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Published on October 09, 2025

Elevating Education: Commissioner Tim Larson ’81 leads with purpose

Tim Larson '81
Tim Larson '81

In his role as the commissioner of the Connecticut Office of Higher Education (OHE), Tim Larson ’81 is a strong advocate of the power of learning. "I like to say to students, 'Learn something every day you are on Earth. … College may not be for everyone, but learning is something everyone can do." 

Larson and his 30-member team at OHE support students through five key initiatives: managing the Roberta B. Willis Scholarship; regulating private career schools; administering veteran education benefits; overseeing student loan reimbursements; and coordinating programs like the Minority Advancement Program, AmeriCorps, and alternative certification pathways for aspiring educators. 

Before his 2019 appointment as commissioner by Governor Ned Lamont, Larson was a member of the East Hartford Town Council (1990–92), mayor of East Hartford (1999–2005), state representative (2008–14), and District 3 state senator (2014–19). He was reelected in 2018, but transitioned to lead the Connecticut Office of Higher Education. 

Larson has fond memories of his time at Eastern. He was a sociology major and recalls taking classes with Professor Arthur L. Johnson and baseball Coach Bill Holowaty.

"I had a wonderful experience at Eastern," he said. "I met my wife, Nancy, there and made lifetime friendships with people I still see today. It was a fun time to be in college. Academics, intramurals, and student life made for a healthy atmosphere. The campus was small enough that you knew everybody — it was a close-knit community with a hometown feel."

That strong foundation at Eastern helped pave the way for his ongoing commitment to higher education. At the OHE, he said, "I have a diverse staff of highly talented people who provide a great service to students looking for higher education opportunities. It’s a very dynamic time to be in the higher education field and I get to use my skillset every day in public service."  

Written by Ed Osborn