(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he is appointing Delwyn F. Cummings, a former professor of science at Connecticut State (CT State) Naugatuck Valley, to serve as a member of the Connecticut Board of Regents for Higher Education (BOR), the governing body for the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) system.
Cummings spent his career in higher education at CT State Naugatuck Valley teaching courses on chemistry, chemical engineering, materials, manufacturing management, mathematics, physics, environmental technology, and environmental business issues. He served as co-chair of the Faculty Advisory Committee from 2018 to 2019, where he served as the faculty representative on the BOR. Cummings was elected to the position by the faculty at 12 community colleges, which have since merged into one institution, CT State.
“Delwyn has many years of experience working as a science professor at one of CT State’s community college campuses and is intimately familiar with CSCU, the faculty, its students, and its overall needs,” Governor Lamont said. “In addition, he spent several years working for some of Connecticut’s top manufacturing companies – experience that adds to the reasons why he will be able to provide valuable input to the Board of Regents and its decision making. I appreciate Del for accepting this appointment and I value the contributions he will be able to provide to this group.”
Prior to his career in higher education, Cummings spent a decade in the private sector, working in the manufacturing and semiconductor industries for leading companies including Pfizer, Inc. and Advanced Technology Materials, Inc. He is also recognized for his patented inventions in innovation and technology.
“Delwyn has spent more than 25 years focused on driving student success and ensuring our learners thrive in their field after they earn their degree or certificate,” Marty Guay, chair of the BOR, said. “His experience and perspective – both as a professor and in the private sector – will be critical as the board continues to champion strategies that are focused on student outcomes. Delwyn’s deep understanding of what students need to succeed makes him an invaluable asset, and we are excited to work with him on the Board of Regents.”
“I am honored to be appointed to the Board of Regents, which plays an important role in providing a strategic vision for CSCU’s colleges and universities – one that is rooted in equity, opportunity, and excellence,” Cummings said. “I am excited to begin working with the board, students, faculty, and staff on implementing initiatives that lift up our students, expand workforce partnerships, and drive institutional success.”
In accepting the appointment, Cummings fills a vacancy on the BOR left by Jim McCarthy, who served as vice chair.
Cummings earned a Master of Science degree in environmental engineering from the University of Connecticut, a Master of Science degree in materials engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and a Bachelor of Science degree in ceramic engineering from Alfred University.
CSCU serves approximately 65,000 students across six public institutions, including four state universities, CT State, and Charter Oak State College.