Connecticut Board of Regents Announces CSCU System Leadership Update

The Connecticut Board of Regents for Higher Education announced today that it will not seek to extend Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) Chancellor Terrence Cheng's contract beyond its current end date of June 30, 2026.

Additionally, the Board and Chancellor Cheng have mutually agreed that, starting July 1, 2025, Chancellor Cheng will transition into a new role as a Strategic Advisor to the Board. An announcement naming an interim chancellor is expected in the coming weeks.

"I thank Chancellor Cheng for his hard work, partnership, and dedication to the system," said Marty Guay, Chair of the Connecticut Board of Regents for Higher Education. "The future is bright for CSCU as we look to set a new direction for the system."

"We have a real opportunity to make impactful investments in our system in the best interests of the students we serve and the state as a whole. We will continue to create more opportunities and access for students, boost graduation rates, and strengthen our talent pipelines to ensure they are aligned with industry needs and meet workforce demands. These efforts will ensure our students are set up for success in their careers and beyond," said Guay.

During Chancellor Cheng's tenure, CSCU saw a 4.4% increase in total student enrollment for Fall 2024 and a 6.2% increase in total student enrollment for CT State Community College (CT State) and the four Connecticut State Universities (CSUs) for Spring 2025. Chancellor Cheng also helped to: complete the consolidation of Connecticut's 12 community colleges into one single accredited multi-campus institution, which received its initial accreditation from the New England Commission of Higher Education in June 2023; improve access and pathways for transfer students; prioritize dual and concurrent enrollment for high school students; create new partnerships benefiting students and workforce development for key industries and community organizations; and open multiple new healthcare and manufacturing sites across the state.

"It has been a true honor to serve as Chancellor of the CSCU system and its 65,000 students. I am incredibly proud of the work we have done to eliminate barriers to higher education, and increase educational access, equity, and opportunity for students, particularly for first-generation and minoritized students. Together, we have opened new doors for students and changed the trajectory of their lives," said Chancellor Cheng. "I remain deeply committed to this work and will continue to work with the Board of Regents and build on the success of the CSCU system."