2026

Student on mission to spread fungus awareness
Deana Tempest Thomas is driven by an appreciation for fungus

When was the last time you saw a mushroom — not just noticed one, but really looked at it? Junior biology and history major Deana Tempest Thomas believes that fungi are often seen as the...

Posted on June 24, 2026 by Katie Gaspar ‘28

Students with Professor Steve Muchiri during the "Data Analytics-Oriented Undergraduate Research: Industry 4.0 and Big Data Analytics in Healthcare" institute.

Eastern expands Summer Research Institutes
Seven institutes provide research opportunities to students

Nearly 70 Eastern students began their summer immersed in research. This June, the University expanded its Summer Research Institute (SRI) program from three to seven faculty-led institutes,...

Posted on June 23, 2026 by Savannah Striano ‘25

Eastern launches three new undergraduate certificate programs for fall 2026
Geospatial Technology, Victim Services & Advocacy, Emergency Services & Public Safety

Eastern Connecticut State University is expanding its academic offerings for fall 2026 with three new undergraduate certificate programs: geospatial technology, emergency services and public...

Posted on June 15, 2026 by Michael Rouleau

Eastern improves sexual misconduct response systems
President’s Advisory Board leads the way

Sexual misconduct is a sobering reality on today’s U.S. college campuses. In response, prevention programs and victim support services continue to be implemented and expanded to promote...

Posted on June 08, 2026 by Ed Osborn

‘ETVNews’ alumni return to the studio that made them
‘A testament to the character of the community’

“ETVNews,” Eastern’s live, student-run television news broadcast, has long been a staple of the University’s communication program. Professor Andrew Utterback, advisor for...

Posted on June 08, 2026 by Noel Teter '24

Eastern alumnus elected to American Academy of Arts and Sciences
Neurobiologist Marc Freeman ’93 joins illustrious group

The American Academy of Arts and Sciences announced its 2026 class of elected members this April, recognizing 252 distinguished leaders in academia, the arts, industry, journalism, philanthropy,...

Posted on June 08, 2026 by Ed Osborn

Data science course partners with sports metrics giant Trackman
Innovative course introduces graduate students to sports analytics

Eastern’s Master of Science in Applied Data Science program recently made a meaningful addition to its roster of sponsors, providing students an entrée into sports analytics. Titled...

Posted on May 27, 2026 by Noel Teter '24

'Warriors Don’t Waste' salvages thousands of items for future reuse

The Eastern community diverted more than 5,000 pounds of reusable goods this move-out season during the campus-wide donation drive known as “Warriors Don’t Waste.” Rather than...

Posted on May 27, 2026 by Michael Rouleau

Recent graduate nationally recognized for theatre lighting design

Jillian Martin ’26 is finally in the spotlight. The graduating lighting designer in Eastern’s Department of Communication, Film, and Theatre recently received national recognition for...

Posted on May 26, 2026 by Noel Teter '24

Serving those who serve: Eastern grad makes helping veterans her career

Sherri Vogt ’94 spends most of her time visiting veterans in their homes. As a veterans liaison for Hartford HealthCare, she meets regularly with service members planning their retirement to...

Posted on May 26, 2026 by Ed Osborn

Madeleine Orwick '26 wins 2026 Library Research Award

The J. Eugene Smith Library hosted its annual Library Research Awards Ceremony on May 13. This year’s winner was English major Madeleine Orwick ’26 for her archival research uncovering...

Posted on May 20, 2026 by Savannah Striano '25

Academic year closes with 7 faculty, staff awardees

Seven faculty and staff members received University and Board of Regents awards at the conclusion of the 2025-26 academic year, representing the best of excellence in teaching and service to the...

Posted on May 19, 2026 by Noel Teter '24

Eastern awards 120 master’s degrees
'Doors open’ for the graduate Class of 2026

More than 120 graduate-level students from Eastern Connecticut State University received master's degrees on May 16 at PeoplesBank Arena in Hartford. The graduates were spurred by remarks from...

Posted on May 18, 2026 by Michael Rouleau '11

Eastern graduates 900 at 136th commencement
Messages of hope and resilience propel the Class of 2026

More than 900 undergraduate students from Eastern Connecticut State University received their diplomas on May 16 at PeoplesBank Arena in Hartford during the University's 136th Commencement...

Posted on May 16, 2026 by Michael Rouleau

Education alumni awarded for teaching excellence
Jake Paciotti ‘21 and Laina Rivers M‘18 recognized

What does it mean to be an outstanding teacher? For Eastern alumni Jake Paciotti ‘21 and Laina Rivers M‘18, it means going above and beyond both inside and outside of the classroom....

Posted on May 14, 2026 by Kyle Berson '26

Beludji Narcisse's ’25 journey from Haiti to law school

A recent alumnus of Eastern Connecticut State University has been accepted into the University of Connecticut School of Law after a tumultuous journey from Haiti to the United States. Beludji...

Posted on May 13, 2026 by Elisabeth Craig '26

Students take studies around the globe in spring 2026

Ten Eastern students studied around the globe during the spring 2026 semester, from the hills of Scotland to the coasts of New Zealand.

Posted on May 12, 2026 by Elisabeth Craig '26

‘Warriors Give’ raises $200,000
Online giving campaign supports student success

Eastern alumni and friends raised more than $200,000 to directly benefit students, multidisciplinary initiatives, athletics, and scholarships during Eastern’s 10th annual “Warriors...

Posted on May 06, 2026 by Kyle Berson '26

Spring Fest sends off semester with week of festivities

Pancakes, calligraphy, and Shakespeare – the common denominator among these was their presence at Eastern Connecticut State University’s annual “Spring Fest” celebration....

Posted on May 06, 2026 by Elisabeth Craig '26

VIDEO: ‘Fun Mud Day’ mediates mini-shenanigans

Adorable antics were abundant during Fun Mud Day on May 1 at Eastern's Child and Family Development Resource Center (CFDRC). The 12th annual event encourages young children to get dirty as...

Posted on May 05, 2026 by Elisabeth Craig '26

VETS Center offers resources to military Warriors
Meet Eastern's National Guard recruiter

For more than 15 years, the Veterans Education and Transition Services (VETS) Center at Eastern Connecticut State University has been a vital resource to military personnel across campus.

Posted on May 05, 2026 by Elisabeth Craig '26

Eastern hosts housing-justice series
Alumna speaks on housing insecurity, advocacy

Eastern hosted the Housing Justice Brown Bag Lunch Series this spring 2026 semester, presented by the Center for Housing Equity & Opportunity (CHEO). The final session was held on April 29,...

Posted on May 05, 2026 by By Savannah Striano ’25

2 alumni actors appear in TheaterWorks play ‘Circus Fire’
Debut play remembers Ringling Bros. fire of 1944

The great Ringling Bros. Circus fire of 1944 is the subject of a TheaterWorks play this spring, and two Eastern Connecticut State University alumni are among the ensemble cast of actors who are...

Posted on May 05, 2026 by Ed Osborn

VIDEO: Students shine at CREATE conference

Student research and creative activity took center stage at Eastern Connecticut State University on April 24 during the annual CREATE conference, a campus-wide celebration of undergraduate...

Posted on May 04, 2026 by Michael Rouleau

VIDEO: Eastern joins global effort to find new antibiotics
Tiny Earth Day contributes to 'desperate' need

Biology Professor Jonathan Hulvey recently involved his students in an event meant to educate students at Norwich Free Academy (NFA) about the growing problem of antibiotic resistance, as well as...

Posted on May 04, 2026 by Noel Teter '24

Fitness challenge tests students interested in emergency services careers
Career Pathways Program brings State DESPP to campus

Eastern Connecticut State University's Career Pathways Program hosted the "Eastern Fitness Challenge" on April 13 in partnership with the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services...

Posted on May 04, 2026 by Noel Teter '24

"Earth Day Market" attendees view vendors and exhibitors.

Eastern celebrates Earth Day with annual market
Earth Day Market packs the Student Center

Eastern welcomed hundreds of students and community members to its Student Center on April 22 to celebrate Earth Day. Featuring 34 vendors and exhibitors, Eastern's annual Earth Day Market...

Posted on May 01, 2026 by Noel Teter '24 and Kyle Berson '26

Barnard Awards go to seniors Abby Heidorn and Julianna Concepción
Recipients credit relationships for Eastern success

Each spring, Eastern recognizes two outstanding graduating seniors as winners of the Henry Barnard Distinguished Student Award, the top academic honor in the Connecticut State Colleges and...

Posted on April 29, 2026 by Noel Teter '24

‘The Burrow’ contemplates a subterranean world of children

When dozens of children grow up deep underground, isolated from adults, how do they develop community, order, and a sense of safety? “The Burrow,” written and directed by communication,...

Posted on April 28, 2026 by Kyle Berson '26

Eastern undergrads present on national stage
Students represent in Virginia for NCUR

Eleven seniors at Eastern Connecticut State University presented their research to undergraduate scholars from across the country at the annual National Conference for Undergraduate Research (NCUR)...

Posted on April 22, 2026 by Elisabeth Craig '26

Video: Service Expo showcases student volunteerism

On April 16, the Center for Community Engagement’s (CCE) annual Service Expo and Awards Ceremony highlighted how Eastern students are turning volunteer efforts into meaningful change as they...

Posted on April 22, 2026 by Savannah Striano ’25

Goliath: Eastern PD's cutest recruit

The Police Department at Eastern Connecticut State University has recently acquired its cutest recruit. Goliath the police dog has excitedly begun his career as a facility dog.

Posted on April 21, 2026 by Elisabeth Craig '26

BIS students place first in Travelers business analytics competition

Four undergraduate business information systems (BIS) students outperformed acclaimed business schools at a business analytics case competition on April 3 at Travelers in Hartford. The team earned...

Posted on April 21, 2026 by Kyle Berson '26

Eastern selected for national student success initiative
Gardner Institute partners with COPLAC to advance student success

Eastern Connecticut State University is among 35 colleges and universities across the country selected to participate in a Gates Foundation-backed effort aimed at increasing college student success...

Posted on April 20, 2026 by Michael Rouleau

Students present a gamut of research at computing conference
Dancik brings Eastern’s largest group to CCSCNE

Prior to this year, Eastern computer science Professor and Department Chair Garrett Dancik had never traveled with more than two students to the Annual Meeting of the Consortium for Computing in...

Posted on April 20, 2026 by Noel Teter '24

Video: Willipalooza rocks out on campus
WECS Radio Club and the Dog P0und revive Eastern's mini music festival

The Geissler Gymnasium transformed into a rockin’ night of music, dancing, and vendors on April 15 for “Willipalooza.” The small music festival, hosted by the student-led WECS...

Posted on April 17, 2026

Panel discusses ‘wicked problems’ in public health
Sen. Anwar: 'A slow-moving crisis’

Public health often escapes the spotlight because its damage accumulates quietly, Connecticut State Sen. Saud Anwar told Eastern Connecticut State University students at a National Public Health...

Posted on April 15, 2026 by Savannah Striano ’25

Dynamic Duo: Tasneem and Gao advance computer science research
From COVID-19 to deep learning on Mars, Eastern professors make discoveries

Over the past five years, Eastern computer science Professors Sarah Tasneem and Kehan Gao have become a force to be reckoned with in computer science research. From analyzing COVID-19 data to...

Posted on April 08, 2026 by Kyle Berson '26

From Stage to Simulation: Theatre students help train future social workers
Eastern pilots innovative training with students as ‘standardized patients’

An unusual partnership at Eastern Connecticut State University is bringing together theatre and social work students in a novel simulation experience that prepares both groups for their future...

Posted on April 08, 2026 by Michael Rouleau '11

Officer Theriault earns Special Olympics recognition for Eastern
Law Enforcement Torch Run supports Special Olympics athletes

Eastern’s Police Department has been recognized by Special Olympics Connecticut (SOCT) for raising over $2,500 in support of the Special Olympics. The 2025 Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR)...

Posted on April 08, 2026 by Elisabeth Craig '26

BIS students prevails at Midwest computing conference
Eastern’s BIS-ITSA club outshines competition

Ten business information systems (BIS) students outshined regional competition at the ITSA Midwest Collegiate Computing Conference (MWC3) in Grand Rapids, MI, this past March. Competing against...

Posted on April 08, 2026 by Kyle Berson '26

Richard Detweiler discusses 'The Future of the Liberal Arts'
Higher-ed expert explores long-term impacts

What is the purpose of the liberal arts in higher education: to prepare students for their first job, or to shape them into thoughtful, productive citizens in the long term? This question is...

Posted on April 07, 2026 by Savannah Striano '26

Student psychologists make strong showing at regional conference

Students and faculty in Eastern’s Department of Psychological Science brought a potent presence to the Eastern Psychological Association (EPA) conference in Boston, MA from Feb. 26-28....

Posted on April 06, 2026 by Elisabeth Craig '26

EES represents at geological conference

Students and faculty in Eastern’s Department of Environmental Earth Science (EES) attended the Northeast Geological Society of America (NE GSA) meeting in Hartford from March 21-24.

Posted on April 06, 2026 by Elisabeth Craig '26

Psychology major awarded for behavior analysis research
Williams investigates link between exercise and impulsivity

A psychology major at Eastern may be able to help you understand how physical exercise influences your diet and financial decisions. Senior Gabriel Williams earned recognition for his honors thesis...

Posted on April 01, 2026 by Noel Teter '24

Eastern announces 2026 commencement speakers and distinguished awardees
4 impactful friends and alumni among this year’s honorees

Eastern Connecticut State University has announced the commencement speakers, honorary degree recipients, and Distinguished Public Service Award recipient for its annual commencement exercises on...

Posted on April 01, 2026 by Michael Rouleau

Bacholle's new book explores violence against women in France

A professor in Eastern’s Department of World Languages and Cultures recently authored a book exposing sordid accounts of violence against French women in society. Published this February by...

Posted on April 01, 2026 by Elisabeth Craig '26

Colloquium explores ‘wicked problem’ of AI
Faculty and students agree: 'AI is not a replacement'

On today’s college campuses, one can hardly go a single day without hearing the letters “AI.” Eastern Connecticut State University recently dedicated a full day to unpacking the...

Posted on April 01, 2026 by Noel Teter '24

More Connecticut high school students taking college classes
Eastern expands ‘concurrent enrollment’ program

A growing number of high school students across Connecticut are earning college credits, exploring new academic interests, and getting a head start on their college plans as the result of an...

Posted on March 30, 2026 by Ed Osborn

‘Three Sisters’ entrances audiences with lovelorn performance

Eastern’s Department of Communication, Film, and Theatre captivated audiences with its production of “Three Sisters,” written by Russian playwright Anton Chekhov and directed by...

Posted on March 24, 2026 by Elisabeth Craig '26

Eastern advances open pedagogy

Nicolas Simon, professor of sociology at Eastern Connecticut State University, has spent the better part of the last decade championing open educational resources (OERs) on and off campus. These...

Posted on March 18, 2026 by Noel Teter '24

‘How to Go Viral’: AI in Marketing
A talk with marketing professionals about AI in the workplace

As artificial intelligence increasingly permeates the workforce and daily life, marketing professionals who recently visited campus argue that the emerging technology cannot replace human creativity.

Posted on March 17, 2026 by Savannah Striano '25

English lecturer urges action over performative activism
Ramiz to students: “It is better to speak”

Eastern English Lecturer Bulaong Ramiz, a former identity center professional in higher education settings, has become a passionate advocate against improper practices in the offices she once...

Posted on March 17, 2026 by Noel Teter '24

Alumna-professor duo publishes on ‘chemical imbalance theory’
Ward, Diller examine beliefs on causes of depression

A recent graduate from Eastern’s Department of Psychological Science and her faculty mentor have published research examining popular opinions about depression and the enduring influence of...

Posted on March 17, 2026 by Noel Teter '24

Eastern students bring tax savings to Willimantic residents
Student tax preparers volunteer through VITA

Students from Eastern’s College of Business are providing cost-free tax preparation services to local community members through the IRS’ Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program (VITA)...

Posted on March 16, 2026 by Kyle Berson '26

Watch: Thrift Warriors
On-campus thrift store reduces waste and provides free goods to students

Thrift Warriors, located on the first floor of Winthrop Hall, is Eastern's student-run thrift store. The resource provides Eastern students with second-hand clothes, home goods, appliances,...

Posted on March 10, 2026

Student leaders power community engagement
Semester-long programs support many causes

Since its earliest days as a teacher’s college — when student teachers worked with local children at the Windham Street Model School — Eastern Connecticut State University has...

Posted on March 10, 2026 by Ed Osborn

Leading from the Front
President Ismaili advocates for Eastern in Washington, D.C.

During several trips to Washington, D.C. this semester, President Karim Ismaili has worked to advocate for Eastern at a time when higher education faces historic challenges. By strengthening the...

Posted on March 06, 2026 by Michael Rouleau

Balough authors second book on historic composer Percy Grainger

A longtime lecturer in Eastern’s Department of Music recently published a book that both solidifies and removes controversy from the name of Australian American composer Percy Grainger....

Posted on March 06, 2026 by Elisabeth Craig '26

Watch: Students digitize history during Douglass Day Transcribe-a-thon

With laptops in hand, Eastern joined a worldwide effort to digitize history on Feb. 20 during the Douglass Day Transcribe-a-thon. The annual, international effort honors Black history by empowering...

Posted on February 26, 2026 by Savannah Striano '25

Watch: Hundreds take the Plunge for Hunger
Annual rugby fundraiser supports local soup kitchen

Hundreds of Eastern students, alumni, and Willimantic community members gathered at Philip Lauter Park in Willimantic to support community members facing food insecurity at the 15th annual Olga...

Posted on February 26, 2026 by Kyle Berson '26

Anthropology Day explores contemporary human issues

Eastern’s Department of Sociology, Anthropology, Criminology, and Social Work held an all-day celebration in recognition of “Anthropology Day” on Feb. 19 in the Student Center....

Posted on February 26, 2026 by Noel Teter '24

Students present on community IMPACT on national stage

Seven student leaders of the Center for Community Engagement (CCE) showcased the fruits of their community involvement at the IMPACT National Conference in Cincinnati, OH, from Feb 18 to Feb 22.

Posted on February 26, 2026 by Elisabeth Craig '26

Eastern celebrates 100 years of Black history
Leonard Epps speaks on rhythm and respect

Eastern Connecticut State University celebrated the 100th anniversary of Black History Month on Feb. 25 with a celebration in the Paul E. Johnson, Sr. Community Conference Room in the J. Eugene...

Posted on February 26, 2026 by Elisabeth Craig '26

3 student activists commended at social justice awards ceremony
Carrying forth the legacies of King, Chavez, and Grasso

Eastern Connecticut State University's annual Equity and Social Justice Awards recognized three student activists for their commitment to civil rights and advocacy for marginalized groups. The...

Posted on February 25, 2026 by Elisabeth Craig '26

Mama publishes 3 books in 1 year
Tales from Benin told in many tongues

A professor in the Department of English at Eastern Connecticut State University has made an inter-continental impact on the world of oral literature through his books. While he primarily writes in...

Posted on February 20, 2026 by Elisabeth Craig '26

Creativity from behind bars
Eastern hosts Prison Arts Program annual show

The Art Gallery's latest exhibition, featuring the Prison Arts Program's annual show, was a robust display of mixed works highlighting the talents of incarcerated artists. Closing on Feb....

Posted on February 10, 2026 by Elisabeth Craig '26

Eastern Passport goes digital
Willimantic businesses offer student discounts through Apple and Google Wallet

Last fall, Eastern, in coordination with the Willimantic Downtown Neighborhood Association (WDNA), released “Eastern Passport,” a rewards and discount booklet aimed at strengthening...

Posted on February 03, 2026 by Kyle Berson '26

Eastern unveils new athletics logo
Rebrand highlights forward momentum for Warriors

The Eastern campus community came out in full force on Jan. 29 to celebrate an exciting new chapter for Eastern Athletics. Hundreds of students, faculty, and staff packed the Student Center for the...

Posted on February 02, 2026 by Michael Rouleau

Annual MLK celebration continues King’s 'dream'
State senator advocates for equitable education

Spellbinding speeches and riveting musical and poetic tributes filled the Arthur L. Johnson Community Conference Room in the J. Eugene Smith Library during Eastern’s annual Dr. Martin Luther...

Posted on February 02, 2026 by Elisabeth Craig '26

Eastern is top presenter at first MLA undergrad research session
English majors explore literary themes in Canada

Six English majors at Eastern Connecticut State University made history on Jan. 9, presenting their research at the Modern Language Association (MLA) convention’s inaugural undergraduate...

Posted on January 29, 2026 by Noel Teter '24

Alumna champions liberal arts on Capitol Hill
Grace Carlos ’23 speaks at COPLAC legislative breakfast

Political science alumna Grace Carlos ‘23 represented Eastern Connecticut State University at the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges’ (COPLAC) legislative breakfast on Jan. 22 in...

Posted on January 29, 2026

New grant program to fund academic innovation projects
Proposals for ‘Academic Innovation Project’ due Feb. 20

Eastern Connecticut State University is set to launch a grant-funded initiative to support faculty academic innovation. Written proposals for the Academic Innovation Project (AIP) are due Feb. 20,...

Posted on January 29, 2026 by Noel Teter '24

Nursing students pledge compassionate care at ‘white coat ceremony’

Nursing majors enrolled in the Class of 2028 took their oath of service at Eastern Connecticut State University’s second annual White Coat Ceremony on Jan. 22 in the Fine Arts Instructional...

Posted on January 28, 2026 by Elisabeth Craig '26

Runksmeier receives lifetime achievement award at NCAA convention
‘This job is 90% relationships’

Lori Runksmeier’s tenure as director of athletics at Eastern Connecticut State University has spanned more than 10 years and includes milestones such as the addition of new varsity programs,...

Posted on January 27, 2026 by Noel Teter '24

Microbes discovered in scorpion venom may lead to antibiotic breakthroughs
Murdoch, Graham make microbial discoveries in an unlikely place

Eastern biology Professors Barbara Murdoch and Matthew Graham have made a discovery that challenges long-held assumptions about one of nature’s most feared substances. The two professors...

Posted on January 22, 2026 by Kyle Berson '26

Inside Eastern