BOR Extends Contract for Mark E. Ojakian as President of CSCU
The BOR voted today to extend Mark E. Ojakian’s employment contract as President of CSCU for an additional 3 years, and to remove the “Interim” designation from his title.
The Board of Regents for Higher Education voted today to extend Mark E. Ojakian’s employment contract as President of the Connecticut State College and University System (CSCU) for an additional 3 years, and to remove the “Interim” designation from his title. The CSCU system oversees twelve community colleges, four state universities, and Charter Oak State College.
“We are making great strides in fostering productive relationships and drawing upon the talent across the system to inform our approach to the challenging times before us,” said Matt Fleury, Chairman of the Board of Regents for Higher Education. “Mark Ojakian is the leader to move us forward together through a period of necessary but beneficial transition, with opportunity for students and our state as our highest priority.”
In announcing the extension, Mr. Fleury also pointed to Mr. Ojakian’s success to date in bringing fresh leadership to CSCU, and the stability he has brought to the system. He noted that Mr. Ojakian’s tenure to date has resulted in improved and more productive interactions with faculty and staff at the institutions, and praised his approach in addressing the issues confronting CSCU.
Mr. Ojakian’s current contract was set to expire August 31, 2017 but will now expire August 31, 2020. His compensation remains the same.
“I am grateful for the confidence the Board of Regents has expressed in me by extending the agreement between us, especially at a time when higher education faces such challenge and opportunity,” said President Ojakian. “I want to thank our team at the system office and the dedicated presidents, staff, faculty, and students who I have relied on heavily to guide me through this critical work. I am eager to continue the planning work our team has begun during the last 15 months, focusing on increasing access and success for our students.”
This year CSCU will serve almost 85,000 students on its 17 campuses. Many of these students are four-year students pursuing baccalaureate advanced degrees, but many more are “non-traditional” students, enrolled in courses leading to associate degrees or certificates, or in individual courses designed to advance their careers or expand their learning.