New ECSU President Honored On His Inauguration Day

WILLIMANTIC, CT — Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont has officially proclaimed Friday as Dr. Karim Ismaili Day in honor of the inauguration of Dr. Karim Ismaili as the seventh president of Eastern Connecticut State University.

The event "marks a significant milestone" in Eastern's 136-year history, Lamont said.

Lamont commended Ismaili for his dedication and leadership in public higher education. He also acknowledged Eastern's important role as Connecticut's "public liberal arts university in strengthening the state's workforce and economy."

The governor's full proclamation reads:

WHEREAS, Eastern Connecticut State University-Connecticut's public liberal arts university-has long been a pillar of academic excellence, preparing generations of students for leadership, service, and success across the state; and

WHEREAS, Eastern strengthens Connecticut's workforce and economy, educating students in high-demand fields such as education, health sciences, business, data science, nursing, environmental sustainability, and the arts while fostering critical thinking, civic engagement, and lifelong learning; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Karim Ismaili was appointed as the seventh president of Eastern Connecticut State University, bringing nearly three decades of leadership in higher education and a steadfast commitment to student success, academic excellence, and educational equity; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Ismaili is an internationally recognized scholar in crime policy and social theory, holding a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Western Ontario, an M.Phil. in Criminology from the University of Cambridge, and a B.A. in Criminology from Simon Fraser University; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Ismaili's vision aligns with Connecticut's commitment to public higher education, positioning Eastern as a leader in preparing students for a competitive, evolving world while upholding the values of free speech, civic engagement, and community service; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Ismaili's personal journey-from first-generation immigrant college student to university president-exemplifies the transformative power of education and reflects Eastern's mission to inspire and empower students from all backgrounds; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Ismaili is proud to call Connecticut home, embracing its vibrant communities and rich history while also maintaining his lifelong enthusiasm for Liverpool Football Club and enjoying time with his spouse, Wendy, and their Labrador Retriever, Gemma; now

THEREFORE, I, Ned Lamont, Governor of the State of Connecticut, in recognition of Dr. Karim Ismaili's dedication to Connecticut's students, leadership in public higher education, and commitment to Eastern Connecticut State University, do hereby proclaim April 11, 2025, as Dr. Karim Ismaili Day in the State of Connecticut and encourage all citizens to recognize his contributions to our state's educational excellence and Eastern's role in shaping Connecticut's future.

Signed this 11th day of April, 2025.

Ismaili was born and raised in South London and immigrated to Canada with his mother and brother at the age of 13. A first-generation college student, he earned a Master of Philosophy in criminology from the University of Cambridge and a Ph.D. in political science from the University of Western Ontario.

His nearly 30-year career in higher education includes both teaching and administrative roles across the United States and Canada. Prior to joining Eastern, Ismaili served as provost and executive vice president at Bridgewater State University in Massachusetts.