In a major step toward strengthening Connecticut’s workforce pipeline and aligning education with the demands of a rapidly evolving economy, Governor Ned Lamont has announced the appointment of four leaders from Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) to serve on the Connecticut Career Pathways Commission.
CSCU Interim Chancellor Dr. O. John Maduko, Connecticut Board of Regents for Higher Education Chair Marty Guay, Central Connecticut State University President Dr. Zulma Toro, and Connecticut State Community College (CT State) Interim President Dr. Christina Royal will help guide the commission’s work.
“Connecticut’s long-term economic competitiveness depends on how well we prepare people not only for the jobs of today, but for the opportunities of tomorrow,” said Governor Lamont. “That’s why I’m proud to appoint these accomplished higher education leaders to the Career Pathways Commission. They bring deep expertise in workforce development, a strong understanding of our state’s education system, and lived experiences that reflect the diversity of the students and communities we serve. Their perspectives will be critical as we build a career pathways system that is more aligned, more inclusive, and better equipped to respond to rapid changes driven by AI, automation, and global competition.”
Chaired by Miguel Cardona, former U.S. Secretary of Education and former commissioner of the Connecticut State Department of Education, the commission is charged with developing a five-year strategic plan — for consideration by state executive branch leaders and legislators — to modernize Connecticut’s career pathways system. The plan will focus on aligning education and workforce needs, incorporating emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and automation, and ensuring that students and jobseekers are prepared for high-quality, in-demand careers in a rapidly evolving global economy.
As Connecticut’s largest workforce engine, CSCU serves approximately 100,000 learners annually across its universities and colleges. Nearly 80% of CSCU graduates remain in Connecticut, contributing directly to the state’s economy and communities. Through its commitment to accessible, flexible, and career-aligned education, CSCU plays a central role in building strong, adaptable talent pipelines that meet employer demand.
“I am honored by Governor Lamont’s invitation to support this important work,” said CSCU Interim Chancellor Maduko. “CSCU is the backbone of Connecticut’s workforce pipeline, preparing tens of thousands of residents each year for careers that are critical to our state’s economic vitality. The vast majority of our students live, learn, and work in Connecticut, giving us a direct and lasting impact on communities and employers across every region. We look forward to helping shape a career pathways system that expands opportunity, meets workforce needs, and ensures our state remains competitive in a rapidly changing economy.”
“CSCU is at the heart of Connecticut’s workforce development efforts, educating and developing the talent that powers our economy,” said Board of Regents Chair Marty Guay. “By bringing together leaders across education, government, and industry, this commission will help ensure our systems are aligned, responsive, and focused on preparing students for real opportunities in today’s job market.”
The executive order directs the commission to engage stakeholders and gather public input throughout the planning process. The resulting plan will include recommendations for state statutory, regulatory, and administrative changes to strengthen and expand career pathways. Key areas of focus include streamlining state funding, aligning credentialing and credit-transfer policies, modernizing instructional delivery, and reducing administrative and regulatory burdens.
“Being responsive to the forward-looking requirements of a changing society, state, and region demands higher education to supply an interdisciplinary and applied educational model. I am thankful and excited that Governor Lamont has given me this opportunity. At Central we are already building on our existing strengths and industry partnerships to prepare our students for the careers of tomorrow. This work will be vital to the state and region,” said Dr. Zulma R. Toro, President of Central.
“Connecticut State Community College is proud to serve as a leader in building accessible, flexible career pathways that meet learners where they are and help them get to where they want to go,” said CT State Interim President Dr. Royal. “Whether someone is beginning their journey toward an associate degree, looking to upskill or reskill for a new career, CT State offers the programs, experience, partnerships, and support systems to make those goals achievable. I’m honored to contribute to the Career Pathways Commission’s work to ensure Connecticut continues to lead in connecting education to meaningful careers for learners of all ages.”
The commission’s work will be organized around four core pillars: Pathway Design and Delivery; Credentialing and Quality; Work Based Learning and Employer Engagement; and Policy, Funding, Data, and Accountability.
