CCSU President Departs Amid Investigation

Central Connecticut State University (CCSU) President Zulma Toro resigned from her position on September 23, 2026, following an investigation into alleged misconduct. The university's Board of Regents for Higher Education confirmed Toro's departure in a statement released on September 24, 2026, noting that the investigation into her conduct would continue. The specifics of the allegations against President Toro have not been publicly disclosed, citing the ongoing nature of the inquiry. Toro had served as the president of CCSU, a public university located in New Britain, Connecticut, since July 2017. Her tenure was marked by various initiatives aimed at enhancing student success and expanding the university's academic offerings. Prior to her role at CCSU, Toro held leadership positions at other educational institutions, including serving as president of the University of Wisconsin-River Falls from 2014 to 2017 and as provost and vice president for academic affairs at Northern Illinois University from 2007 to 2014. The investigation into her conduct was initiated by the Board of Regents, which oversees the state's public higher education system. The board's statement indicated that they are committed to a thorough and impartial review of the allegations. In the interim, the Board of Regents announced that Dr. David Carter, the former president of Eastern Connecticut State University, would assume the role of interim president at CCSU. Dr. Carter's appointment is effective immediately, and he will lead the university while the investigation proceeds and a permanent replacement for President Toro is sought. CCSU is one of the four main Connecticut state universities, serving approximately 11,000 undergraduate and graduate students. The university offers a wide range of programs across its schools of arts and sciences, business, education, and engineering, technology, and design. The abrupt departure of a university president often signals significant internal challenges or concerns regarding leadership and institutional governance. The Board of Regents has emphasized its dedication to maintaining the stability and continued progress of Central Connecticut State University throughout this transition period. Further updates regarding the investigation and the search for a new president are expected to be released by the Board of Regents as appropriate.