JoAnn Ryan has been appointed to serve as chair of the Connecticut Board of Regents for Higher Education. The governing body for the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities system consists of four state universities, 12 community colleges, and Charter Oak State College. Ryan has served as vice chair since February and has been a member of the board since 2018.
As new board chair, Ryan also serves on the BOR’s Finance and Infrastructure Committee and Human Resources and Administration Committee. She has been president and CEO of the Northwest Connecticut Chamber of Commerce since 2002 and is first woman to hold that title since the Chamber’s inception in 1901.
She was previously an adjunct faculty member of Naugatuck Valley and Northwestern Connecticut Community Colleges, a high school history and English teacher, and Torrington City Councilwoman.
CSCU President Terrence Cheng says Ryan's dedication and strong relationship with educators, students and businesses is exactly the right experience and leadership style needed to ensure our 17 colleges and universities are in the position to help students succeed and gain a competitive edge in the workforce.
Also appointed to the board are Juanita James, president and CEO of Fairfield County’s Community Foundation and James McCarthy, former interim provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs at Baruch College, The City University of New York.
