By Tiffany Williams –
Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont on Thursday tapped Donald E. Williams Jr. to join the state’s Board of Regents for Higher Education, the governing body overseeing Connecticut State Colleges and Universities. Williams, a seasoned public servant with decades in leadership and policymaking, brings a focus on education and workforce development to the role.
“Through his leadership in the State Senate and his work with the Connecticut Education Association, Don knows firsthand the needs of our higher education institutions,” Lamont said. “I appreciate his commitment and willingness to serve.”
Williams retired in 2023 as executive director of the Connecticut Education Association, which represents more than 43,000 public school teachers. Before that, he spent more than two decades in the Connecticut State Senate, including a decade as Senate president pro tempore, and chaired the Appropriations Higher Education Subcommittee, overseeing policy and fiscal matters for the state’s public colleges and universities. He also served two terms as first selectman of Thompson.
“I am honored to join the Board of Regents at such a pivotal time for public higher education,” Williams said. “Our colleges and universities open doors to life-changing opportunities. I look forward to using my experience to make higher education more accessible and strengthen CSCU’s role as a workforce engine for the state.”
Marty Guay, chair of the Board of Regents, called Williams “a champion for public education and workforce development” whose expertise will help align programs with workforce needs and expand student opportunities.
Williams has a long record of achievements, including securing $320 million for community college capital improvements and leading $1 billion in investments to modernize regional state university campuses. He also helped fund a 30,000-square-foot addition and Advanced Manufacturing Center at Quinebaug Valley Community College and played a key role in the Jobs for the 21st Century initiative to boost job growth, research, and economic investment.
Williams holds a law degree from Washington and Lee University and a journalism degree from Syracuse University. He fills the vacancy left by JoAnn Ryan, with his appointment effective immediately.