ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on developments to merge and restructure the community college systems in Connecticut and Wisconsin since they represent the broadest consolidations in American higher education history. All aspects of the Connecticut state government operations have been under constant review for savings, including public higher education. In 2015, Governor Dannel P. Malloy appointed his chief of staff, Mark Ojakian, as president of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities. Throughout the period of Connecticut’s merger plan, the rejection by the accrediting body, and the approval of the revised plan, the community college faculty voiced their opposition. The mergers and consolidations represent extremes in higher education reform. The chapter provides large-scale and fast-moving restructuring of entire community college systems. Connecticut was led by a liberal Democratic governor who felt the pressure to cut costs while attempting to save higher education opportunities for students.
