There are some new questions concerning the vetting process at the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities System and the Board of Regents.
Interim Board Chair Ari Santiago did attend Tufts University for three years but did not finish his Bachelor's Degree. Although it appears this had been documented and was known, there's confusion how lawmakers interpreted Santiago's qualifications, which include years of leading successful businesses and organizations. For instance, during Santiago's confirmation hearing to the board on April 26th, 2021, Democrat Julio Conception of Hartford said "Mr. Santiago received his B.A. from Tufts University."
The CSCU system sent WTIC News a statement on the matter:
Yes, Ari attended Tufts University for three years but did not complete his bachelor’s degree. He has served on the Board of Regents for six years and brings valuable real-world experience as an entrepreneur who has built multiple businesses. That experience gives him firsthand knowledge of the skills and training CSCU’s students need to succeed in today’s workforce, as well as the importance of fostering partnerships between leading employers and our colleges and universities.
Governor Lamont's spokeswoman Cathryn Vaulman issued a statement that continues to back Santiago, who Lamont tapped to serve as interim chair at the BOR in 2026 after serving six years as a board member:
Governor Lamont appointed Ari Santiago to the CSCU Board of Regents in 2020, and the Connecticut General Assembly confirmed his appointment in early 2021. The Governor and the legislature considered Ari’s academic and professional background as part of the appointment process, and he has brought a valuable perspective as an entrepreneur and employer to his role on the Board. Earlier this year, Governor Lamont named him Interim Board Chair in recognition of his dedication to ensuring that the CSCU system continues to serve as an engine of opportunity for students and the state of Connecticut.
The Connecticut Senate Republicans see the issue differently, though, repeating their continued calls for a sweeping purge of the BOR:
Prior to voting to confirm him five years ago, lawmakers were literally told that he ‘received his BA from Tufts’. That now turns out to have been false information.
It’s yet another example of why we need a clean sweep of the Board of Regents. People who have served on this Board - particularly during the failed vetting of former Chancellor Maduko - have clearly failed in their leadership. Gov. Lamont still thinks it’s no big deal - or, as he describes it: ‘small ball’.
The Connecticut Board of Regents for Higher Education, including the chair position, are unpaid, volunteer roles.
