Dear WCSU Community:
I am writing to let you know that Dr. John Clark will be stepping down as President of Western Connecticut State University on July 14th.
Since assuming the role of WCSU president in 2015, Dr. Clark has demonstrated his commitment to public higher education. He helped to introduce an in-state tuition program that first included seven bordering counties in New York, the first of its kind for CSCU. This successful program has ultimately expanded to include all of New York and New Jersey. Dr. Clark has also championed the university’s involvement with business, local government and public service organizations to improve the quality of life in Western Connecticut. Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, he has provided guidance and assurance to the Western community and worked closely with state and local organizations to keep students, employees and residents as safe as possible. Dr. Clark has been a strong supporter of the CSCU system and his energy and enthusiasm will be greatly missed. He is deeply committed to Western’s success and I am glad Dr. Clark will continue to be available to us in an advisory capacity to help transition to new leadership in the future.
Beginning July 15, Dr. Paul Beran will become interim President of WCSU. Dr. Beran has 40 years of experience in higher education leadership: most notably as Executive Director and CEO at South Dakota Board of Regents for Public Universities; as University Chancellor at University of Arkansas – Fort Smith; as University President at Northwestern Oklahoma State University; and Vice President for Faculty and Instruction at Massasoit Community College in Brockton, Massachusetts. Dr. Beran holds a bachelor’s degree in English and Political Science and his master’s degree in English, both from Stephen F. Austin State University. He earned his Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction in Higher Education from Texas A&M.
Along with members of my executive team at the CSCU system office, I will work closely with Dr. Beran, and the administration, faculty and staff at WCSU to address the challenges that lie immediately ahead of us, while building toward a strong and sustainable future. Dr. Beran will be on campus soon and I hope you will have an opportunity to welcome him to WCSU.
I want to thank Dr. Clark for his seven years of service to Western and its employees, students and community partners. We wish him all the best in his next adventures. And thanks again to all of you for helping to make WCSU, our system, and the state a better place for all.
Sincerely,
Terrence Cheng
President, CSCU