Administration

Karim Ismaili inaugurated as Eastern’s seventh president
Ceremony celebrates a leader dedicated to student success and the power of education

April 11, 2025, marked a momentous occasion for Eastern Connecticut State University, as the campus community celebrated the inauguration of President Karim Ismaili. The day’s events centered...

Posted on April 14, 2025 by Michael Rouleau

Official portrait of President Elsa M. Núñez

Eastern unveils portrait of former President Núñez

Eastern Connecticut State University is presenting for the first time the new portrait of recently retired President Elsa M. Núñez from April 7–27 in the Art Gallery as part of...

Posted on April 09, 2025 by Ed Osborn

Accepted Students Day draws record crowd
From mock classes to campus tours, prospective students contemplate Eastern

Eastern Connecticut State University welcomed more than 300 prospective students and 1,000 visitors to Accepted Students Day on March 29, the largest ASD event since the COVID-19 pandemic....

Posted on April 07, 2025 by Kyle Berson '26

Eastern advocates for increased state funding at legislative breakfast
Students voice support for Eastern's future

Eastern Connecticut State University hosted a legislative breakfast on Feb. 20, advocating for increased state funding as lawmakers work to finalize Connecticut’s upcoming two-year budget....

Posted on February 24, 2025 by Michael Rouleau

AAC&U president reaffirms higher education’s public purpose
Dr. Lynn Pasquerella: ‘It’s about educating for democracy’

One of the nation’s leading advocates for higher education, Dr. Lynn Pasquerella, visited Eastern Connecticut State University on Jan. 30 for a special discussion with students, faculty, and...

Posted on February 04, 2025 by Michael Rouleau '11

‘The best of who we are’: University Meeting kicks off spring 2025
Ismaili recaps Listening and Learning Tour

Faculty and staff gathered for the semesterly University Meeting on Jan. 17 to hear administrative updates prior to the start of the spring 2025 semester. In addition to recognizing longstanding...

Posted on January 22, 2025 by Michael Rouleau

'The conversation I would have had’: President Ismaili speaks at University Meeting

Hundreds of faculty and staff gathered on Aug. 23 to hear from President Karim Ismaili during the fall semester University Meeting, his first major public appearance since becoming president on...

Posted on August 29, 2024 by Michael Rouleau

Ismaili begins presidency at Eastern Connecticut State University
Criminologist becomes 7th president of state’s public liberal arts university

Dr. Karim Ismaili officially began his role as president of Eastern Connecticut State University on July 31. He comes to Eastern from Bridgewater State University (BSU), where he most recently...

Posted on July 31, 2024

Mural featuring Elsa Núñez graces downtown Willimantic

A massive mural depicting three pioneering women was unveiled in downtown Willimantic on May 30 during a dedication ceremony. The 50-foot painting by renowned muralist Ben Keller, located on the...

Posted on June 03, 2024 by Michael Rouleau

Eastern President Honored by Three National Higher Education and Immigrant Rights Organizations

President Núñez honored by 3 national immigrant rights organizations

Houston, TX - On Friday, March 29, Elsa Núñez, president of Eastern Connecticut State University, was one of 11 recipients of the first SUCCESS Awards, hosted in Houston, TX, by...

Posted on April 04, 2024 by Ed Osborn

SUOAF donates $3,000 to local soup kitchen

Eastern’s union for administrative faculty, SUOAF, donated $3,000 to the Covenant Soup Kitchen this recent holiday season. The gift goes toward the soup kitchen’s annual Plunge For...

Posted on January 18, 2024 by Michael Rouleau

'Generation Alpha is coming,' alerts President Núñez at University Meeting

Generation Alpha will soon be going to college, and “We have to be ready to welcome the Alphas on campus,” said President Elsa Núñez to faculty and staff at the University...

Posted on January 17, 2024 by Lucinda Weiss

Núñez writes about how to broaden college access
Eastern’s president authors chapter in ‘The Evolving College Presidency’

Improving access to higher education for underrepresented students will help ensure future economic prosperity and social stability, explains Eastern Connecticut State University President Elsa...

Posted on June 15, 2023 by Cindy Weiss and Michael Rouleau

President Elsa Núñez announces retirement
After serving 18 years, University's sixth president announces transition

Elsa M. Núñez, the sixth president of Eastern Connecticut State University, announced her retirement today. Núñez began her presidency in 2006 and will support the University as...

Posted on May 18, 2023 by Michael Stenko

Eastern graduates 890 at XL Center commencement ceremony
Messages of purpose and unity propel graduates beyond Eastern

Optimism and jubilation filled the XL Center in Hartford on May 16 as 890 Eastern Connecticut State University students received their degrees during the University's annual graduation...

Posted on May 17, 2023 by Michael Rouleau

Regent McCarthy makes first visit to Eastern

James McCarthy, a new board member of the Connecticut Board of Regents for Higher Education (BOR), visited Eastern Connecticut State University on May 4 to hear about the concerns of faculty and...

Posted on May 04, 2023

Eastern police win Tier I accreditation from state standards council

The Eastern Connecticut State University police department has earned Tier I state accreditation, the first step in a continuing process to ensure that the department’s policies, procedures...

Posted on April 25, 2023 by Lucinda Weiss

Eastern sends 2 to select institute for aspiring college executives

Two staff members at Eastern Connecticut State University who work closely with students were selected to attend the yearlong Executive Leadership Institute at Bridgewater State University in...

Posted on March 22, 2023 by Lucinda Weiss

President Cheng calls for advocacy to increase higher education budgets

President Terrence Cheng of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) urged students, faculty and staff at Eastern Connecticut State University to talk to local legislators about...

Posted on March 07, 2023 by Lucinda Weiss

SUOAF raises $4,050 for local soup kitchen

Eastern’s chapter of the State University Organization of Administrative Faculty (SUOAF) raised $4,050 for the Covenant Soup Kitchen this holiday season. Local chapter members raised $1,025...

Posted on January 06, 2023

Princeton Review names Eastern a 2023 top college in Northeast

Eastern is featured as one of the 224 best colleges in the Northeast for the 2023 academic year in the Princeton Review’s annual “Best Regional Colleges” list, released this past...

Posted on September 26, 2022 by Jack Jones

Eastern to host congressional debate prior to November elections

Eastern Connecticut State University will host a debate for the 2nd Congressional District on Oct. 4 as part of a series of election-season debates sponsored by Connecticut Public and the...

Posted on September 14, 2022

Eastern ranked in top 20 by U.S. News & World Report
2022-23 rankings place Eastern among the best public institutions in the North

Eastern Connecticut State University is ranked among the top 20 public regional universities in the North by U.S. News & World Report in its 2022-23 rankings, released Sept. 12. Considered the...

Posted on September 12, 2022 by Michael Rouleau

‘Good and lucky’: President Núñez addresses the state of the university

Hundreds of faculty and staff packed the Betty R. Tipton Room on Aug. 24 for the first in-person University Meeting in more than two years. Following employee/retiree recognitions, President Elsa...

Posted on August 31, 2022 by Michael Rouleau

Eastern names 2 deans to lead Schools of Arts & Sciences, Education & Professional Studies

After conducting national searches, Dr. Emily Todd and Dr. Niti Pandey have been named deans at Eastern Connecticut State University for the 2022-2023 school year.

Posted on June 21, 2022 by Amanda Irwin

Campus Briefs
Commissioner's Cup | 'Book of Queer' | College of Distinction

Eastern wins 5th consecutive Commissioner’s Cup; Eastern named a 2022-23 College of Distinction; Eastern names 2 permanent deans; Student wins NAACP scholarship; Historian Tom Balcerski...

Posted on June 17, 2022

Eastern graduates 958 at 2022 Commencement Exercises
CRT’s Lena Rodriguez gives commencement address

Eastern Connecticut State University returned to the XL Center in Hartford, CT, on May 17, for the first time in three years to hold graduation exercises. Looking out at the graduates and upwards...

Posted on May 18, 2022 by Ed Osborn

Eastern announces partnership with Hispanic Alliance of Southeastern Connecticut

On May 16, Eastern Connecticut State University signed a historic partnership agreement with the Hispanic Alliance of Southeastern Connecticut to offer scholarships to students from Latino...

Posted on May 17, 2022 by Dwight Bachman

University Meeting discusses plans for a sustainable future

Eastern Connecticut State University’s first in-person University Meeting in more than two years took place on May 6 in the Betty R. Tipton Room of the Student Center, showcasing the...

Posted on May 13, 2022 by Dwight Bachman

Eastern launches wellness series for faculty, staff

A recent report from researchers at the market research company One Poll indicates that nearly three out of four Americans felt that 2020 was the most stressful year of their lives. While 38...

Posted on March 21, 2022 by Dwight Bachman

President Núñez voices support for Ukraine

I ask all members of the Eastern Connecticut State University family to join me in lifting up the people of Ukraine as they continue to confront a foreign invasion on their sovereign soil. Please...

Posted on February 28, 2022 by Elsa Núñez

Eastern marches forward with success and cautious optimism

Citing Eastern Connecticut State University’s successful operation during the fall semester — NECHE reaccreditation, outstanding rankings in U.S. News and World Report, low COVID rates...

Posted on January 20, 2022 by Dwight Bachman

CT Humanities funds Eastern documentary on tobacco farms and civil rights
‘Stepping Into the Shade,’ an untold story of Connecticut history

Eastern Connecticut State University has been awarded $35,000 by Connecticut Humanities to produce a documentary about Connecticut’s shade tobacco industry and its connection to the civil...

Posted on January 12, 2022 by Michael Rouleau

CSCU President Terrence Cheng visits Eastern
System’s new president meets with 5 stakeholder groups

Terrence Cheng, president of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) system, came to Eastern Connecticut State University on Dec. 2 for a series of meetings with campus stakeholders....

Posted on December 13, 2021 by Michael Rouleau

Eastern names Science Building in honor of former President David Carter

On Dec. 7, Eastern Connecticut State University honored one of its most notable champions when it named the Science Building after David G. Carter Sr., the University’s fifth president. More...

Posted on December 08, 2021 by Ed Osborn

Eastern receives positive outcome from accreditation review
Regional accrediting agency praises Eastern's self-study

Eastern Connecticut State University, Connecticut’s only public liberal arts college, has received continuing accreditation from the New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE), the...

Posted on December 01, 2021 by Ed Osborn

Prospanica CT awards Walter Diaz for education leadership

Walter Diaz, vice president of student affairs at Eastern Connecticut State University, has been awarded the Education Leadership Award by the Prospanica Connecticut Chapter Board of Directors....

Posted on November 05, 2021 by Bobbi Brown

Lamont talks with students on loans, pandemic, marijuana

Since the mid-’60s, spurred by the war in Viet Nam and the Civil Rights Movement, college campuses have been the center of political discourse and social action. Today in 2021, campuses are...

Posted on October 12, 2021 by Dwight Bachman

Never Forget
Eastern remembers 9/11 on 20-year anniversary

More than 100 members of the Eastern Connecticut State University community gathered on Friday, Sept. 10, in remembrance of the terrorist attacks that occurred 20 years ago on Sept. 11, 2001....

Posted on September 10, 2021 by Michael Rouleau

Campus Briefs

Track alumni finish 10th in 95-mile relay; Art Gallery presents ‘Our Tears Are Sweet, Our Laughter Venomous’; Eastern employs therapy puppies to reduce back-to-campus anxiety; Students...

Posted on September 01, 2021

University Meeting opens fall 2021 with ‘cautious optimism’

The Aug. 25 University Meeting marked the fifth straight time since May of 2020 that faculty and staff across campus were forced to meet virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The meeting was...

Posted on September 01, 2021 by Dwight Bachman

Stephen Tavares sworn in as Eastern’s police chief

Stephen Tavares ’96 was sworn in as Eastern Connecticut State University’s chief of police and director of public safety on Aug. 27. The swearing-in ceremony took place in the Betty R....

Posted on September 01, 2021 by Michael Rouleau

Eastern releases Title IX report
TNG Group recommends staffing and process changes

Eastern released a report today from TNG Consulting group, following a two-month review of the University's Title IX practices and procedures. The report recommends staffing and process...

Posted on June 30, 2021 by Ed Osborn

Campus Briefs

Honors Program recognizes graduating members at Senior Reception; Cerra awarded at New England estuarine research conference; Mesagno hits walk-off grand slam to propel Warriors to LEC finals; and...

Posted on May 19, 2021

Eastern graduates upwards of 1,000 at on-campus commencement exercises
4 ceremonies honor the Classes of 2021 and 2020

On May 15 and May 16, Eastern Connecticut State University returned to its Willimantic, CT, campus for the first time in 13 years to hold graduation exercises.

Posted on May 16, 2021 by Ed Osborn

Eastern community looks forward to a ‘return to normal’

Members of the Eastern community tuned in for what was hopefully the last virtual University Meeting on May 7. The biannual meeting recapped the trials and triumphs of an entire academic year...

Posted on May 11, 2021 by Dwight Bachman

Eastern to host 4 Commencement Exercises for Classes of 2021 and 2020
University to award 3 honorary degrees

Eastern Connecticut State University’s 131st Annual Commencement Exercises will feature four on-ground graduation ceremonies on May 15 and May 16 to honor the classes of 2021 and 2020. With...

Posted on April 22, 2021 by Michael Rouleau

Third virtual town hall discusses social justice and diversity on campus

Eastern Connecticut State University’s student chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and Eastern’s Multicultural Leadership Council welcomed...

Posted on March 24, 2021 by Dwight Bachman

University Meeting ushers in spring 2021 semester with message of hope

Hundreds of Eastern Connecticut State University community members tuned into YouTube on Jan. 25 to watch President Elsa Núñez welcome them back to campus with an uplifting, inspiring...

Posted on January 27, 2021 by Dwight Bachman

Eastern's Fourth President Charles Webb Passes

Charles Webb, president of Eastern from 1970-1988, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Oct. 8. He had recently celebrated his 101st birthday with family and friends on Oct. 4.

Posted on October 21, 2020 by Ed Osborn

Governor Lamont Visits Eastern for COVID-19 Update

Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont visited Eastern on Sept. 24 to hear from administrators, faculty and students on how the University is doing in managing the COVID-19 coronavirus on campus.

Posted on September 24, 2020 by Ed Osborn

‘Balancing optimism and caution’: University Meeting kicks off fall 2020 semester

Hundreds of faculty and staff tuned in to YouTube on Aug. 25 for Eastern Connecticut State University’s second-ever virtual University Meeting. Held one day before fall semester classes...

Posted on August 28, 2020 by Michael Rouleau

Eastern holds second town hall on racism and social justice

More than 100 members of the Eastern community attended a virtual town hall meeting on Aug. 20 on racism and social justice in the aftermath of the police-related death of George Floyd. In line...

Posted on August 21, 2020 by Michael Rouleau

Neville Brown wins 2020 NASFAA Regional Leadership Award

Neville Brown, associate director of financial aid at Eastern Connecticut State University, has been named the recipient of the 2020 National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators...

Posted on June 15, 2020 by Dwight Bachman

'A painful reminder': President Nunez statement on George Floyd

The senseless death of George Floyd in Minneapolis is a painful reminder that racism and police brutality continue to inflict a heavy toll on American society.

Posted on June 02, 2020

Eastern to reopen campus for fall semester

Eastern Connecticut State University will be open for on-campus classes this fall to provide students with the high-quality, residential liberal arts education they expect and deserve. Classes will...

Posted on May 29, 2020 by Ed Osborn

Live on YouTube, University Meeting Closes Spring Semester

More than 350 Eastern faculty and staff community members tuned into YouTube for a live streaming of Eastern’s first-ever “virtual” University Meeting on May 8. Broadcasting from...

Posted on May 13, 2020 by Michael Rouleau

Eastern Launches New Website

Eastern Connecticut State University launched its new website on Nov. 1, featuring new content, a new navigational structure and the latest web technology.

Posted on November 01, 2019

Eastern Named a ‘Great College to Work For’ for 10th Time

Eastern Connecticut State University has been named a “Great College to Work For” for the 10th time by the Great Colleges Program, administered by ModernThink. The results were released...

Posted on September 16, 2019 by Vania Galicia

Staff and faculty who were honored for years of service and retirement. Front row, left to right: Drew Hyatt (20 years), Kristalyn Salters-Pedneault (10 years), Jutta Ares (retirement), Denise Bierly (25 years), Weiping Liu (retirement). Back row: Walter Diaz (20 years), Mohd Rujoub (20 years), Jeffrey Danforth (retirement), Angela Bazin (20 years), Rita Malenczyk (25 years), David Pellgrini (20 years), Kim Dugan (20 years), Theresa Severance (20 years), Michelle Bacholle (20 years).

State of the University: Eastern to be ‘Market Smart, Mission Driven’

The fall University Meeting opened the 2019-20 academic year on August 26 as President Elsa Núñez described the new reality of the higher education marketplace and laid out her vision for...

Posted on August 29, 2019 by Michael Rouleau

Professor and Alumnus Join Forces in Augmented Reality Venture

When Eastern students graduate, they often stay in touch with faculty via e-mail. Benjamin Williams ’15, chief executive officer of ARsome Technology Group, a Manchester-based software...

Posted on July 09, 2019 by Dwight Bachman

Support Staff Honored at Administrative Professionals Breakfast

Thirty-four administrative assistants and other support staff were the honored guests at the 19th Annual Administrative Professionals Appreciation Breakfast on April 22. The event gives...

Posted on April 25, 2019 by Edward Osborn

Legislators, President Núñez, and students pose for the camera

State Legislators Speak with Eastern Community

State Sen. Dan Champagne ’94, State Rep. Susan Johnson ’77 and State Rep. Doug Dubitsky took time from their busy schedules to visit Eastern Connecticut State University on April 23 for...

Posted on April 23, 2019 by The Office of University Relations

Eastern President Núñez Appointed Vice Chair of the Board of AAC&U

Eastern Connecticut State University President Elsa Núñez was appointed vice chair of the board of directors of the Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) on Feb....

Posted on February 16, 2019 by Michael Rouleau

Governor-Elect’s Policy Summit Hosted at Eastern

Nearly 500 people convened on Eastern’s campus on Nov. 27 for Governor-elect Ned Lamont’s public policy summit. The gathering consisted of the incoming administration’s transition...

Posted on November 29, 2018 by Michael Rouleau

Eastern Makes "College Consensus" List of Top College in Connecticut

College Consensus, a unique new college review aggregator, has recognized Eastern Connecticut State University in its ranking of “Best Colleges in Connecticut for 2017-18.” Eastern was...

Posted on January 26, 2018 by Ed Osborn

Eastern Offers New Certification

Aspiring and veteran human resources professionals can now attain professional certifications from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) at Eastern...

Posted on January 05, 2018 by Michael Rouleau

Eastern Hosts DACA Event

The current national debate on immigration policy — in particular the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) executive order issued by President Barack Obama in 2012 — was the...

Posted on November 20, 2017 by Anne Pappalardo

6 Years, Eastern a ‘Top Workplace’

For the sixth time in the past seven years, the Hartford Courant has recognized Eastern Connecticut State University in its “Top Workplaces” survey. With almost 1,000 employees, Eastern...

Posted on October 02, 2017 by Edward Osborn

Eastern students pose at Eastern entrance

Eastern Breaks Into List of Top 25 Public Regional Universities

For the first time, Eastern Connecticut State University made the list of the top 25 regional public universities in the North in this year’s U.S. News and World Report’s 2018 edition...

Posted on September 12, 2017 by Ed Osborn

Eastern’s 24th Annual Health, Wellness and Benefits Expo

Eastern Connecticut State University hosted its annual Health, Wellness and Benefits Expo on Oct. 18 during which members of the Eastern campus and surrounding towns visited the Student Center and...

Posted on October 20, 2016 by Michael Rouleau

Eastern a 2016 ‘Great College to Work For’

The Chronicle of Higher Education announced on July 18 that Eastern Connecticut State University has been named one of the nation’s “Great Colleges to Work For.” Of the 281...

Posted on July 19, 2016 by Michael Rouleau

Governor Malloy and TheDream.US Announces Unprecedented ‘Opportunity Scholarship’ for Undocumented Students to Attend Eastern Connecticut State University

Connecticut Gov. Dannel P. Malloy and representatives of TheDream.US, the nation’s largest scholarship program for DREAMers —...

Posted on May 10, 2016 by Ed Osborn