Republicans Decry Decision To Keep Him On As An Advisor At A Salary Of $442,187
by Donald Eng
HARTFORD, CT — Connecticut State Colleges and Universities Chancellor Terrence Cheng is moving to a new role as strategic advisor to the CSCU board, according to a statement from the university system.
“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.”
According to a statement from the board, Cheng’s contract will not be extended beyond its current end date of June 30, 2026. In addition, the board and Cheng agreed that he would start his new role July 1, 2025. Legislative Republicans, in a statement released following the Regents’ announcement, pointed out that Cheng’s new role includes an annual salary of $442,187.
The board expects to announce a new interim chancellor in the coming weeks.
“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 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, according to the statement. 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.
But Cheng also faced scrutiny over his financial oversight, spending practices, and the broader institutional culture within the CSCU system. In a February hearing before the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee, Cheng pledged reforms to restore accountability and transparency.
“The concern and the challenge and the problem are here now, and it is our responsibility – my responsibility – to ensure that we are doing something about it,” he said. “We were not as fastidious, we were not as detail-oriented, we just didn’t take certain protocols seriously enough.”
In February, Cheng also received a vote of “no confidence” from the community college staff.
In a statement, House Republican Leader Vincent Candelora of North Branford and Rep. Seth Bronko of Naugatuck, the ranking member of the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee, called Cheng’s departure long overdue.
“Public trust has been shattered, and a change was needed so the system can begin to rebuild,” the two wrote. “Unfortunately, students, parents, and taxpayers won’t be able to move on so easily, as Mr. Cheng will remain on the payroll as a ‘strategic advisor’ for the final year of his contract. Going forward, the Board of Regents must ensure that contracts for this position prioritize the interests of the state — and that far stronger oversight is finally put in place.”
Cheng in a statement said it had been “a true honor” to serve as chancellor for 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 student,” he said. “Together, we have opened new doors for students and changed the trajectory of their lives.”
Senate Republicans Henri Martin, Rob Sampson, and Stephen Harding also released a statement,
“Chancellor Cheng should have resigned long ago. Republicans demanded that he do so. Gov. Lamont should have demanded that resignation. Instead, Gov. Lamont shrugged. Instead, Gov. Lamont said he is not very concerned ‘about the stuff you read in the paper’ regarding Chancellor Cheng’s state credit card abuse, the $60 succulent steak dinners that we paid for, the chauffeured travel and getting $21,139 to relocate to Connecticut despite never making the move from New York. Instead, Gov. Lamont has kept Chancellor Cheng on the state payroll making nearly half a million dollars. In doing so, Gov. Lamont continues to minimize the culture of ethical lapses, scandals and mismanagement in his administration as mere ‘small ball.’”