CSCU chancellor will transition into new role, Board of Regents says
HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — The chancellor of Connecticut State Colleges and Universities will be stepping away from his role soon, according to the Connecticut Board of Regents for Higher Education.
Officials said the board and Chancellor Terrence Cheng have mutually agreed not to extend his contact beyond its current end date of June 30, 2026.
Connecticut comptroller's college system audit reveals 'systematic' misuse of state funds
Starting on July 1, 2025, they said Cheng will also transition into a new role as strategic advisory to the board.
An interim chancellor is expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
'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,' Cheng said in a statement.
The chair of the board thanked Cheng for his work, while looking forward to taking the system in 'a new direction.'
Connecticut state colleges see increase in student enrollment
'I thank Chancellor Cheng for his hard work, partnership, and dedication to the system,' Chair of the Connecticut Board of Regents for Higher Education Marty Guay said. 'The future is bright for CSCU as we look to set a new direction for the system.'
Cheng's term as chancellor was the subject of last year's independent audit of the college system, which found a systematic misuse of taxpayers funds.
Comptroller Sean Scanlon released the audit in December, at request of Governor Ned Lamont, who said in late October reports of 'controversial spending decisions' raised concerns.
The office was provided over 780,000 transactions from July 1, 2021, to the end of October 2024, which was purposefully chosen to line up with Cheng's term.
Scanlon said the audit found bills for expensive meals, delivery services, room service, dry cleaning, tickets to events unrelated to schools, Eversource and cell phone bills for students without clear adherence to a policy.
Cheng's P-Card expenses stood out in the report, which found the chancellor spent $19,000 on food over the three year period, and many of the meals violated state policy.
Since the report came out, Senate and House GOP members have called for Cheng's removal.
'Chancellor Cheng should have resigned long ago. Republicans demanded that he do so. Gov. Lamont should have demanded that resignation,' Sen. Henri Martin, Sen. Rob Sampson and Sen. Stephen Harding said in a statement released Monday.
House Republican Leader Vincent Candelora and State Rep. Seth Bronko shared the following statement:
'Given the well-deserved controversy over Terrence Cheng's flagrant — if not infamous — spending abuses, and the systemwide revolt by staff against his leadership, his departure as chancellor is long overdue. Public trust has been shattered, and a change was needed so the system can begin to rebuild. 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.'
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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