CT Board of Regents for Higher Education Appoints Natalie Braswell as Interim Chancellor of CSCU

The Connecticut Board of Regents for Higher Education today announced the appointment of Natalie Braswell as interim chancellor of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) system. Braswell, who previously served as State Comptroller, currently serves as General Counsel to Governor Ned Lamont.

"Natalie brings a pragmatic, action-oriented approach and a proven ability to take on complex challenges during times of transition. She has earned the reputation as someone who steps into high-pressure situations, builds trust, and keeps institutions moving forward. She knows how to navigate state government, she leads with accountability and transparency, and understands how important CSCU is to students, faculty and staff, and communities across Connecticut. The Board is confident she will provide the right leadership as we move forward with a national search for the next permanent chancellor," said Ari Santiago, interim chair of the Board of Regents.

Braswell will serve as interim chancellor for one year while CSCU conducts a national search for a permanent system leader beginning in Fall 2026. In the role, she will provide strategic leadership, operational stability, and effective governance for Connecticut's public higher education system, which includes Central Connecticut State University, Eastern Connecticut State University, Southern Connecticut State University, Western Connecticut State University, Charter Oak State College, and Connecticut State Community College (CT State).

"I am honored to step into this role at such an important time for CSCU and for the students and communities this system serves," said Braswell. "As Governor Lamont's General Counsel, I have seen firsthand the Governor's commitment to strengthening public institutions, expanding opportunity, and delivering results for the people of Connecticut. I am grateful for his trust and partnership, and I appreciate the Board's confidence in my ability to help lead the system during this important period. I accept this responsibility with a clear understanding of both the challenges and the extraordinary importance of this moment for public higher education in Connecticut."

"Throughout my career, I have never shied away from difficult challenges, and I understand both the responsibility and urgency of this work. Our colleges and universities are essential engines of opportunity, workforce development, economic growth, and social mobility for students and families across our state. This is a moment that calls for steady leadership, accountability, and a clear focus on moving forward. Over the next year, my focus will be on strengthening trust across the system, ensuring transparency and accountability, and keeping our attention where it belongs: on creating opportunity and success for our students. I look forward to working closely with the Board of Regents, campus presidents, faculty, staff, labor partners, students, legislators, and stakeholders throughout Connecticut to reinforce institutional trust, improve operational effectiveness, and position the system for long-term success," said Braswell.

Braswell brings extensive leadership experience across state government and a proven track record of stepping into complex challenges during moments of transition. Over the last three years as Governor Lamont's General Counsel, she has advised the administration on some of the state's most significant legal, policy, and operational issues, and has played a key role in efforts to diversify the state's judicial bench.

Prior to joining the Governor's Office, Braswell served as Connecticut's State Comptroller, after being appointed to the role following the resignation of former Comptroller Kevin Lembo due to a serious medical condition. She also served as Chief of Planning, Legal, and Regulatory Affairs at the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP).

Braswell earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political sciences and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Connecticut, and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Connecticut School of Law. She also taught legal practice as an adjunct professor at UConn Law and served on the school's foundation board and its Diversity, Equity and Belonging Committee.

CSCU serves the largest student population in Connecticut, with 16 campuses and more than 17 million square feet of facilities statewide. More than 80% of graduates from one of CSCU's four state universities, CT State, and Charter Oak State College remain in Connecticut to live and work, underscoring CSCU's vital role in strengthening the state's workforce and economy.

As interim chancellor, Braswell will also help oversee the completion of an independent review examining all known facts related to the former interim chancellor's conduct and CSCU's response to reports of alleged misconduct, including whether system policies, procedures, and best practices were appropriately followed. The review is expected to conclude within three months, and its findings will be made public upon completion.