Ari Santiago, a resident of West Hartford, has been appointed as the interim chair of the Board of Regents for the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) system. This appointment by Governor Ned Lamont comes after the sudden resignation of former Chairman Marty Guay. Guay stepped down following the release of documents indicating that former CSCU Interim Chancellor John Maduko allegedly violated the system’s harassment policy.
Background of the Appointment
The controversy began when Maduko resigned in April after being named in a complaint by an employee who accused him of sexual harassment. The employee also claimed that Guay had made a comment suggesting he once had a woman fired for making a similar complaint, which she perceived as a threat.
In response to these allegations, the CSCU Board of Regents has decided to hire an external consulting firm to conduct an independent review of Maduko’s conduct and the system’s response to the allegations. This move aims to ensure transparency and accountability within the institution.
Santiago’s Vision and Experience
Ari Santiago has been a member of the Board of Regents since 2020. He serves as vice chair of the board’s Finance and Infrastructure Committee and is a member of its Technology Committee. Santiago’s background as an entrepreneur, having grown a one-man IT company into a nationally recognized organization, brings valuable experience to his new role.
In a statement, Santiago expressed his commitment to the CSCU system, emphasizing the importance of transparency and necessary changes following the independent investigation. He stated, “The events of recent weeks have been troubling, and the public, and especially our students, deserve better.” Santiago is determined to ensure that the board is not solely defined by past issues but also by its potential to positively impact students and the community.
Support from the Community
Senator Derek Slap, chair of the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee, praised Santiago’s appointment, highlighting his dedication to public higher education and Connecticut’s workforce. Slap emphasized the need for strong leadership during this crucial time for the Board of Regents.
The CSCU system, which includes four state universities, Connecticut State Community College with its 12 campuses, and Charter Oak State College, serves approximately 66,000 students across the state. Santiago’s leadership is expected to guide the system through these challenging times and towards a future focused on student success and community engagement.
Original reporting: The Connecticut Mirror — read the source article.
