Christina Royal: Pioneering Leadership in Higher Education Diversity

# Dr. Christina Royal Named Interim President of Connecticut State Community College

Connecticut’s higher education scene is about to shift as Dr. Christina Royal gets ready to step in as interim president of Connecticut State Community College (CT State). She’s jumping into the top spot at the largest community college in New England, bringing years of experience and a reputation for community-focused initiatives.

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Dr. Royal’s background in education is pretty extensive. Folks expect her innovative style to help CT State move forward during this next phase of growth and change.

A Veteran Educator Takes the Reins in Connecticut

Starting August 1, 2025, Dr. Christina Royal will take on the interim president role at CT State, sticking around through June 30, 2026. Her arrival comes at a time when community colleges in Hartford, New Haven, Bridgeport, and other Connecticut cities are facing big decisions.

Distinguished Career and Educational Background

With over 25 years in higher education leadership, Dr. Royal brings a lot to the table for Connecticut’s flagship community college system. Her academic background includes:

Ph.D. in Education from Capella University

M.A. in Educational Psychology

B.A. in Mathematics from Marist University

She most recently led Holyoke Community College as president, where she launched initiatives that truly changed the school. Her leadership style has resonated with students and educators from Stamford to Waterbury, always centering on opening doors for students from all walks of life.

Proven Leadership and Transformative Vision

At Holyoke Community College, Dr. Royal showed the kind of leadership that students in New London and Danbury could really benefit from. She managed to secure one of the largest individual philanthropic gifts ever given to a U.S. community college—a pretty rare achievement that speaks to her knack for building strong partnerships.

Strategic Planning and Innovation

Dr. Royal led Holyoke’s first strategic plan, setting a new direction for the college. She also helped launch a Life Sciences Center, which boosted academic programs and opened up fresh opportunities for students.

That focus on innovation and planning should serve CT State well as it works with communities in Norwalk and Middletown, where educational needs can be as varied as the people themselves.

Fighting Poverty Through Education

Dr. Royal has always pushed for initiatives that fight generational poverty. She sees education as a real force for economic mobility and social change, which lines up perfectly with what community colleges are all about.

National Recognition and Ongoing Development

Her leadership hasn’t gone unnoticed. She was recently named a 2024-2025 Judith Block McLaughlin President-in-Residence at the Harvard Graduate School of Education—a pretty big nod from the higher ed world.

This opportunity gave her new insights and perspectives. Those will no doubt shape her work at CT State, hopefully to the benefit of both students and faculty.

Looking Ahead: CT State’s Future

CT State is in a moment of transition and growth. Dr. Royal steps in, bringing a sense of stability and a fresh vision.

She’s got real experience with strategic planning and institutional advancement. That background puts her in a strong spot to guide Connecticut’s largest community college system toward more opportunities and better educational quality.

Students all over Connecticut—whether they’re from cities, suburbs, or small towns—are watching closely. Dr. Royal’s appointment feels like a clear sign that the college cares about accessible, high-quality education, and wants to help graduates succeed in a changing economy.

If you’re a Connecticut resident and want to know more about CT State’s programs or what’s changing under Dr. Royal, check out the college’s official website for updates and enrollment info.

Here is the source article for this story: Christina Royal

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