Connecticut State Community College (CT State) has recently appointed seven inaugural campus presidents to lead operations at the system’s campus locations throughout the state. Three of these newly appointed presidents are African Americans.
“I am proud to introduce our new campus presidents to Connecticut State Community College,” said CT State Interim President Christina Royal. “Each of them brings exceptional talent, proven leadership, and expertise that will strengthen our campuses, teaching and learning, and benefit the communities we serve. Through their collective experience, we’ll continue to deepen partnerships, advance workforce development, and expand opportunities that support student success and strengthen Connecticut’s economy and future.”
Sharale W. Mathis has been named campus president of CT State Capital and CT State Tunxis. With over two decades of higher education experience, she previously held leadership positions with CT State’s Manchester and Middlesex campuses. Earlier, she was vice president of academic and student affairs at Holyoke Community College in Massachusetts, where she developed retention programs for the institution’s three campus locations.
Dr. Mathis earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Eastern Connecticut State University, a master’s degree in biomedical sciences from Quinnipiac University in Connecticut, and a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Hartford.
Kamari Collins is the new campus president of CT State Housatonic. His background in higher education includes two decades of experience in student affairs, academic support, and community engagement. Most recently, he was vice president for student success and enrollment management at Chesapeake College in Maryland. He previously served as vice president of student affairs for Springfield Technical Community College in Massachusetts.
Dr. Collins holds a bachelor’s degree in movement and sports studies and a master’s degree in human services with a concentration in organizational management and leadership from Springfield College in Massachusetts. He earned his doctorate in education with an emphasis on higher education administration from Northeastern University in Boston.
Cheryl De Vonish has been appointed campus president of CT State Norwalk. She has led the campus since 2019 under the title of campus chief executive officer. Before taking the helm of CT State Norwalk, she served as the campus’ chief operating officer and was a labor relations liaison. Before joining the CT State administration, she was a practicing attorney for the City of New York.
An alumna of Spelman College in Atlanta and the State University of New York at Binghamton, President De Vonish holds a juris doctorate from Albany Law School in New York.
