William A. Dyson, Chair Holder 

Governor William A. O'Neill Endowed Chair in Public Policy and Practical Politics

 

In appointing Mr. Dyson as Chair Holder of the Governor William A. O'Neill Endowed Chair in Public Policy and Practical Politics, the Board of Trustees of the Connecticut State University System recognized that Mr. Dyson  fit their own stated criteria for the chair holder as "a public figure who has made an outstanding contribution to the shaping of public policy in Connecticut." 

Mr. Dyson has a long and distinguished record of public service, having served in the Connecticut House of Representatives for thirty-two years, including a long tenure as House Chair of the Appropriations Committee. Mr. Dyson succeeds the late, former Governor William A. O'Neill, who was the first chair holder.

Mr. Dyson holds a BA from Morris College, and a Masters in Urban Studies and a Sixth Year degree from Southern Connecticut State University.He is a life-long public school teacher and administrator, having served in the New Haven Public School System for 36 years.

Mr. Dyson is currently the chair of the Connecticut Commission on National and Community Service. Mr. Dyson also is active in LEAP (Leadership, Education and Athletics in Partnership), and is an appointee to the Connecticut Sentencing Taskforce and the Connecticut Judicial Selection Commission.

Mr. Dyson teaches in CCSU's political science department, with an eye towards working with other CCSU departments and schools in multidisciplinary collaborations. He is also working with students and faculty in our Educational Opportunity Program (EOP).

 For all our CCSU students, Mr. Dyson will be providing learning opportunities that would not otherwise be readily available. It is our hope that  his efforts will help to foster within them a life-long commitment to public service .