Latest news with #TerrenceCheng
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
CSCU awarding over $2.1 million in scholarship funding
CONNECTICUT (WTNH) — Connecticut State Colleges and Universities is awarding more than $2.1 million in new scholarship funding. The money will go toward nursing and social work students at Central, Eastern, Southern, and Western Connecticut State Universities, as well as Charter Oak State College. CSCU faculty members push back against potential budget cuts It's part of the second year of the Connecticut Health Horizons initiative, aiming to address the critical statewide workforce shortage in nursing and social work. In the second year of the three-year initiative, CSCU awarded 481 scholarships worth more than $2.1 million. That included more than 150 Accelerated Bachelor's in nursing, about 350 Bachelor of Science in nursing, 100 Master of Social Work, and 20 psychiatric mental health Nurse Practitioners. In a statement, to News8 Chancellor of the CSCU system Terrence Cheng said, 'The Connecticut Health Horizons initiative is a game changer for the state of Connecticut. We have been able to open up access to nursing and social work degrees, create new partnerships, and build futures.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
CT State Colleges and Universities chief out after spending scandal
The embattled leader of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities system will be removed from his position beginning July 1, according to a release from CSCU. CSCU Chancellor Terrence Cheng, whose lavish spending, out-of-state home and high salary have drawn scrutiny, will transition to a new role as strategic advisor to the Connecticut Board of Regents for Higher Education, according to the statement attributed to the board. The statement says that Cheng's contract, which is scheduled to end June 30, 2026, will not be renewed. '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,' Guay said in the statement. CSCU, which includes both Connecticut's 12 community colleges and its four state universities, saw an increase in enrollment under Cheng, who assumed the role in July of 2021: 4.4% for fall 2024 and a 6.2% increase for spring 2025, according to CSCU. Cheng oversaw the consolidation of the previously independent community colleges into a single multi-campus institution and oversaw efforts to ease enrollment access for transfer students and Connecticut high school students. During his tenure, CSCU also created partnerships with key industries and community organizations to benefit workforce development and opened multiple new health care 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,' Cheng said. '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.' The news follows sharp criticism from elected officials and calls for his firing from Republicans after he was shown to have abused a state credit card. An audit by the state comptroller, requested by Gov. Ned Lamont, of expenses and credit card use by leadership at Connecticut State Colleges and Universities revealed a 'systemic problem,' the state's comptroller said, citing misspending of thousands of dollars on food, entertainment and transportation by nearly all the campus presidents. The audit was prompted by a December 2024 CT Insider report on Cheng's spending that found records of expensive meals including $60 steaks, $490 chauffeured rides and more. Cheng was also given more than $21,000 to relocate from New York to Connecticut but reportedly never made the move. When the spending report was released, Republican leaders called for Cheng's immediate termination. Republican minority leaders Sen. Stephen Harding and Rep. Vincent J. Candelora said 'Make no mistake—this is a black eye for the State of Connecticut. While we appreciate Comptroller Scanlon's proposals to address spending abuses and procedural failures within the CSCU system, restoring public trust demands bold and decisive action. That begins with terminating the employment of CSCU Chancellor Terrence Cheng. His continued leadership over a system in clear disarray undermines efforts to restore stability and confidence among students, parents, staff, and taxpayers alike.' On Monday, Candelora with Rep. Seth Bronko, House ranking member of the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee, called for stronger oversight. '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.' Republicans Sen. Henri Martin, Sen. Rob Sampson and Harding said it was not enough to remove Cheng from his position and continue paying him through 2026. 'So, he still will have a $442,187 a year state-taxpayer funded job, just with a different job title? Do we have that correct? Unbelievable. 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 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,'' they said in a statement. When brought before legislators at the state Capitol, Cheng apologized and later moved to change system spending policies. 'I acknowledge that my actions have raised serious concerns about financial oversight and transparency,' Cheng told lawmakers at a special forum to review the spending. 'For this, I take personal responsibility, and I am extremely, extremely sorry. I also want to apologize to members of the General Assembly, who have consistently supported our system and our students. … For my part in this, I do sincerely apologize. … I recognize that trust is not just given. It has to be earned through action, and it cannot be earned simply through words.' Democratic Reps. Derek Slapp and Gregg Haddad noted the system's importance in the state. 'We understand and appreciate the Board of Regents' decision,' Slapp and Haddad said. 'As they look for a new leader, we believe strongly that it is important to prioritize student outcomes, meet the needs of a rapidly changing workforce, and act as good stewards of state resources. The system needs stability and the stakes are high. Higher Education is the largest economic engine in Connecticut, so our economy and future of many students will be impacted by whoever the Board chooses as the next leader.' Cheng was appointed as chancellor by the Board of Regents in May 2021. He had previously served as campus director of the University of Connecticut Stamford, a role to which he was appointed in 2016. He also served as a member of the English department faculty there. He is also the author of two Chinese historical novels, Sons of Heaven (2002) and Deep in the Mountains (2007). Plans to replace Cheng have not been announced. Courant reporter Christopher Keating contributed to this report.
Yahoo
19-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Connecticut state colleges see increase in student enrollment
HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — The Connecticut State Colleges and Universities system Wednesday said its student enrollment increased by 6.2% over last year's spring semester. The Spring 2025 Preliminary Census Report looked at the four Connecticut State Universities. Separate student enrollment increases at CSU institutions and CT State are as follows: Western Connecticut State University: 10.1% Central Connecticut State University: 8.3% Eastern Connecticut State University: 6.8% CT State Community College (12 campuses): 6% Southern Connecticut State University: 3.1% CSCU's total enrollment increased by 4.4% in the fall semester of 2024. Connecticut comptroller's college system audit reveals 'systematic' misuse of state funds School officials believe the increase in enrollment is due to their 'targeted recruitment efforts, collective work in eliminating barriers to higher education, and continuing to meet the evolving needs of its student population.' 'Our colleges and universities have done incredible work in adopting a multipronged approach that focuses on enhancing recruitment and retention efforts, eliminating barriers to higher education, and offering innovative programs that are aligned with workforce demands,' CSCU Chancellor Terrence Cheng said in a statement. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
12-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
CT higher education chief questioned at Capitol as Republicans seek his resignation for lavish spending
With Republicans and staff members calling for his resignation, a Connecticut college leader apologized Tuesday for lavish spending of taxpayer dollars that has prompted sharp criticisms. Terrence Cheng, the chancellor of the Connecticut State Colleges & Universities system, told lawmakers that his office is changing policies to ensure greater transparency in the use of state-paid purchasing cards that pay for expenses. 'I acknowledge that my actions have raised serious concerns about financial oversight and transparency,' Cheng told lawmakers at a special forum to review the spending. 'For this, I take personal responsibility, and I am extremely, extremely sorry. I also want to apologize to members of the General Assembly, who have consistently supported our system and our students. … For my part in this, I do sincerely apologize. … I recognize that trust is not just given. It has to be earned through action, and it cannot be earned simply through words.' State Rep. Lucy Dathan, a New Canaan Democrat, asked Cheng about the perception of spending for lavish meals at the same time that some hard-working students need access to food pantries. 'I think it looks bad,' Cheng responded to Dathan. 'I mean, I'm not sure how else to say it more elegantly than that. That is certainly something that I have to own as the leader of this system. When I make a mistake, I fess up to that mistake. Those were mistakes. Those were absolutely mistakes in that I did not take into consideration what the public perception of my actions might have been.' Cheng added, 'There was no nefarious intent. I can vow that I will not make those mistakes again. I simply will not make those mistakes again, and I say that in public, in testimony, and that is something that I will be held accountable for because ultimately if I as the leader of this organization don't have trust with you as our legislative leaders, if I don't have trust with my board, and if I don't have trust with our students, faculty and staff, then we're never going to make the progress that we must make.' Cheng, who is paid more than $440,000 per year, has been blasted by Republicans since last year when it was revealed that he had spent excessively on taxpayer-funded purchasing cards for expensive meals, dry cleaning, alcohol, room service, car washes, and limousine rides, despite having access to a state vehicle. Those revelations by Hearst Connecticut Media led to audits by the state comptroller, which was requested by Lamont, and the bipartisan auditors of public accounts. Some meals exceeded the state's $50-per-person limit, but the chancellor has discretion to go beyond the limit. 'This is not what our faculty, our staff, our students, our legislature deserve,' Cheng said. Rep. Gregory Haddad, a Storrs Democrat who co-chairs the higher education committee, said the revelations came at a difficult time as the higher education system faces tight budgets and tuition increases for students. The budget-writing appropriations committee has started holding public hearings, and the final budget compromise is expected to be reached before the legislative session ends in early June. 'Your system faces serious financial challenges,' Haddad said. 'Some of the expenses and expenditures were eyebrow-raising to some of us here. … This is a system that has never created the culture that we want to see.' Calls for resignation Republicans have complained that Lamont for months has not joined them in publicly calling for Cheng's resignation. Instead, Lamont says that some of the spending has been relatively minor, including that Cheng tipped too much on meals paid at taxpayers' expense. 'He's working hard,' Lamont told host Brian Schactman in a live radio interview Tuesday on WTIC-AM. 'You said he tips too much. That stuff is a misjudgment – not a big deal. I don't see the strategic change I need for the CSCU system to make sure it's relevant for jobs in the next 50 years. That's what I look at. That's my criteria for success. I still need to see those changes.' But House Republican leader Vincent Candelora of North Branford and Senate Republican leader Stephen Harding of Brookfield recently said that Lamont needs to take a stronger stance against Cheng. 'The governor continues to stand by the outrageously paid Chancellor Cheng, whose reckless spending on chauffeur services and lavish steak dinners is an insult to hard-working Connecticut families,' the Republicans said. 'Even more appalling, Chancellor Cheng pocketed $21,000 in moving expenses despite never relocating to Connecticut—yet the governor, most Regents, and Chancellor Cheng himself have offered nothing but a feeble and inadequate response. Restoring trust in the CSCU system must start with accountability, and that begins with Chancellor Cheng's resignation. We call on the governor to finally take a stand and demand new leadership.' After saying that he would move to Connecticut for the high-paid job under his contract, Cheng's family has continued to live over the border in New York state as he commutes to the job. Besides calls by Republicans for Cheng's ouster, the staff at the community colleges recently issued a vote of 'no confidence' by 31-2 by the system's Senate that represents the staff. State Comptroller Sean Scanlon told lawmakers at the forum Tuesday that the leaders of the higher education system 'should reside here in the state of Connecticut.' Scanlon also told lawmakers that changes must be made regarding the proper spending of tax dollars. 'I think there is certainly a culture issue,' Scanlon said. 'Leadership really matters.' Higher education committee Prompted by the controversy, two legislative committees held a joint forum Tuesday to review the level of spending of public dollars. 'We need to know that our resources are being used wisely,' said Sen. Derek Slap, a West Hartford Democrat who co-chairs the higher education committee. 'Even single one of these dollars is precious. … Do we have the right fiscal controls in place?' The comptroller's audit stated that Cheng spent $19,000 on meals during a period lasting more than three years on his state-issued purchasing card, known internally as a P-card. After the comptroller's report was released, Cheng said he intended to 'do better' in the future. 'I want to recognize publicly that the comptrollers' work was spurred by my own actions and even though they were taken on behalf of the system, I recognize that my intent did not match the impact and the perception and that falls on me,' Cheng said. 'That is my responsibility, and I will be held accountable for it. It is clear that my judgement in several instances was lacking, and I am going to do better. I feel terribly that my actions have distracted from the great work that our faculty and staff are doing to support our students.' History Controversy at CSCU is not new. Last year, Hartford Courant columnist Kevin F. Rennie reported that Cheng was making budget cuts at the same time that he was awarding large salary increases to central office administrators. Jessica Paquette had been earning $83,000 per year at UConn, but was boosted to $200,000 annually as vice chancellor for system affairs and chief of staff at CSCU. Another employee, Daniel Aniello, had been earning $111,000 at UConn before switching to the CSCU system at $200,000 per year. Adam Joseph, the vice chancellor for external affairs and a former chief spokesman for Lamont, is paid more than $220,000 per year. Christopher Keating can be reached at ckeating@
