metropolitan area. The town of Manchester is known for its rich history, vibrant community, and strong support for education, making it an ideal setting for student success. With over 80 degree and certificate programs, Manchester provides a high-quality, accessible education enriched by academic excellence, technology-enhanced classrooms, and dynamic learning spaces. Students benefit from small class sizes, flexible schedules, and affordable tuition. Designed to meet the diverse needs of learners, Manchester’s programs are available in various formats— including day, evening, weekend, and online courses, offered in both traditional and accelerated formats.

CT State Middlesex is in Middletown, Connecticut, a charming suburban city with a walkable downtown filled with shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. Committed to fostering meaningful connections with a diverse student body, Middlesex provides high-quality, affordable, and accessible educational experiences that empower students to achieve their goals and become engaged global citizens. With more than 80 degree and certificate programs, Middlesex is home to the Center for New Media and the state’s only accredited Ophthalmic Design and Dispensing program. In addition to its main campus in central Connecticut, Middlesex offers classes in Meriden through a partnership with Platt High School.

CT State Asnuntuck is in northern Hartford County near the Massachusetts border, offering convenient access to urban amenities in Springfield, Massachusetts, and Hartford, Connecticut. The campus provides more than 50 associate degree and certificate programs, as well as short-term workforce training, equipping students for careers, transfer opportunities, and lifelong learning. Home to a nationally recognized Advanced Manufacturing Technology Center, Asnuntuck prepares students from Connecticut and Massachusetts for in-demand careers in the manufacturing industry. The college also offers specialized programs in health and wellness. Committed to student success, Asnuntuck provides individualized support services that foster critical thinking, build self-confidence, and promote personal growth. CT State Manchester, Middlesex and Asnuntuck are conveniently located within 30 minutes of one another.

Norwalk Campus Norwalk Campus Norwalk Campus

Meet the Candidates

Dr. Rudy Besikof.

Dr. Rudy J. Besikof

On Campus (Manchester)
May 12

On Campus (Middlesex)
May 13

On Campus (Asnuntuck)
May 14

Feedback Form

LaTonya Nixon-Stith

Dr. LaTonya Nixon-Stith

On Campus (Manchester)
May 13

On Campus (Middlesex)
May 14

On Campus (Asnuntuck)
May 15

Feedback Form

Darryl Jones

Dr. Joshua Moon-Johnson

On Campus (Manchester)
May 19

On Campus (Middlesex)
May 20

On Campus (Asnuntuck)
May 16

Feedback Form

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Housatonic and Danbury Presidential Search

Posted in CT State.

CT State Housatonic and Danbury Presidential Search

Located in Bridgeport, Connecticut, the largest city in Connecticut and a major economic and cultural hub in the state, CT State Housatonic offers associate degree programs in preparation for transfer to four-year institutions, as well as occupationally oriented associate degree and certificate programs. Short-term, non-credit courses, seminars and workshops, as well as targeted student services, help meet community and personal enrichment needs. These programs prepare students for employment, and advancement in business, industry, manufacturing, health services, fine arts, theater, digital media, early childhood education, natural sciences, computer arts and information systems, and human services. Housatonic also assists local businesses and institutions to train and update the skills of their workers.

Located just 30 miles from Housatonic, the Danbury, Connecticut, campus, currently a satellite location, serves one of the state’s fastest-growing communities, where demand for educational opportunities continues to rise for students pursuing higher education. The campus is conveniently situated in the heart of Danbury’s vibrant downtown.

Norwalk Campus Norwalk Campus Norwalk Campus

Meet the Candidates

Dr. Kamari Collins

Dr. Kamari A. Collins

On Campus (Housatonic)
May 12

On Campus (Danbury)
May 13

Feedback Form

Michel Hodge

Dr. Michel A. Hodge

On Campus (Housatonic)
May 13

On Campus (Danbury)
May 14

Feedback Form

Joshua Moon-Johnson

Dr. Joshua Moon-Johnson

On Campus (Housatonic)
May 14

On Campus (Danbury)
May 15

Feedback Form

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Quinebaug Valley and Three Rivers Presidential Search

Posted in CT State.

CT State Quinebaug Valley and Three Rivers Presidential Search

CT State Three Rivers serves the eastern regions of the state with a range of credit degrees, certificates, and non-credit programs designed to meet the evolving needs of its diverse learning community. Located in Norwich, Connecticut—a historic city known as “The Rose of New England”—Three Rivers benefits from the area’s rich cultural heritage, economic diversity, and proximity to major employers in healthcare, manufacturing, and the energy sector. Norwich blends urban, suburban, and rural characteristics, offering students both a vibrant local community and access to hands-on learning opportunities. Whether pursuing short-term training, a career-ready associate degree, or transfer pathways to four-year institutions, students at Three Rivers gain the skills and knowledge needed to succeed.

Located 30 miles from Three Rivers, CT State Quinebaug Valley serves students across northeastern Connecticut, central Massachusetts, and Rhode Island through its two locations: the Danielson Campus and the Willimantic Center. The Danielson Campus is Quinebaug Valley’s main location, offering a full range of academic and student services, including degree and certificate programs designed for transfer to fouryear institutions and career pathways. It features modern classrooms, labs, and student resources to support a dynamic learning environment. The Willimantic Center extends Quinebaug Valley’s reach by providing accessible education and workforce training opportunities in the Willimantic area. This location offers select courses, student support services, and community engagement programs tailored to local needs.

Norwalk Campus Norwalk Campus Norwalk Campus

Meet the Candidates

Dr. Anthony Benoit

Dr. Anthony G. Benoit

On Campus (Quinebaug Valley)
May 19

On Campus (Three Rivers)
May 20

Feedback Form

Mary Ellen Jukoski

Dr. Mary Ellen Jukoski

On Campus (Quinebaug Valley)
May 20

On Campus (Three Rivers)
May 21

Feedback Form

Christina Wynn

Dr. Christina Wynn

On Campus (Quinebaug Valley)
May 21

On Campus (Three Rivers)
May 22

Feedback Form

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