2026 Will Bring National Search for Next CSCU Chancellor

The Connecticut Board of Regents for Higher Education (BOR) has announced that it will launch a competitive national search in 2026 for the next permanent chancellor of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) system. The Board will outline the search process, timeline, eligibility, and opportunities for campus and community input as the launch date approaches.

Connecticut State Colleges & Universities is a system of 6 public colleges and universities: 4 state universities, CT State Community College, and Charter Oak State College.

To ensure consistent leadership as the system prepares for this transition, the BOR also intends to extend the appointment of Dr. O. John Maduko as interim chancellor for one additional year to June 30, 2027. Dr. Maduko has served in the role since July 1, 2025, following his tenure as the inaugural president of Connecticut State Community College (CT State).

“The Board’s priority is to maintain stability and continuity across the CSCU system,” said Marty Guay, BOR Chair. “Launching a national search in 2026 will allow us to conduct a thoughtful and extensive process for selecting the system’s next leader. In the interim, Dr. Maduko’s steady leadership and strategic guidance will help position our colleges and universities, faculty and staff, and students for continued success. We have strong leadership across all of our colleges and universities who continue to drive strong student success and improved outcomes.”

“Over the past several months, I have engaged with faculty, staff, administrators, and students to discuss how we can best move forward. Our colleges and universities do an incredible job of meeting learners where they are, providing upward mobility and the hands-on learning needed to succeed in higher education and beyond,” said CSCU Interim Chancellor Maduko. “I look forward to continuing this work and ensuring that higher education remains a bridge to opportunity and that CSCU continues to serve as the workforce engine our state needs to thrive.”

CSCU, its website points out, “provides affordable, innovative and rigorous programs for students to achieve their personal and career goals as well as contribute to the economic growth of Connecticut. The Board of Regents (BOR) is focused on three key areas to drive student success: Accessibility, Completion and Talent.” CSCU enrolls students 85,000 students, from all 169 towns in Connecticut. Data indicates that 96% of enrolled CSCU students are Connecticut residents; 35% of Connecticut high school graduates attend CSCU. CSCU also reports that over 80% of CT State and CSU graduates choose to work in Connecticut after graduation.