President Gray Appoints Dr. Michael Gargano Provost

Dr. Gregory W. Gray, President of the Board of Regents for Higher Education, today announced the appointment of Dr. Michael Gargano as Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs for the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (ConnSCU).  Dr. Gargano will lead efforts to strengthen ConnSCU's academic program development as well as provide leadership and oversight on curriculum and instruction, financial aid, policy and research, faculty and student affairs, and developmental education among the 17 institutions that make up the ConnSCU system.

“Higher education is a place where stronger futures are built—for students, faculty and the state as a whole”Dr. Michael Gargano

“With an extensive background in strategic planning, program development, and administration, Dr. Gargano will be an asset to our institutions, our students, and our mission to ensure high-quality education is affordable and accessible,” said President Gray. “We welcome him in his new role—his talent and expertise will help us build a world-class system of higher education in Connecticut.”
Dr. Gargano, currently the Vice President for Academics, Faculty, and Student Affairs and Dean ad interim for the School of Health Professions at the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, has strengthened academic research and programming and put in place initiatives to support and recognize faculty achievements.  The first in his family to graduate from college, Dr. Gargano has made increased access and affordability of college for low income, first generation students a focus of his work.
 
“Higher education is a place where stronger futures are built—for students, faculty and the state as a whole,” said Dr. Gargano.  “I look forward to working with the Board of Regents and Connecticut state colleges and universities—these are vital institutions with tremendous faculty and, with Excel CT, they are poised to play an even stronger role in the state and the economy.”
 
Prior to his current position, Dr. Gargano served as Vice President for Student and Academic Support Services and Chief of Staff for the Louisiana State University System where he worked closely with the Louisiana Board of Regents. He was also the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Campus Life at the University of Massachusetts Amherst; Associate Vice President, Student and Academic Support Services at George Washington University; and held positions at the University of Rhode Island and University of Hartford.
 
Dr. Gargano earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Hartford and received a Doctor of Education in Higher Education degree from George Washington University.
 
He will assume his new role on March 21.