Fall University Meeting outlines Eastern’s path forward

The fall semester University Meeting kicked off the 2025-26 academic year on Aug. 22 with a packed agenda covering budgets, enrollment, organizational changes, new initiatives, and more. Hundreds of faculty and staff filled the Betty R. Tipton Room to hear updates from Eastern’s executive leadership.

President Karim Ismaili opened with enthusiasm for the year ahead and reflections on a busy summer. From the STEP/CAP program’s 40th year to three week-long summer research institutes, the second annual STEM program for minority students, and the renaming of the baseball field to Holowaty Family Field, Ismaili said it was “a very productive summer for Eastern.” He thanked the community, noting: “All of you, in whatever role you play, make the special stuff at Eastern happen.”

Faculty Hires and Academic Focus

Ismaili announced the hiring of 21 new full-time faculty, the largest increase in years, to address departmental needs and support the new Eastern Liberal Arts Core (ELAC) curriculum. “Many of these colleagues are familiar faces who have previously taught at Eastern. Their transition into full-time roles marks a renewed investment in our academic mission.”

He also introduced Cheryl Wilson, Eastern’s new provost and vice president for Academic Affairs. Wilson emphasized the strength of Eastern’s liberal arts tradition: “Eastern’s commitment to the liberal arts is not just rhetoric,” she said, adding that she is a proud alumna of SUNY Geneseo, a fellow COPLAC school with a public liberal arts mission.

To the Eastern faculty she will be leading, she said, “My role is to celebrate you and facilitate your work ... to be a connector and to create spaces for innovation and creativity in service of our students.”

Reorganization and Investments

The University administration underwent several organizational changes this summer, including the creation of the Division of Student Success & Enrollment and the President’s Division. The Division of Student Success & Enrollment regroups enrollment- and retention-focused offices that were formerly housed under the Division of Academic Affairs, including the Offices of Admissions, Advising, Financial Aid, Opportunity Programs, Planning & Institutional Research, Registrar, and Tutoring.

Meanwhile, the President’s Division now houses offices with an institutional focus, including the Offices of Development & Alumni Engagement, Human Resources, Equity & Diversity, University Communications & Marketing, and University Events & Engagement.

“These changes are about clarifying roles and ensuring focus so that our divisions work together more seamlessly,” said Ismaili.

Eastern also secured $12.8 million in one-time state funding and $6.9 million over three years. “These funds allow us to move boldly, adding faculty and staff, supporting students, focusing enrollment and retention efforts, and addressing infrastructure and systems upgrades,” Ismaili explained.

Budget and Enrollment

Vice President for Finance & Administration Jeremy Campbell reported that while enrollment has remained flat despite growth targets, reserves — not cuts — will cover shortfalls. He described the additional state funding as recognition that “Eastern has potential to grow.” Planned projects include new residence hall furniture, classroom upgrades, and a library chiller replacement, among others.

Interim Vice President for Student Success & Enrollment Ben Pauley reported approximately 750 first-time students and 275 transfers, similar to last year's enrollment. In describing students’ family backgrounds, he reported that more than half of Eastern students (55%) receive need-based financial aid, with 21% receiving the maximum Pell Grant award.

“Every other student you see is only here because they have financial assistance — and one out of every five comes from a household with serious questions every day about money. These are the students we serve.”

Pauley also noted that more than 50% of incoming first-year students identify as first-generation, a sharp jump from last year.

Foundation and Student Affairs

Interim Chief Development Officer Philip Ellmore provided an update on the ECSU Foundation, noting stronger oversight, a new executive committee, and a dual-role leadership model. “We have turned a meaningful corner with a clear-eyed understanding of the work required and a renewed sense of purpose,” he said.

New this year, the chief development officer now also serves as executive director of the foundation, a common model utilized by other university-affiliated foundations. Ellmore also mentioned that a search for a permanent CDO is underway, with him self currently serving in a "bridge" role to that permanent position.

Vice President for Student Affairs Michelle DeLaney reported welcoming more than 700 students — 95% of the incoming class — through six summer orientation sessions, with the Offices of Student Activities and Housing & Residential Life preparing a robust schedule of move-in and welcome events to celebrate the start of the academic year.

She highlighted Eastern’s participation in the U-Pass transit program and a $10,000 Stop & Shop donation to Shawn’s Cupboard. In athletics, she announced the addition of women’s golf, women’s flag football, and turf upgrades. “We will be one of only 30 Division III institutions nationally fielding a [flag football] team come next fall,” said DeLaney.

Diversity and Technology

Vice President for Equity & Diversity LaMar Coleman assured that Eastern continues to prioritize inclusive practices while monitoring federal and state DEI guidance. “As long as the mission of Eastern remains our North Star, we’ll continue being the diverse, equitable, and inclusive campus that we have always been.”

Chief Information Officer Tony Hayes announced Eastern’s transition to the SaaS version of Banner, aligning with industry standards. The move promises a modern interface, standardization, and improved support. “This is not an IT project, but a business project,” Hayes emphasized, stressing collaboration across campus.

Shared governance and communications

New University Senate President Kristen Morgan praised her predecessor, William Lugo, and reaffirmed the Senate’s role in shared governance: “Democracy is stronger than ever here at Eastern.”

Chief of Staff and Director of Communications Ryan Quigley highlighted a busy fall calendar and new engagement initiatives. These include a new integrated event calendar and 3D campus map, the launch of the Eastern Passport program with student discounts at Willimantic businesses, the September release of Eastern Magazine, and the return of the Annual Report following its pandemic hiatus. He also announced the upcoming opening of the Windham Hospital nursing simulation lab.

“Each of these efforts is designed to support student engagement and belonging,” said Quigley, “which we know are directly tied to persistence and success.”