CSCU Extends Dr. Christina Royal’s Appointment as CT State Community College Interim President

The Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) System today announced the extension of Dr. Christina Royal’s appointment as interim president of Connecticut State Community College (CT State) through June 30, 2027.

Dr. Royal has served as interim president since August 1, 2025. She previously served as president of Holyoke Community College and was selected as a 2024-2025 Judith Block McLaughlin President-in-Residence in the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

“Dr. Royal’s leadership has provided stability and momentum during a critical period for CT State,” said Dr. O. John Maduko, CSCU Interim Chancellor. “Her commitment to collaborating with students, faculty, staff, and business, industry, and education leaders has strengthened CT State’s role as a key driver of workforce development and social mobility. Extending her appointment ensures continuity as the college builds on its progress and continues to serve students, families, and communities statewide.”

“Over my first few months at CT State, I’ve had the privilege of listening, learning, and connecting with the faculty, staff, and students who bring our college’s 12 campuses to life,” said Dr. Royal. "As a first-generation college student, CT State’s mission is deeply personal to me, and I am inspired every day by the pride, resilience, and commitment I see across our campuses. While we continue to work through the complexities of becoming a single statewide institution, we are also seeing real momentum in enrollment, student success, workforce partnerships, and our economic impact. I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue this work alongside our campus leaders and communities, grounded in shared governance, clear communication, and a shared focus on student success.”

Building on this momentum, CT State has launched its first college-wide strategic planning process as a singly accredited institution. Dr. Royal established the Inaugural Strategic Planning Steering Committee, a collegewide body responsible for guiding engagement, data collection, and recommendations to inform the development of the college’s strategic plan in alignment with its mission and vision. Collegewide engagement will take place in Spring 2026, with the strategic plan expected to be finalized by the end of the 2026 calendar year.

This planning effort reflects broader progress under Dr. Royal’s tenure, during which CT State has advanced its mission to expand student access and success, strengthen workforce development, and increase economic impact across Connecticut. Under her leadership, CT State entered into a landmark partnership with the Connecticut Technical Education and Career System (CTECS) to strengthen pathways from technical high schools to community college. The agreement expands dual enrollment opportunities, aligns curricula, and prepares students for the high-demand employment needs of Connecticut’s workforce.

In addition to expanding educational pathways, CT State launched a second practical nursing certificate program to address the state’s critical shortage of nurses and expand access to healthcare careers. The four-semester certificate program, now offered at CT State Norwalk, combines classroom instruction in foundational nursing concepts with simulation-based learning and hands-on clinical training at local healthcare facilities under the supervision of licensed nurse faculty.

These initiatives are reflected in CT State’s growing enrollment. In Fall 2025, CT State’s total student enrollment increased by 4.3 percent over the previous fall semester, reflecting continued progress in student engagement and access. Serving more than 43,000 students statewide, CT State is the largest community college in the Northeast.

Prior to joining CT State, Dr. Royal led Holyoke Community College where she championed initiatives to break cycles of generational poverty; secured one of the largest individual philanthropic gifts to a U.S. community college; led the development of the college’s first strategic plan; oversaw the creation of a new Life Sciences Center to enhance academic and workforce programs; and launched a childcare program to support student-parents.

Dr. Royal holds a Ph.D. in Education from Capella University, an M.A. in Educational Psychology, and a B.A. in Mathematics from Marist University.