HARTFORD, CT — The Connecticut Board of Regents for Higher Education said Monday it will not renew the contract of Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) Chancellor Terrence Cheng.
Cheng’s current contract runs through June 30, 2026.
According to the Board of Regents, Cheng will transition into a new role as a strategic advisor beginning in July. The Board said it will appoint an interim chancellor following the change.
Cheng faced scrutiny last year after a state audit uncovered questionable spending practices within the CSCU system.
According to the audit conducted by the state comptroller’s office, expenses included costly meals, livery services, dry cleaning, and event tickets unrelated to school activities.
The audit resulted in several recommendations for tightening financial controls and increasing oversight of system expenditures.
Marty Guay, chair of the Board of Regents, thanked Cheng in a prepared statement. “We have a real opportunity to make impactful investments in our system in the best interests of the students we serve and the state as a whole,” Guay said. “We will continue to create more opportunities and access for students, boost graduation rates, and strengthen our talent pipelines to ensure they are aligned with industry needs and meet workforce demands. These efforts will ensure our students are set up for success in their careers and beyond.”
Cheng also issued a statement promising to continue supporting the Board of Regents.
“It has been a true honor to serve as Chancellor of the CSCU system and its 65,000 students. I am incredibly proud of the work we have done to eliminate barriers to higher education, and increase educational access, equity, and opportunity for students, particularly for first-generation and minoritized students. Together, we have opened new doors for students and changed the trajectory of their lives,” Cheng said.
Some Republican lawmakers criticized the decision to retain Cheng’s current salary, reported to be nearly $450,000 per year, even as he shifts to a non-leadership position.
Senator Stephen Harding, R-Minority Leader, said, “It’s playing games with the taxpayers’ money. It’s telling them there’s no consequences for waste in government. It’s really sad.”
Governor Ned Lamont said he believed the Board of Regents and Cheng reached the right decision for the chancellor to step down.
