Hartford Business Journal

HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM | September 26, 2022 17 Connecticut State Community College CEO John Maduko recently sat down with the Hartford Business Journal to discuss priorities for his new job. HBJ PHOTO | ROBERT STORACE The three regional presidents – Thomas Coley, James Lombella and Rob Steinmetz – will become executive vice presidents of func- tional areas within the entire commu- nity college system. "I think having clearly defined lead- ership roles and responsibilities in terms of who reports to me and what these talented individuals are over- seeing for the entire college system, was important," he said. "I felt like I did not want to wait six months or a year; I wanted to set the tone now. I wanted to communicate a message to everyone — students and faculty — that we are here to serve them and there can't be any confusion at the senior level." One of his focus areas is shoring up enrollment, which experienced a 17.4% decline last spring, the largest drop off in the nation, according to National Student Clearinghouse Research Center data. In spring 2021, 33,571 students were enrolled at a public, two-year community college in Connecticut, down from 40,643 students a year earlier and 43,206 students in the spring of 2019. Maduko said there were several factors driving the enrollment decline ranging from the fallout from the pandemic to the reality that many people decided to work over going to college. Maduko said he hopes to bring those enrollment numbers up by better marketing the institution; providing a broader curriculum with more of a focus on in-demand health care, manufacturing and IT training; and working closely with Terrence Cheng, president of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities, which oversees the state's 12 community colleges, four state universities and Charter Oak State College. Chris DiPentima, president and CEO of the Connecticut Busi- ness & Industry Association, said his organization has and will continue to work closely with the community college system, noting there is an immediate need to grow healthcare programs. "Clearly, health care is first and foremost of major importance to the state's economy," DiPentima said. "Therefore, the healthcare curriculum is critical and must continue to be taught at the community college level. Hopefully, that will attract more people to want to enter the healthcare field and stay here in Connecticut to do so." Union relations While he's new in the job, Maduko said he expects to reach out to all stakeholders and have a cordial, fair and open relationship with the five unions that represent community college employees. Maduko said past relationships with the unions have been "tense" but he hopes to work closely with all stake- holders "for the betterment of all." Calling the past relationships tense is an understatement, according to Dennis Bogusky, president since 1984 of the American Federation of Teachers, Local 1942, which represents 624 full-time faculty within the community college system. "There was a time, not too long ago, when they were hell-bent on gutting contracts and doing things that were just not positive," Bogusky said. "During the pandemic, there was no recognition (by the adminis- tration) of the faculty and staff's roles in keeping things moving and getting those students across the finish line." Bogusky said he does not expect to lose any union members because of the pending merger, but he has concerns with the plan. "My biggest concern is that the actual campuses will completely lose their identity," he said. "Whether it's governance, curriculum or what- ever, we'd like to have some level of autonomy." Bogusky said he likes what he's heard about Maduko, noting: "I'm cautiously optimistic" that the new administration will be fair and trans- parent with the unions. Maduko said he's big on finding common ground and doing what's best for students. "I look forward to all partnerships with anyone; those who like me and those who may disagree with me," he said. You don't just want a loan. You want solid advice from an experienced business banker. You want a fair rate, flexible terms, and local decisions by a bank that's invested in your community and your success. That, plus a whole lot more, is what you can expect from Westfield Bank. How can we help your business? Call 860.265.3920. That's better. Having a vision for your business is great. Adding our insight? Commercial Lending Term Loans n Lines of Credit n Commercial Real Estate Loans n Letters of Credit n SBA Loans westfieldbank.com Member FDIC

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