Connecticut State Community College (CT State) has appointed seven inaugural campus presidents to lead operations of its campus locations statewide.
“I am proud to introduce our new campus presidents to Connecticut State Community College,” said CT State Interim President Christina Royal, Ph.D. “Each of them brings exceptional talent, proven leadership, and expertise that will strengthen our campuses, teaching and learning, and benefit the communities we serve. Through their collective experience, we’ll continue to deepen partnerships, advance workforce development, and expand opportunities that support student success and strengthen Connecticut’s economy and future.”
After an extensive national search, the following leaders have been appointed to serve as campus presidents. Full biographies are available at ctstate.edu/about/leadership.
CT State Asnuntuck, CT State Manchester and CT State Middlesex
Joshua Moon-Johnson, Ed.D., who was named campus president of CT State Asnuntuck, CT State Manchester and CT State Middlesex, brings over 20 years of experience in higher education, having held leadership roles at institutions including College of San Mateo, American River College, University of Wisconsin-Madison, and most recently at West Valley College where he was provost and vice president of academic affairs. At West Valley, he led initiatives to enhance academic programs, faculty support, and equitable student outcomes. A published author and advocate, Moon-Johnson has contributed to national conversations on educational equity and LGBT+ inclusion and advocacy. He has served on boards such as the Association of California Community College Administrators and the Sacramento LGBT Center. He holds a doctorate in higher education and LGBT studies from Northern Illinois University, master’s degrees in social sciences and market research, and a bachelor’s degree in business.
CT State Capital and CT State Tunxis
Sharale W. Mathis, Ed.D., was named campus president of CT State Capital and CT State Tunxis. With over 20 years in higher education and prior experience at CT State Manchester and Middlesex, she brings expertise in strategic leadership and equity-driven student success. She demonstrates a deep commitment to faculty and staff professional development. Prior to CT State, she was vice president of academic and student affairs at Holyoke Community College where she developed equity-focused retention programs for three campus locations. Mathis serves on national and state boards, including the American Association of Community Colleges Commission on Institutional Infrastructure and Transformation, and the National Council on Black American Affairs- Northeast Region. A fellow of the Thomas Lakin Institute for Mentored Leadership, she holds a doctoral degree in educational leadership from the University of Hartford, a master’s of health degree in biomedical sciences from Quinnipiac University, and a bachelor’s degree in biology from Eastern Connecticut State University. She also completed executive education through the Yale School of Management’s Women’s Leadership certificate program.
CT State Gateway
Shiang-Kwei “Ellen” Wang, Ph.D., named president of CT State Gateway, brings leadership experience from previous roles at Harold Washington College, Queensborough Community College, and most recently Hostos Community College as vice president of academic affairs and provost. Under her leadership, Hostos launched several new programs, and established strategic partnerships with industry leaders and potential donors. A nationally recognized scholar in education technology, Wang has led grant-funded initiatives focused on equity and workforce readiness, with support from the National Science Foundation, U.S. Department of Education, and Illinois Community College Board. Her research focuses on STEM education and pedagogical best practices, and she frequently presents at national conferences. Wang’s contributions to education have earned her the United Federation of Fil-Am Educators’ Outstanding Leadership in Education Award and a spot on City & State’s 2024 Power of Diversity: Asian 100 list. She earned a doctoral degree in instructional technology from the University of Georgia, a master’s in business administration, and bachelor’s degree in educational media and library science.
CT State Housatonic
Kamari A. Collins, Ed.D., has been named campus president of CT State Housatonic. He brings more than two decades of leadership experience in student affairs, academic support and community engagement. Most recently vice president for student success and enrollment management at Chesapeake College (MD), Collins expanded student services, enhanced enrollment systems, and fostered a stronger sense of belonging. He previously served as vice president of student affairs at Springfield Technical Community College (MA), and has held board positions with The Country School, For All Seasons, and Polaris Village Ministries. He earned his doctorate in education from Northeastern University, a master’s in human services, and a bachelor’s in movement and sports studies/teacher preparation from Springfield College.
CT State Naugatuck Valley and CT State Northwestern
Michael Rooke, Ph.D., who was named campus president of CT State Naugatuck Valley and CT State Northwestern, has served in various leadership roles across CT State for nearly two decades, including as president of Northwestern since 2015. In 2020, he was appointed interim provost and vice president of academic affairs, and later served as interim president during the early formation of Connecticut State Community College. Earlier, Rooke held faculty and leadership positions at CT State Manchester, CT State Tunxis, the University of Hartford and Long Island University Post. He serves on several regional boards, including the Northwest CT Chamber of Commerce and the Northwest CT Regional Workforce Investment Board. He is also a corporator of Hartford HealthCare’s Charlotte Hungerford Hospital. Rooke holds a doctorate in analytical chemistry from Kansas State University, a master’s in educational technology, and a bachelor’s degree in applied chemistry.
CT State Norwalk
With over 20 years of experience in higher education, government, and law, Cheryl De Vonish, J.D., was named campus president of CT State Norwalk, where she has led the campus since 2019 as a former college president and campus CEO. Recently, she secured more than $1 million in donations for students and expanded student wraparound services. Before her appointment, she held several senior leadership roles at Norwalk, including chief operating officer, and was also a CT State labor relations liaison. De Vonish’s efforts to foster inclusive excellence and campus-wide engagement have resulted in her being named to the NAACP’s 100 Most Influential Blacks in Connecticut list in both 2021 and 2024 and the Campus Community Award for her leadership and service. Prior to joining CT State, De Vonish worked as an attorney for the city of New York. A proud alumna of Spelman College and SUNY Binghamton, De Vonish holds a juris doctorate from Albany Law School.
CT State Quinebaug Valley and CT State Three Rivers
Mary Ellen Jukoski, Ed.D., was named campus president of CT State Quinebaug Valley and CT State Three Rivers, where she has led Three Rivers through over a decade of academic transformation and student success. Previously, she served 20 years as president of Mitchell College in New London, and held leadership roles at several colleges and universities nationwide. Jukoski’s contributions to higher education have earned her honors, including a W.K. Kellogg Foundation National Leadership Fellowship, the William Crawford Award, and the Connecticut Women in Higher Education Leadership Award. She earned a doctorate in higher education from the University of Memphis, master’s degrees in English and curriculum planning and development, and a bachelor’s in English/secondary education.
About CT State Community College
CT State is the largest community college in the Northeast, established in 2023 through the merger of Connecticut’s 12 legacy community colleges. With one application, students can take classes at any of CT State’s campuses across the state.
CT State offers hundreds of degree and certificate programs, short-term career training options, seamless transfer to Connecticut’s state colleges and universities, and affordable pathways to a bachelor’s degree.
Students can attend classes at CT State Asnuntuck (Enfield), Capital (Hartford), Gateway (New Haven and North Haven), Housatonic (Bridgeport), Manchester, Middlesex (Middletown and Meriden), Naugatuck Valley (Waterbury and Danbury), Northwestern (Winsted), Norwalk, Quinebaug Valley (Danielson and Willimantic), Three Rivers (Norwich), and Tunxis (Farmington and Bristol). Open houses are held each spring and fall, and campus tours are available year-round. CT State’s central office is located in New Britain. Visit ctstate.edu for more.