The Connecticut State Colleges and Universities system announced on May 18 that its interim chancellor, O. John Maduko, resigned following an investigation into allegations of sexual harassment by a coworker. Maduko was placed on administrative leave on April 23 and resigned the next day. General Counsel Karen Buffkin is now serving as interim leader while a search for a permanent replacement begins.
According to documents released by the system, the allegations against Maduko include sending text messages with compliments about the woman’s appearance, comments about her sexuality, jokes, pictures, and memes with sexual innuendo. The woman reported that “Dr. Maduko began sending me sporadic text messages using standard text messaging. These messages included complimentary comments about my appearance, such as what I was wearing and observations about my walk, sometimes accompanied by ‘googly eye’ emojis.” She also stated that his conduct escalated after he became interim chancellor.
Screenshots of text messages in the report show references to her as “nun like,” “Amish,” and “a rated PG movie.” The woman described increasing discomfort at work due to these interactions and said she tried to maintain professionalism while discouraging further advances. In November 2025, she reported receiving an image of a large phallic statue from Atlanta with inappropriate commentary from Maduko.
The woman said she felt unable to report the harassment earlier because Board of Regents Chairman Marty Guay had previously shared that he once fired a woman who reported sexual harassment: “He appeared proud of that decision and highlighted how he never heard from legal again about it.” She later informed General Counsel Buffkin but noted no action was taken at that time.
Guay addressed the CSCU community stating: “The Board has initiated an independent review of all known facts related to the former interim Chancellor’s conduct to determine whether there is any ongoing harm that can be addressed.” He added: “Our priority remains unchanged. The safety and well-being of our campus communities is paramount… The Board is taking steps to ensure steady interim leadership during this transition and will move forward with a national search for a permanent chancellor later this year.”
Sam Norton, spokesperson for the Board of Regents, said: “The safety of our students, faculty, and staff is our highest priority… This type of alleged behavior is unacceptable and inconsistent with our values.” Norton confirmed an independent review will examine both alleged misconduct and institutional response.
This marks the second time in less than a year that someone in CSCU’s top position has left amid controversy; former chancellor Terrence Cheng departed after claims were substantiated regarding misuse of state funds.
House Republican leader Vincent Candelora commented: “It’s hard to call the board a success… particularly given that former system chancellor Terrence Cheng was shuffled into a no-show job… after his own spending scandal.” Senate Republican Leader Stephen Harding called it “another Lamont administration scandal,” saying: “Senate Republicans are demanding full transparency and accountability. The CSCU system is listless and leaderless.”
Governor Ned Lamont issued a joint statement with Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz emphasizing their support for an independent investigation: “We pushed for an independent investigation because the people of Connecticut deserve one… When the investigation’s findings are made public, every person in a position of responsibility at CSCU will be held to the standard Connecticut’s students and staff deserve.”
