By Solé Scott
Editor-in-Chief
Chancellor Terrence Cheng after testifying during a public hearing on Feb. 11.
Chancellor Terrence Cheng has abruptly stepped down from his position on Wednesday, April 30 due to the overspending scandal.
According to CT Mirror, Cheng and the Connecticut Board of Regents for Higher Education agreed not to renew his contract after it expires on June 30, 2026.
In a statement, Cheng expressed his gratitude as chancellor.
“I am incredibly proud of the work we have done to eliminate barriers to higher education and increase educational access, equity and opportunity for students, particularly for first-generation and minoritized students,” Cheng said
Cheng emphasized the importance of collective effort and continued progress in higher education.
“We have opened new doors for students and changed the trajectory of their lives,” Cheng’s statement went on. “I remain deeply committed to this work and will continue to work with the Board of Regents and build on the success of the CSCU system,” Cheng said.
Chancellor Cheng was exposed for questionable spending habits and other violations that were included in the Comptroller’s report.
Republican House Minority Leader Vincent Candelora of North Branford was relieved of this decision.
“Given the well-deserved controversy over Terrence Cheng’s flagrant — if not infamous — spending abuses, and the systemwide revolt by staff against his leadership, his departure as chancellor is long overdue,” Candelora said.
Cheng will have a new role as a strategic advisor for the board starting July 1, which some lawmakers are against. This decision has come with even more controversy as Cheng will continue to collect his $442,187 salary until his contract expires.
There has not been an announced replacement.
