Dr. Cesarina Thompson is dean of the College of Education, Nursing and Health Professions (ENHP) at the University of Hartford.
As dean, she serves as chief academic and administrative officer responsible for academic, personnel and financial matters of the college.
Over the past five years, she has led the revision of the college’s vision and mission, facilitated the development of values and diversity statements, launched four new undergraduate and graduate programs, expanded the size and diversity of full-time faculty, and grown the college’s enrollment by 15%, making ENHP the largest of the seven schools and colleges at the university.
What have been your biggest professional accomplishments so far?
My biggest accomplishments include leading the development of a number of innovative educational programs, across various professional fields, that have been attractive to a wide range of learners, prepared individuals for rewarding careers and been responsive to the needs of the workforce.
What’s the next big goal you want to accomplish professionally?
I want to contribute to diversifying the teaching and healthcare workforce so it is more representative of the population served and to educate future teachers and healthcare professionals who are committed to equity, inclusion and social justice.
What’s one of the biggest professional challenges you’ve overcome?
One challenge was encountering significant opposition from competitors when I, with a group of colleagues, developed an innovative educational program some years ago. Although it was challenging at the time, persistence and resiliency led to project completion and the launching of a successful program.
What are your keys to maintaining business success?
Keys to success include a desire to keep learning; understanding educational and market forces; and taking calculated risks and being persistent.