Connecticut State Community College (CT State) has recently appointed seven inaugural campus presidents to lead operations at the system’s campus locations throughout the state. Four of these newly appointed presidents are women.
“I am proud to introduce our new campus presidents to Connecticut State Community College,” said CT State Interim President Christina Royal. “Each of them brings exceptional talent, proven leadership, and expertise that will strengthen our campuses, teaching and learning, and benefit the communities we serve. Through their collective experience, we’ll continue to deepen partnerships, advance workforce development, and expand opportunities that support student success and strengthen Connecticut’s economy and future.”
Sharale W. Mathis has been named campus president of CT State Capital and CT State Tunxis. With over two decades of higher education experience, she previously held leadership positions with CT State’s Manchester and Middlesex campuses. Earlier, she was vice president of academic and student affairs at Holyoke Community College in Massachusetts, where she developed retention programs for the institution’s three campus locations.
Dr. Mathis earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Eastern Connecticut State University, a master’s degree in biomedical sciences from Quinnipiac University in Connecticut, and a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Hartford.
Shiang-Kwei “Ellen” Wang is the new campus president of CT State Gateway. Most recently, she was vice president of academic affairs and provost at Hostos Community College in New York City. She has previously served in various roles at Harold Washington College in Chicago and Queensborough Community College in New York City. A scholar of education technology, she focuses her research on STEM education and pedagogical best practices.
Dr. Wang received her Ph.D. in instructional technology from the University of Georgia.
Cheryl De Vonish has been appointed campus president of CT State Norwalk. She has led the campus since 2019 under the title of campus chief executive officer. Before taking the helm of CT State Norwalk, she served as the campus’ chief operating officer and was a labor relations liaison. Before joining the CT State administration, she was a practicing attorney for the City of New York.
An alumna of Spelman College in Atlanta and the State University of New York at Binghamton, President De Vonish holds a juris doctorate from Albany Law School in New York.
Mary Ellen Jukoski is the campus president of CT State Quinebaug Valley and CT State Three Rivers. She has led the Three Rivers campus for the past decade. Previously, she spent 20 years as president of Mitchell College in New London, Connecticut. Earlier, she held administrative positions at Sacred Heart University in Connecticut, Loretto Heights College in Colorado the University of Memphis, and Empire State College in New York.
Dr. Jukoski received her bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in English and education from the College of St. Rose in Albany, New York. She holds a second master’s degree in curriculum planning and development from the State University of New York at Albany and a doctorate in higher education curriculum and instruction from the University of Memphis.