CT Health Horizons is a three-year, $35 million initiative, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act. It unites several agencies—the Office of Workforce Strategy, Connecticut State Colleges and Universities, the University of Connecticut, the Connecticut Conference of Independent Colleges, and the Connecticut Hospital Association—with one clear goal: to grow and diversify the next generation of healthcare professionals, particularly nurses and social workers.

Dr. Ferreira details how he started his career in higher education, what separates Charter Oak State College from other colleges and universities in Connecticut, and what led Charter Oak to partner with Google to launch the Connecticut Online AI Academy.

Host Chancellor Terrence Cheng, interviews Central Connecticut State University President Zulma Toro who broke barriers as the first woman and Hispanic chief executive to lead Central as president. Dr. Toro shares how her background in engineering and research has shaped her view of the value of higher education; what inspired her to have a career in higher education; the initiatives she hopes to continue in the legacy of Central; and the experience students will receive when they go to Central. 

Dr. Ismaili, a first-generation immigrant college student raised by a single mother, brings nearly three decades of experience in higher education to Eastern. Dr. Ismaili previously served as Executive Vice President and Provost at Bridgewater State University and was a policy and research advisor on criminal justice issues in the Government of Canada. During this episode, Dr. Ismaili and Chancellor Cheng discuss his first semester as president of  Eastern and vision for the university.

Fran and Chancellor Cheng discuss what inspired her to launch the WBCD, the challenges that women entrepreneurs face when starting their business, and how we can better support our female graduates after they earn their degree or certificate. 

Chris and Chancellor Cheng discuss how the economy has evolved since the pandemic; how our colleges and universities can be talent generators for key sectors across Connecticut; and what more we can do to ensure CSCU’s students go on to stay, live, and work here after earning their degree or certificate.   

Eugene graduated from Eastern in May 2024 with a degree in elementary education and history. While at Eastern, Eugene was a University Honors Scholar and worked as an RA and head student orientation counselor. He also contributed to various administrative offices on campus. During his first semester at Eastern, Eugene spearheaded the “Real Talk: Speak Up for the Culture” series, igniting crucial dialogues on social justice issues impacting college students.

CSCU Chancellor Terrence Cheng talks with Marty Guay, Chair of the Connecticut Board of Regents for Higher Education. Marty shares his vision for CSCU's colleges and universities; creating more student access and systemness across our institutions; and ensuring our students are prepared to succeed after they receive their degree or certificate.

CSCU Chancellor Terrence Cheng sits down with Connecticut's Chief Manufacturing Officer, Paul Lavoie, to discuss efforts to grow the state's manufacturing sector. Paul underscores the importance of ensuring Connecticut's students learn here, earn here, and stay here, and how the state Department of Economic and Community Development can partner with CSCU and technical schools to cultivate the next generation of talent. 

Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) Chancellor Terrence Cheng hears from Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) Commissioner Daniel O’Keefe who was nominated by Governor Ned Lamont as the next Commissioner of DECD in November 2023. Commissioner O’Keefe shares how the state’s economy rebounded following the pandemic; some of the biggest opportunities to capitalize on in the state’s in-demand sectors; and the importance of keeping students in Connecticut once they have earned their degree or certificate.