Dr. Kimberly T. Kostelis appointed interim president

Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) Interim Chancellor Natalie Braswell announced on Oct. 8 the appointment of Dr. Kimberly T. Kostelis as interim president of Central Connecticut State University. 

For the past five years, Kostelis has served as provost and vice president for Academic Affairs. 

“I want to thank Chancellor Braswell for her leadership and guidance in navigating this time of transition. We all look forward to focusing on our mission, changing lives, and building community. Together, we will move forward,” Kostelis said.

“Central has been an integral part of my story. It’s where I started and built my career, where I’ve built lasting relationships and community, and where I’ve had the opportunity to play a role in shaping the lives of so many students,” Kostelis added. “We have a lot to be proud of at Central. The students, the faculty, and the staff are the heart of this campus. I am committed to serving the institution, and I am confident that together we will continue to strengthen Central and the impact we have on our students and communities.”

In her announcement regarding Kostelis’s appointment, Braswell said, “My immediate responsibility is to provide Central with stable, effective leadership and continuity during this transition. Dr. Kostelis is well positioned to lead the university at this moment. She understands Central’s academic and operational needs, its community, and most importantly, its commitment to students. I look forward to working with her in the coming weeks and months as we support Central’s students, faculty, staff, and broader community.”

Kostelis started her career at Central more than 20 years ago. She began as an assistant professor in the Physical Education and Human Performance Department before serving as department chair and later as the dean for the School of Education. In that role, she helped advance the school’s academic vision and programs, including the NextGen Educators Program, which has enhanced the educator pipeline by connecting teacher candidates with paid, hands-on classroom experiences in K-12 schools.

As provost, Kostelis has helped lead a number of initiatives focused on student success, including the expansion of Central’s First Year Experience program, the opening of the Esports Center, opening the university’s Community Health Education Clinic, and the establishment of the Drop-In Child Care Center, which provides support for student-parents and has contributed to improved student retention.

Kostelis earned her bachelor’s degree from McDaniel College and her master’s and doctorate from Springfield College.

Ari Santiago, the interim chair of the CSCU Board of Regents, expressed the board’s support for and confidence in Kostelis’s appointment.

“Central Connecticut State University is an important part of the CSCU system and of the communities it serves,” he said. “As the university navigates this period of transition, it is critical that Central has steady leadership in place — someone who knows the institution and is deeply committed to its students. Dr. Kostelis brings that experience, along with a strong understanding of Central and its mission.”

More information about the search for Central’s next permanent president will be announced as soon as possible.