Transition will help ensure long-term sustainability of institution
As part of its commitment to ensuring its long-term sustainability and operational efficiency statewide, Connecticut State Community College (CT State) announced it will be implementing a Campus President Model, to take effect next fiscal year, that will replace the Campus CEO Model. This transition reflects CT State’s broader efforts to enhance the student, employee, campus, and community experience.
Since its official launch in 2023, CT State has achieved enrollment growth, enhanced student success, and expanded high-demand programs such as health care and manufacturing. The introduction of the Campus President Model builds on this momentum. Under this model, each CT State campus—or strategic campus pairing—will be led by a dedicated campus president reporting to the president of CT State.
While leadership structures evolve, each campus will maintain its local identity, foundation, presence, and community focus. This realignment will not result in campus closures, the consolidation of campus foundations, or the reallocation of campus resources. Additionally, there will be no impact on bargained-level employees or campus level deans.
“Since CT State’s official launch in 2023, we have navigated significant challenges, including merger complexities, budget constraints, and shifting student needs and demographics. I am deeply grateful to our campus CEOs for their leadership and dedication during this transformative time,” said CT State President O. John Maduko, M.D. “By streamlining and empowering leadership roles, we can enhance decision-making, strengthen governance, optimize processes, and better align local leadership with collegewide policies and priorities—ensuring greater stability and continued progress for the institution.”
“This transition is another tool in CT State’s toolbox in securing the institution’s long-term viability,” said Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) Chancellor Terrence Cheng. “Alongside initiatives such as developing a Five-Year Fiscal Sustainability Plan, this approach will allow us to adapt to shifting student populations, workforce demands, and an evolving higher education landscape.”
Under this new model, leadership will be structured as follows:
-
CT State Gateway – One campus president
-
CT State Norwalk – One campus president
-
CT State Three Rivers & CT State Quinebaug Valley – One campus president
-
CT State Capital & CT State Tunxis – One campus president
-
CT State Housatonic & Danbury (satellite location) – One campus president
-
CT State Naugatuck Valley & CT State Northwestern – One campus president
-
CT State Manchester, CT State Middlesex & CT State Asnuntuck – One campus president
To support this transition, a nationwide search will be conducted to appoint seven campus presidents. These leaders will oversee academics, student services, campus operations, finances, and community relations. Additionally, they will play a critical role in advancing CT State’s unified mission through institutional advocacy, philanthropy, and the development of strategic industry partnerships to drive workforce development across the state.
Through this leadership model, CT State is strengthening its ability to serve students, expand workforce partnerships, and sustain its long-term mission as New England’s largest community college and Connecticut’s leader in accessible, affordable higher education.