Dr. Kimberly T. Kostelis Appointed Interim President of Central Connecticut State University

Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) Interim Chancellor Natalie Braswell today announced the appointment of Dr. Kimberly T. Kostelis as interim president of Central Connecticut State University, effective October 8. Dr. Kostelis currently serves as Central's Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs and has spent more than two decades at the university, serving in faculty and leadership roles across the institution.

"My immediate responsibility is to provide Central with stable, effective leadership and continuity during this transition. Dr. Kostelis is well positioned to lead the university at this moment. She knows Central, having spent more than two decades at the institution, first as a faculty member, then as a department chair and Dean for the School of Education, and now as Provost," said CSCU Interim Chancellor Natalie Braswell. "She understands Central's academic and operational needs, its community, and most importantly, its commitment to students. Her experience will allow her to step into this role and provide the University with the stability and continuity it needs. I look forward to working with her in the coming weeks and months as we support Central's students, faculty, staff, and broader community."

Central has been Dr. Kostelis' professional home for more than 20 years. She began her career at the University as an assistant professor before serving as department chair and later as the Dean for the School of Education. As dean, she helped advance the school's academic vision and programs, including the NextGen Educators Program, which has enhanced the educator pipeline by connecting teacher candidates with paid, hands-on classroom experiences in K-12 schools.

"Central Connecticut State University has been an integral part of my story. It's where I started and built my career, where I've built lasting relationships and community, and where I've had the opportunity to play a role in shaping the lives of so many students. We have a lot to be proud of at Central. The students, the faculty, and the staff are the heart of this campus. I am committed to serving the institution and I am confident that together we will continue to strengthen Central and the impact we have on our students and communities. I also want to thank Chancellor Braswell for her leadership and guidance in navigating this time of transition. We all look forward to focusing on our mission, changing lives, and building community. Together, we will move forward," said Dr. Kostelis.

For the past five years, Dr. Kostelis has served as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs where she has helped lead a number of initiatives focused on student success, including the expansion of Central's First Year Experience program, the opening of the Esports Center, opening the university's Community Health Education Clinic which offers free health screenings to Greater New Britain residents and members of the campus community, and the establishment of the Drop-In Child Care Center, which provides support for student-parents and has contributed to improved student retention.

"Central Connecticut State University is an important part of the CSCU system and of the communities it serves. As the university navigates this period of transition, it is critical that Central has steady leadership in place - someone who knows the institution and is deeply committed to its students. Dr. Kostelis brings that experience, along with a strong understanding of Central and its mission. The Board is confident in her ability to lead the University during this change, and we look forward to supporting her and the entire university community in the work ahead," said Board of Regents Interim Chair Ari Santiago.

Dr. Kostelis earned her bachelor's degree from McDaniel College and her Masters and Doctorate from Springfield College.

Additional information about the search for Central's next permanent president will be forthcoming.

About CSCU

The Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) system includes six public institutions: Central, Eastern, Southern, and Western Connecticut State Universities, CT State Community College, and Charter Oak State College. Together, they offer more than 800 degree and certificate programs that provide affordable academic pathways for students of all ages.

With 16 main campuses and over 17 million square feet of facilities statewide, CSCU serves more than 100,000 learners in Connecticut. During the 2025-2026 academic year, an estimated 12,600 students graduated from the system. More than 80% of graduates from the state universities, CT State, and Charter Oak choose to remain in Connecticut to live and work, underscoring CSCU's role as a driver of the state's workforce and economy.