President Series · #478

$18 Million Deficit. 4 Years to Close It. Here's How - with Dr. Jesse M. Bernal, President at Western Connecticut State University

Dr. Jesse M. Bernal · President at Western Connecticut State University

May 20, 2026 51 min

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Video published on the EdUp Experience channel on YouTubeOpen on YouTube

01
How does Connecticut's largest public Hispanic serving institution with 40% Pell students & families making under $75,000 become #1 in the state for social mobility?
02
Why does closing an $18 million structural deficit in 4 years require an infinite mindset focused on what still matters 20 years from now?
03
What makes WestConn not the backup plan but THE plan for thousands of students pushed out of New York who get in state tuition at 1/3 the price of SUNY?

In this episode, President Series #478, powered by ⁠⁠⁠Ellucian⁠⁠⁠, sponsored by EdUp Leadership, the HigherEd PodCon II happening July 16 & 17, & the 2026 AcOps Conference July 29-31 by Coursedog

How does Connecticut's largest public Hispanic serving institution with 40% Pell students & families making under $75,000 become #1 in the state for social mobility?
Why does closing an $18 million structural deficit in 4 years require an infinite mindset focused on what still matters 20 years from now?
What makes WestConn not the backup plan but THE plan for thousands of students pushed out of New York who get in state tuition at 1/3 the price of SUNY?

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