OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

Dr. O. John Maduko serves as the inaugural president of Connecticut State Community College (CT State). He assumed office in June 2022, following a nationwide search process and a unanimous vote by the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities Board of Regents for Higher Education. Dr. Maduko leads what will result from the merger of Connecticut’s 12 legacy community colleges. CT State will be the largest institution of higher education in Connecticut and the largest community college in New England.

Dr. Maduko is focused on leading CT State as a student-centered, mission-driven, equity-minded, and data-informed higher-education practitioner committed to an equity-by-design methodology to inspire the college community to be aware of the inequalities of students. Specifically, the opportunity-equity gap among minoritized, low-income, 1st-generation, and international college students and their respective lived experiences. Examining marginalized student learning outcomes, inside and outside the instructional environment, policy, practice, and intervention changes, equity-minded inquiry, and exploration to create a culture of post-graduate student success are at the core of his efforts.

Prior to his appointment at Connecticut State Community College, Dr. Maduko was the vice president for academic and student affairs at Minnesota State Community and Technical College (M State) in the Fargo-North Dakota/Moorhead-Minnesota metropolitan and the West-Central Minnesota regions. M State is the fifth largest community college in Minnesota and a member of the 32 institutions and 380,000 student Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System. During his tenure with M State, he was a senior leader and member of the president’s cabinet. He oversaw academic affairs, student affairs, enrollment management, marketing-public relations, athletics, student housing, student life and services, university partnerships, and transfer and dual enrollment programs. He was committed to shared and participatory governance. Dr. Maduko practiced collaborative leadership and worked directly with four collective bargaining units at M State.

Among his accomplishments were the investment in pedagogical and instructional innovation and equipment across Minnesota State Community and Technical College programs to help advance high-skill and technology instruction, the adoption of a new five-school model to unite faculty, programs, curriculum, pedagogy, and students across the college campuses to improve program selection and degree completion to achieve post-graduate of success.

Under his leadership, Minnesota State Community and Technical College received an over $2 million Title III grant from the U.S. Department of Education for services, programs, and faculty training opportunities designed to enhance student support services and facilitate greater student success. The Title III funds support M State’s STEER project (Striving Toward Equitable Engagement and Retention) to address achievement gaps and increase student enrollment, engagement, and retention rates, especially among BIPOC and part-time student populations. His team also secured a National Science Foundation grant to develop a new hybrid and EV technician training program, over $500,000 in federal and institutional funds to invest in constructing a dental simulation lab, and an Otter-Bremer Trust grant to support a health professions pipeline program to enhance the potential of first-generation and students of color to become healthcare professionals.

He is a 2018 Thomas Lakin fellow and 2021 Aspen Institute Rising Presidential Fellow, committed to student success reformation and equitable post-graduate outcomes. He serves on the American Association of Community Colleges Commission on Student Success and the Community College Advisory Panel (CCAP) for the College Board.

Earlier in his career, Dr. Maduko was a vice chancellor for student affairs and dean of health sciences and eLearning at NCTC in North Texas. Other previous leadership and faculty positions include academic dean at Rasmussen University’s Tampa metro campuses, school chair and professor of biological sciences at Rasmussen University Ocala campus, and department chair of allied health for EDMC’s Atlanta campuses.

Dr. Maduko began his career in higher education as an adjunct faculty member in biological sciences at Mountain State University (West Virginia) and an adjunct faculty member in allied health at EDMC.

Dr. Maduko earned his M.D. in allopathic medicine from St. Matthew’s University School of Medicine. He holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from California State Polytechnic University Pomona, one of only three polytechnic universities in California.

Dr. Maduko and his wife, Amanda, are the proud parents of Giovanni, Giuliana, and Luca.

Dec. 7-9:
NECHE Annual Meeting, Boston

Dec. 15, 10 AM,
CT Board of Regents Meeting

January 5, 2023

As we begin the New Year, we are reminded of the passing of time, the value of service and the impact that our faculty and staff have on our students and the communities where we live.

Over the holiday break, Gateway Community College faculty member and North Haven firefighter Matthias “Matt” Wirtz was killed in the line of duty.

He served as an Educational Assistant for the Fire Science Fundamentals of Firefighting program at Gateway and had been a part of the program since its inception in 2013. Prior to that, he was an instructor for the North Haven Fire Department's training program which became Gateway's Fire Science Program. He helped train new firefighter, EMT and nursing students who have gone on to serve across the state.

As Gateway CEO William Brown stated: “His commitment to Fire Service, our community and the students who are becoming the future of the Fire Service was unwavering.”

Matt began his career as a volunteer firefighter in North Haven before becoming a member of the North Haven municipal department. He became certified as a Fire Service Instructor so that he could teach new firefighters while continuing his career. Matt was among many Connecticut firefighters who responded to Ground Zero on 9/11 and 9/12/2001.

We send Matt’s wife, Barbara, and his entire family our thoughts, prayers and gratitude for being part of Gateway and CT State. We also thank Governor Lamont for the show of respect by ordering flags to be lowered to half-mast until Matt’s internment, which took place on Jan. 3 with full departmental honors. Those wishing to do so may send a contribution in Matt’s name to the North Haven Professional Firefighters Charitable Association, PO Box 191, North Haven, CT 06473.

In partnership and with gratitude,

John Maduko, M.D. (he/him/his)

President

Connecticut State Community College

Dear CT State Community,

Today’s post is all about Governance. A milestone in our development as a single, united institution is the ability to stand-up a method for communication, collaboration, and mutual accountability between administration, faculty, staff, and students which advances excellence in the operation of the one college.

I am pleased to announce that the CT State Shared Governance Model has been finalized. Nominations for campus and statewide representatives to the various governance bodies are due by Dec 9^th.

I invite you to visit the CT State Governance website for details about upcoming elections to serve on College Senate, Curriculum Congress and other statewide and campus-based bodies.

Page features:

• Summary of changes made to the model in response to feedback gathered since the Nov. 10th "Governance Overview" webinar
• Instructions for campus and statewide nominations and elections
• Nominations due by Dec. 9, 2022
• Elections due by Dec 23, 2022
• Updated list of Statewide Discipline Councils (SDCs)
• Recommended Additional Responsibility (AR) & Release Time (RT)
• Governance Transition Timeline & Scheduling Details
• Spring 2023 Meeting Schedule for Shared Governance
• Example Timeline for Curriculum Proposals
• FAQs ...and more!

To help you better understand the recent changes to the governance model and the transition timeline over the next few months, Interim Provost & VP of Academic Affairs Miah LaPierre Dreger also recorded a new webinar for the governance site to download or watch at a convenient time: CT State Shared Governance - Summary of Changes & Transition Timeline.

Many thanks for the cooperation and leadership of faculty and staff on each campus.

I also want to thank everyone who attended the first Governance webinar on Nov. 10 and who submitted feedback immediately after. Your input directly impacted the model we have today. Check out the page to see exactly what changes were made and for more resources.

In partnership,

John Maduko, M.D. (he/him/his)

President

Connecticut State Community College

Greetings:

This week’s tragedy at the University of Virginia has rocked the UVA community, higher education, Virginia, and the entire nation. We are heartbroken to learn of the senseless death of three UVA student-athletes and of those who were wounded. Our thoughts and condolences are with the victims' families, the University of Virginia community members, and the surrounding Charlottesville area as they cope with the aftermath of this tragedy.

For the CT State community, I offer assurance that we are constantly working to prevent and, if necessary, respond quickly to emergencies. We have the support of campus, local, and state law enforcement agencies, ongoing attention to emergency response protocols, and support services readily available to those in need. If you have not already done so, please take a moment to reflect on how we can all create and sustain the community we deserve.

Sincerely,

John Maduko, M.D.,
President

Dear CT State Community, Greetings!

I wanted to remind you all to register for the CT State Governance Overview Informational Webinar that will be held Thursday, November 10 at 3:30-4:30 pm.

This webinar will cover the proposed governance structure for Connecticut State Community College. We will discuss how campus resolutions have helped shape the proposed structure and the importance of moving forward together. We are also making sure that we build in time to allow for feedback, which will be incorporated before any structure is finalized. The webinars are open to everyone, but registration is required for each session. You can register for the webinar at WebEx now. Also, visit CTState.edu/webinars to view previous presentations and get a list of upcoming webinars.

Thank you for all you do.

John Maduko, M.D. (he/him/his)
President
CT State Community College

Dear CT State Community, Greetings!

My first tour of all twelve colleges has come to an end just in time for my 100th day on the job, and I want to thank all of you for being such gracious hosts. The days were long and filled with meaningful interactions with students, faculty, and administration.

It was a wonderful opportunity to explore the different college campuses as well as learn more about the unique programs, facilities, student support services, and ties to the local communities that each encompasses. There is a lot of individuality in the communities we represent and support, and it is reflected in the personalities and legacies of the twelve colleges.

Many of you had concerns, both specific and broad, and I appreciate you taking the time to share them with me as well as your ideas for the future of CT State. I have brought your comments and recommendations to my Cabinet, and we are taking them all into account. I will be announcing some of the ways we’ve incorporated your feedback into my 100 Days Report, which will come out in November. You will also be seeing more of the entire CT State leadership and me as we establish a culture of being present by frequently visiting our campuses.

Until then, there is news to celebrate. Census numbers for the fall have arrived, and it’s encouraging news. While numbers overall have decreased compared to Fall ‘21, we’ve slowed the bleeding. Full- time enrollment for all colleges is down just 1 percent compared to last Fall. This is the first year in a long time that our year-over-year enrollment hasn’t fallen dramatically.

We have been living in a new reality since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Aside from the changes that the pandemic brought to pass, we are grappling with a declining birth rate, a pending recession, and lower enrollment in Connecticut public schools. Many of our students were forced to stop attending as they struggled with food, housing, childcare, and other significant insecurities during the pandemic. Taking that into account means every student we register is a victory and a life- changing opportunity.

We have made great strides in re-engaging and registering a significant number of stop-outs. Over the summer, we launched an effective campaign that reached out with postcards, digital ads, and emails. We let them know about our outstanding academic and workforce programs, flexibility, advising, financial support like scholarships and financial aid, and wrap-around services for food, housing, and childcare that we offer. We saw results through a 39% increase in enrolled re-admitted students.

Our promising registration and enrollment numbers wouldn’t have happened without each of you working so hard to enroll and retain students. It’s going the extra step, making that phone call or text, walking a student to the right office, and always supporting students who are the ‘Why’ that drives our mission. CT State cannot succeed without your passion, resilience, experience, and dedication.

Thank you for all you do.

John Maduko, M.D. (he/him/his)
President
CT State Community College

Dear CT State colleagues and friends,

As I end my first official week as President, I am overly impressed and moved by all of you and your steadfast commitment to the students and communities we serve.

It is a once in a lifetime honor to lead CT State together with each of you who unequivocally make our statewide campuses incredible destinations for learning. I have been overcome with joy and appreciation by the warm welcomes that I have received.

As I prepare to begin my college wide journey, I am planning my First 100 Days tour across all CT State locations to host a series of townhalls in early fall to meet each of you and capture your needs, philosophies, and goals for how we can build CT State’s vision together. A CT State President webpage will provide a digital and interactive First 100 Days report that highlights how we engaged: number of town halls, number of campus visits/listening sessions, ideas shared, number of faculty and staff engaged, number of students engaged, meetings with elected/civic officials, number of CT State partners/friends engaged, and the total number of participants engaged.  

Inclusivity is at the core of my presidency, so your understandings and diverse experiences will be influential in guiding us through the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead of us. These include challenges brought about by the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the regional, national, and international tragedies, growing financial concerns within our communities, and the staggering workforce shortages.

>While we work through these challenges, we will embrace and advance the opportunities for what will be a premier, inclusive, agile, and innovative College. From Day 1, I have been blown away by the expertise, talent, and student-centered ability of our educators, higher education practitioners, and leaders. I am grateful to be surrounded by a resilient and driven team with an acumen for dismantling outdated barriers and striving for student success reformation.

More details will come regarding the schedule of my campus tours and engagement with the campus communities and friends of CT State.

In partnership,

John Maduko, M.D.
President
CT State Community College