John Maduko serves as the inaugural president of the Connecticut State Community College system (CT State), which was formed last year following the merger of the state’s 12 community colleges.
His background for the job is unique, considering he has a medical degree in allopathic medicine from the St. Matthew’s University School of Medicine, with campuses in Florida and the Cayman Islands.
His main job today is to nurse the community college system back to health, as it’s been suffering for years from major deficits and declining enrollment.
Maduko assumed the role of president in June 2022, in the midst of the merger and reorganization, which has meant tough choices such as cutting costs and eliminating positions.
Looking forward, Maduko said his “number one” goal is to stabilize the institution as it forges ahead as one entity.
Since taking office, Maduko said he’s helped eliminate tens of millions of dollars in deficits through several money-saving measures, including eliminating some administrator and executive positions.
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There have also been reductions in hours of operation and courses.
Another key strategy for Maduko is to attract more students, not only from Connecticut, but from around the country and abroad.
Recruitment efforts include promoting the state’s free community college program, called Pledge to Advance Connecticut, or PACT.
CT State is also marketing its affordability to attract students. The pitch, Maduko said, is that community colleges remain the most cost-effective option for individuals who want to pursue a higher education.
Before his appointment in Connecticut, Maduko was the vice president for academic and student affairs at Minnesota State Community and Technical College, Minnesota’s fifth-largest community college.