DANBURY, Connecticut — Following a nationwide search, in 2025 Western Connecticut State University selected its 10th president in the university’s 123-year history. After successfully taking the helm and managing the transition that a change in leadership entails, Jesse M. Bernal, Ph.D. now will be celebrated with two days of events on Thursday and Friday, March 26 and 27, 2026. Many of the inaugural events require a reservation and some involve a fee. The full schedule and reservation information can be found at www.wcsu.edu/rsvp/.
Dr. Bernal is stepping into the role of President during the university’s more than 123-year legacy of empowering learners and communities through education. A first-generation college graduate, Dr. Bernal brings a deep belief in the transformative power of public higher education. For more than two decades, he has led efforts in strategy, innovation, and equity across higher education and public charter systems in Michigan and California; building partnerships that align academics with workforce and community needs, investing in student and employee success, and creating more inclusive, student-centered institutions. His leadership is guiding WestConn into a new era of renewal, impact, and regional engagement.
According to Dr. Bernal, “As President of Western Connecticut State University, I believe our responsibility is simple and profound: welcome every student, weave learning with real-world opportunity, and widen access to futures worth striving for. That is what it means to be Distinctively WestConn. When we lead with relationships and shared purpose, universities don’t just change lives, they strengthen regions and expand what’s possible for generations.”
Public Inauguration events include:
Thursday, March 26: Presidential Inaugural Gala, 6 p.m., The Amber Room Colonnade, 1 Stacey Road, Danbury. The inauguration gala represents more than a ceremonial milestone — it is a celebration of collective purpose. While an inauguration formally begins a presidency, the gala brings our community together to welcome new leadership, weave our shared strengths, and affirm our commitment to expanding opportunity. Weaving our strengths. Building our future. Reservation/fee required. www.wcsu.edu/rsvp/.
Friday, March 27: Community Luncheon & WestConn Showcase, 11:30 a.m., Westside Campus Center Ballroom and Visual and Performing Arts Center, 43 Lake Ave. Extension in Danbury. This event highlights the accomplishments and work of our students both inside and outside of the classroom. There will be a “walking luncheon” in the Westside Campus Center Ballroom, so people can have small bites while perusing the showcase. Reservation required. www.wcsu.edu/rsvp/.
Friday, March 27: Investiture Ceremony, 2 p.m., Visual & Performing Arts Center, Westside campus. Reservation required. www.wcsu.edu/rsvp/.
Friday, March 27: Inauguration Toast, 4:30 p.m., Celebrating 20 Years of Science
Science Building, Midtown campus, 181 White St. in Danbury. Reservation required. www.wcsu.edu/rsvp/.
Friday, March 27: WCSU Jazz Showcase, 7 p.m., Visual & Performing Arts Center, Westside campus. This performance features outstanding student jazz ensembles presenting a varied repertoire of jazz standards and original works. The program reflects both the rich tradition of jazz and the students’ individual creativity through fresh arrangements and compositions. Featuring WestConn Jazz Combos; Vocal Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Orchestra. Reservation/fee required. www.wcsu.edu/rsvp/.
Dr. Bernal brings more than 25 years of experience leading institutional transformation, advancing student success, and building innovative partnerships across education, government, and industry. Before joining WestConn, Dr. Bernal held multiple executive leadership roles at Grand Valley State University, including Vice President for Strategy & Chief of Staff to the President and Chief Executive of GVSU Public Charter Schools. Earlier in his career, he served in state and system-level roles in California, supporting TRIO programs, K–12 partnerships, and statewide initiatives focused on access and student achievement.
Dr. Bernal’s approach emphasizes welcoming all learners into student-ready environments, weaving together academic, social, and community supports to promote belonging and persistence, and widening pathways to social mobility, workforce readiness, and economic opportunity.
Dr. Bernal serves on the boards of the Center for the Advancement of Professional Students (CAPS) and the President’s Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration and currently chairs the board of EQPD Learning. He is also a member of the REP4 President’s Council and a peer reviewer and former advisory committee chair with the Higher Learning Commission, contributing nationally to institutional quality, accreditation, and continuous improvement.
He earned his Ph.D. in Education from the Gevirtz Graduate School of Education at the University of California, Santa Barbara. His professional development includes executive education from Harvard University and the University of California, Berkeley, along with certifications in accreditation, foresight thinking, crisis response, and Title IX compliance.
Deeply engaged in civic and public service, Dr. Bernal has served as Chair of the Michigan Hispanic/Latino Commission (appointed by governors of both parties), a mayoral appointee to the Grand Rapids Community Relations Commission, and an advisor to philanthropic, educational, and workforce organizations across the country.
Now leading WestConn into an era of renewal, growth, and impact, Dr. Bernal remains committed to ensuring the university serves as a powerful engine of opportunity — locally, regionally, and nationally — for students, families, and communities.
Western Connecticut State University changes lives by providing all students with a high-quality education that fosters their growth as individuals, scholars, professionals, and leaders in a global society. Our vision: To be widely recognized as a premier public university with outstanding teachers and scholars who prepare students to contribute to the world in a meaningful way.