Welcoming a New Leader to the Board of Regents for Higher Education

Dr. Gray and Sen. Boucher at the BOR for Higher Education reception at the state Capitol in Hartford.

Hartford, CT – State Senator Toni Boucher (R-Wilton) released the following statement today re: announcement of Dr. Gregory W. Gray as the new President of the Board of Regents for Higher Education in Connecticut.

“I would like to join everyone in welcoming Dr. Gregory W. Gray to our state. He assumes many important challenges before him and our higher education Board of Regents. I hope this is the first step in beginning a new chapter for our state system.

“A recognized higher education leader, Dr. Gray’s past experience as president of college campuses, education-workforce preparation, private fundraising and institutional development will be a huge asset in his new role. In addition, his ability to innovate and previous experience in philanthropy and in creating partnerships within his communities and their benefactors will be vital to our higher education system as the state continues to experience negative growth and a strained economic recovery that challenges our institutions, their staff and their resources.

“I am most encouraged so far by Dr. Gray’s own words that echo all of our concerns when he stated, ‘The most important thing for this new president to do is to restore trust and a sense of integrity in the system.’

“I also am encouraged by Dr. Gray’s goal to make education affordable to all. He said, ‘Keeping tuition affordable when state appropriations continue to diminish is a challenge, but keeping colleges accessible is essential to improving the quality of life in the state and strengthening its workforce. I really worry that tuition will hit a point where you are limiting access to residents who can’t afford it.’

“I also find it refreshing to read Dr. Gray’s views about leadership. In his words, ‘the problem is not about money, programs or performance, but a lack of leadership.’

“I wholeheartedly agree with Dr. Gray and look forward to supporting him as he works to reinvigorate the culture in the central office, improve morale, bring sound financial management and practices of its resources and restore trust with strong ethical leadership at the top of what we all consider one of Connecticut’s best assets.”

Sen. Boucher is the ranking member of both the Higher Education and Education committees of the General Assembly. Boucher is also ranking member of Transportation and a member of the Appropriations Finance Revenue and Bonding Committees.