Embattled Connecticut State Colleges and Universities Chancellor Terrence Cheng will step down from his role and transition to a strategic advisor, the Connecticut Board of Regents for Higher Education announced Monday. The body also stated that it will not seek to extend (CSCU) chancellor’s beyond its current end date of June 30, 2026.
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.”
In a hearing of the General Assembly Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee Feb. 11 in the state Legislative Office Building, Cheng issued an apology for his misuse of public funds and promised he has already begun repaying the state for the $25,000 he owes. Only days before, the Connecticut College State Senate gave Cheng a vote of no confidence in a 31-2 vote, citing the findings of a state audit that showed misuse of state funds by Cheng and other CSCU executives.
In his comments announcing Cheng’s change in job status, Guay emphasized the importance the change will have on the CSCU institutions both financially and reputation-wise.
“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,” Guay said. “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.”
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 and the four Connecticut State Universities for spring 2025.
Guay added that 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,” Cheng said in a statement. “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.
“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.”
