The Central Connecticut State University Podcast

CCSU Launches Health College, Sees Enrollment Surge, Tuition Freeze, and Blue Devils Win NEC Title in 2025 Update

Good morning, Blue Devils! It's Monday, September 8, 2025, and welcome to our latest campus news update. Let's dive into the recent developments at Central Connecticut State University.
First up, we're excited to announce the launch of the College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences. This new college brings together our health sciences departments, including Nursing, Physical Education and Human Performance, as well as counseling and social work programs. Dr. Jayanthi Kandiah has been appointed as the inaugural dean, bringing a wealth of experience to lead this initiative.
In enrollment news, CCSU has seen a significant boost. For the spring semester, the university experienced an 8.3% increase in student enrollment, marking a positive trend after years of decline. This growth is attributed to initiatives like the Connecticut Automatic Admission Program and the Mary Ann Handley Award, which have made higher education more accessible to students across the state.
On the financial front, the Connecticut Board of Regents for Higher Education has voted to freeze tuition for the 2025-26 academic year across all state colleges and universities, including Central. This decision aims to alleviate the financial burden on students and their families, ensuring that higher education remains affordable and accessible.
Turning to athletics, our men's basketball team had an impressive 2024–25 season, finishing with a 25–7 record and clinching the Northeast Conference regular-season championship. Congratulations to Coach Patrick Sellers and the entire team for their hard work and dedication.
That's all for today's update. Stay tuned for more news and events happening around campus. Go Blue Devils!

CCSU Fall 2025: New Mindfulness Labyrinth, Sports Highlights, Leadership News & Upcoming Campus Events

Hello, Blue Devils! Welcome back to campus for the start of the Fall 2025 semester. Here's what's happening at Central Connecticut State University.
This summer, Central unveiled the Meditative Labyrinth, a serene space designed to promote mindfulness and well-being among students and staff. Located near the Student Center, the labyrinth offers a peaceful environment for reflection and relaxation.
In July, the university hosted the Connecticut Summer Transportation Institute, welcoming high school students from across the state. This program provided participants with hands-on experience in transportation engineering and introduced them to potential career paths in the field.
Additionally, Dr. Lisa Frank, Dean of the School of Business, was selected to participate in the American Association of State Colleges and Universities' leadership academy. This prestigious program aims to develop the next generation of higher education leaders.
The Central Connecticut Blue Devils men's basketball team had an impressive 2024–25 season, finishing with a 25–7 record and clinching the Northeast Conference regular-season championship. Despite their strong performance, the team narrowly missed out on the NEC tournament title, falling to Saint Francis in a closely contested final.
On the women's side, the Blue Devils concluded the season with an 11–19 record. Following the season, Head Coach Way Veney resigned after two years at the helm. The university is currently conducting a search for a new head coach to lead the program forward.
Looking ahead, the Blue Devils football team is gearing up for the 2025 season under the leadership of Head Coach Adam Lechtenberg. Fans are eager to see how the team performs in the upcoming games.
Mark your calendars for the annual Fall Fest on September 15th. This event features live music, food trucks, and various activities to kick off the semester. It's a great opportunity to connect with fellow students and enjoy the vibrant campus community.
Also, don't miss the Career Fair on October 10th, where students can meet potential employers, learn about internship opportunities, and network with professionals from various industries.
That's all for this week's update. Stay tuned for more news and events happening around campus. Go Blue Devils!

CCSU News: New Health College Launch, Enrollment Surges, Tuition Freeze, and Blue Devils’ Basketball Triumphs

Good afternoon, Blue Devils! It's Monday, August 25, 2025, and welcome to another episode of our campus news podcast. Let's dive into the latest happenings at Central Connecticut State University.
First up, let's talk about the weather. Today, we're experiencing mostly cloudy skies with a current temperature of 68 degrees Fahrenheit. As the day progresses, temperatures are expected to rise, reaching a high of 82 degrees by mid-afternoon. There's a chance of thunderstorms around 1 and 2 PM, so be sure to carry an umbrella if you're heading out during those hours. The evening will see clearer skies, with temperatures gradually cooling down to the mid-60s.
In campus news, we're thrilled to announce the launch of the new College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences. This college is now accepting students into its health sciences departments, offering a range of programs aimed at preparing students for careers in healthcare and rehabilitation. Leading the college is Dr. Jayanthi Kandiah, who has been appointed as the inaugural dean. Dr. Kandiah brings a wealth of experience and a vision for advancing health education at Central.
On the academic front, Central has seen a significant boost in enrollment. For the spring semester, the university experienced an 8.3% increase in student enrollment, marking a positive trend after years of decline. This growth is attributed to initiatives like the Connecticut Automatic Admission Program and the Mary Ann Handley Award, which have made higher education more accessible to students across the state.
In financial news, the Connecticut Board of Regents for Higher Education has voted to freeze tuition for the 2025-26 academic year across all state colleges and universities, including Central. This decision aims to alleviate the financial burden on students and their families, ensuring that higher education remains affordable and accessible.
Turning to athletics, our men's basketball team had an impressive 2024–25 season, finishing with a 25–7 record and clinching the Northeast Conference regular-season championship. Congratulations to Coach Patrick Sellers and the entire team for their hard work and dedication. Looking ahead, the team is gearing up for the upcoming season with high expectations and a strong roster.
That's all for today's update. Stay safe, stay informed, and as always, Go Blue Devils!

CCSU Fall 2025: New Labyrinth, STEM Programs, Leadership News, Blue Devils Sports Highlights & Upcoming Campus Events

Hello, Blue Devils! Welcome back to campus for the start of the Fall 2025 semester. Here's what's happening at Central Connecticut State University.
This summer, Central unveiled the Meditative Labyrinth, a serene space designed to promote mindfulness and well-being among students and staff. Located near the Student Center, the labyrinth offers a peaceful environment for reflection and relaxation.
In July, the university hosted the Connecticut Summer Transportation Institute, welcoming high school students from across the state. This program provided participants with hands-on experience in transportation engineering and introduced them to potential career paths in the field.
Additionally, Dr. Lisa Frank, Dean of the School of Business, was selected to participate in the American Association of State Colleges and Universities' leadership academy. This prestigious program aims to develop the next generation of higher education leaders.
The Central Connecticut Blue Devils men's basketball team had an impressive 2024–25 season, finishing with a 25–7 record and clinching the Northeast Conference regular-season championship. Despite their strong performance, the team narrowly missed out on the NEC tournament title, falling to Saint Francis in a closely contested final.
On the women's side, the Blue Devils concluded the season with an 11–19 record. Following the season, Head Coach Way Veney resigned after two years at the helm. The university is currently conducting a search for a new head coach to lead the program forward.
Looking ahead, the Blue Devils football team is gearing up for the 2025 season under the leadership of Head Coach Adam Lechtenberg. Fans are eager to see how the team performs in the upcoming games.
Mark your calendars for the annual Fall Fest on September 15th. This event features live music, food trucks, and various activities to kick off the semester. It's a great opportunity to connect with fellow students and enjoy the vibrant campus community.
Also, don't miss the Career Fair on October 10th, where students can meet potential employers, learn about internship opportunities, and network with professionals from various industries.
That's all for this week's update. Stay tuned for more news and events happening around campus. Go Blue Devils!

CCSU Opens New Health Sciences College, Sees Enrollment Surge, Sports Triumphs, and Community Impact in August 2025 Update

Good morning, Blue Devils! It's Monday, August 11, 2025, and here's what's happening at Central Connecticut State University.
First up, we're thrilled to announce the opening of the College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences. This new college brings together our health sciences departments, including Nursing, Physical Education and Human Performance, and human service disciplines like counseling and social work. Dr. Jayanthi Kandiah has been appointed as the inaugural dean, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for August 19 at 11 a.m. to celebrate this milestone.
In other news, our university has seen a significant increase in enrollment. For the spring semester, enrollment at Connecticut State Colleges and Universities rose by 6.2%, marking the first academic year of growth after a yearslong downward trend. This positive development reflects the hard work of our faculty and staff in attracting and retaining students.
On the athletics front, our Blue Devils football team had an impressive season, finishing with a 7–6 record and clinching a share of the Northeast Conference championship. They made it to the NCAA Division I First Round, where they faced a tough match against Rhode Island. Congratulations to Coach Adam Lechtenberg and the entire team for their hard work and dedication.
Switching gears to the arts, Dr. Lisa Frank, dean of the School of Business, has been selected for the American Association of State Colleges and Universities' national leadership academy. This prestigious program recognizes leaders who are making significant contributions to higher education.
In community engagement, Central's Go Baby Go program received a $6,000 grant from the Petit Foundation. This initiative works with families and clinicians to provide free modified toy ride-on cars for children with limited mobility, exemplifying our commitment to community service.
That's all for today's update. Stay tuned for more news and events happening around campus. Go Blue Devils!

Central Connecticut State News: Campus Innovations, Wildfire Haze, Mental Health Award, New Academic Programs & Sports Highlights

Good afternoon, Blue Devils! It's Monday, August 4, 2025, and welcome to another episode of our campus news podcast. Let's dive into the latest happenings at Central Connecticut State University.
First up, let's talk about the weather. Today, we're experiencing very warm temperatures with hazy sunshine. However, smoke from wildfires in Canada is affecting our air quality, so it's advisable to limit outdoor activities if you're sensitive to air pollution. The high today is expected to reach 88°F, with a low of 63°F. This pattern is expected to continue throughout the week, with temperatures ranging from the low 80s to high 80s and similar air quality conditions.
In campus news, Central has introduced a new learning opportunity called the Central Meditative Labyrinth. This initiative invites the campus community to engage in reflective practices, promoting mental well-being and mindfulness. It's a great way to find some peace amidst the hustle and bustle of university life.
The university recently hosted the Connecticut Summer Transportation Institute, welcoming a new cohort of rising 10th to 12th-grade students. This program, co-sponsored by the Connecticut Department of Transportation, aims to inspire young minds to explore careers in transportation and engineering.
In the arts, Central's own Professor presented "Belly: An American Love Story" from August 1st to 3rd. This intergenerational voyage of Black womanhood was conveyed through word, song, and dance, offering a profound exploration of women's experiences past, present, and future.
On the academic front, the School of Engineering, Science, and Technology welcomed its first cohort for the new Robotics & Mechatronics Technician Apprenticeship Program. Nine newly hired apprentices from TRUMPF Inc. spent the day on campus, marking the beginning of an exciting journey in advanced manufacturing.
In leadership news, Dr. Lisa Frank, dean of the School of Business, has been selected to participate in the American Association of State Colleges and Universities' Millennium Leadership Initiative. This prestigious program prepares higher education leaders for future roles in university administration.
Central has also been recognized for its commitment to mental health and well-being, receiving the 2025 Excellence in Mental Health and Well-Being Award from Insight Into Academia magazine. This accolade highlights the university's dedication to supporting the holistic health of its students and staff.
In sports, the Central Connecticut Blue Devils football team had an impressive 2024 season, finishing with a 7–6 record and clinching a share of the Northeast Conference championship. They made it to the NCAA Division I First Round, showcasing the team's resilience and talent.
Looking ahead, the men's basketball team is gearing up for the 2024–25 season under the leadership of head coach Patrick Sellers. After a strong performance last season, expectations are high for the Blue Devils as they aim for another successful run in the Northeast Conference.
That's all for today's update. Stay cool, stay safe, and as always, Go Blue Devils!

CCSU News: Meditative Labyrinth Opens, New Banking Program, Basketball Highlights, and Community Innovation

Good afternoon, Blue Devils! It's Monday, July 28, 2025, and here's what's happening at Central Connecticut State University.
First up, we're excited to announce the opening of the Central Meditative Labyrinth. This new addition offers a serene space for students, faculty, and staff to engage in mindfulness and reflection. It's a wonderful opportunity to find balance amidst our busy campus life.
In academic news, the School of Business is proud to introduce a new Banking Excellence Certificate program. This initiative aims to equip students with specialized knowledge and skills tailored for the banking industry, enhancing their career prospects in this vital sector.
Turning to athletics, our men's basketball team had an impressive 2024–25 season, finishing with a 25–7 record and clinching the Northeast Conference regular-season championship. Congratulations to Coach Patrick Sellers and the entire team for their hard work and dedication.
On the women's side, the basketball team concluded their season with an 11–19 record. We commend Coach Way Veney and the players for their perseverance and commitment throughout the season.
Looking ahead, mark your calendars for August 1st through 3rd, when Professor Emerita Dr. Anika Wilson will present her play, "Belly: An American Love Story." This production delves into the intergenerational experiences of Black womanhood through a blend of word, song, and movement. It's a performance you won't want to miss.
In community engagement, our students recently participated in the Go Baby Go Workshop, collaborating with local middle and high school students to modify ride-on toy cars for children with special needs. This initiative showcases the spirit of innovation and compassion that defines our university community.
That's all for today's update. Stay tuned for more news and events happening around campus. Go Blue Devils!

CCSU Launches Robotics Program, Welcomes New Leaders, Wins Mental Health Award, and Celebrates Blue Devils Success

Hello, Blue Devils! Welcome back to another episode of your favorite campus news podcast. Let's dive into the latest happenings at Central Connecticut State University.
First up, exciting news from the School of Engineering, Science, and Technology. On July 9, Central welcomed the inaugural cohort of the new Robotics & Mechatronics Technician Apprenticeship Program. Nine newly hired apprentices from TRUMPF Inc. spent the day on campus, marking the beginning of this innovative program designed to bridge the gap between education and industry.
In leadership updates, Dr. Toni Ryan has been appointed as the director of the Center for Excellence in Social and Emotional Learning, starting this fall. Dr. Ryan brings a wealth of experience to the center, which focuses on promoting emotional intelligence and well-being among students and faculty.
Additionally, Dr. Xudong Jia has been named the new dean of the School of Engineering, Science, and Technology. With a strong background in engineering education and research, Dr. Jia is set to lead the school into a new era of innovation and excellence.
Central has also been recognized for its commitment to mental health and well-being. The university is one of 70 recipients nationwide of the 2025 Excellence in Mental Health and Well-Being Award from Insight Into Academia magazine. This accolade highlights Central's dedication to supporting the mental health of its community.
In financial news, Central has received a federal TRIO Student Support Services grant totaling $272,364. These funds will bolster the university’s efforts in student retention and degree completion, providing essential support to students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
On the academic front, the Career Closet at Central received a significant donation thanks to a recent Business Clothing Drive hosted by the state Department of Transportation's Employee Engagement Group. This initiative aims to provide students with professional attire for interviews and career opportunities.
In sports, the Central Connecticut Blue Devils men's basketball team had an impressive season, finishing with a 25–7 record and clinching the NEC regular-season championship. However, they fell short in the NEC tournament final against Saint Francis. Despite the loss, the team's performance has set a high bar for the upcoming season.
That's all for this week's update. Stay tuned for more news and stories from around campus. Go Blue Devils!

CCSU Shines: Hall of Fame Honor, New Cybersecurity Program, Student Awards, Community Projects, and Football Success

Good morning, Blue Devils! Here's your latest update on what's happening at Central Connecticut State University.
First up, we're proud to announce that our very own physics professor, Dr. Ali Antar, has been inducted into the Immigrant Heritage Hall of Fame for 2025. This honor recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to our community, and Dr. Antar's dedication to education and research exemplifies this spirit.
In other news, our engineering students have been making a tangible impact in nearby communities. They recently designed and constructed two custom timber bridges, which were presented to the towns of Avon and Simsbury. This project not only showcases the practical skills our students are developing but also strengthens our ties with local communities.
On the academic front, Central has launched a new Master of Science in Cybersecurity program. With cyber threats evolving rapidly, this program aims to equip students with the skills needed to protect digital assets and infrastructure. It's an exciting addition to our graduate offerings and reflects our commitment to staying ahead in technological education.
Our journalism students have also been making waves. A group of nine students earned a Crystal Pillar Award, often referred to as the "College Emmy," from the New England Emmy Division. Their timely piece on climate change in Brazil stood out for its depth and relevance, highlighting the quality of work our students are producing.
In campus news, the Carol Ammon College of Liberal Arts and Sciences has a fresh new look. Interim Dean Dr. Gil Gigliotti spearheaded a redecorating initiative, transforming the space into a more inviting and inspiring environment for students and faculty alike.
And finally, a big congratulations to our Blue Devils football team. They finished the 2024 season with a 7–6 record, clinching a share of the Northeast Conference championship and making their first NCAA postseason appearance since 2019. Their hard work and determination have made us all proud.
That's all for now. Stay tuned for more updates, and as always, go Blue Devils!