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!