Southern Connecticut State University 🦉

We’re thrilled to announce Southern Connecticut State University is now recognized as Connecticut’s first and only Research 2 (R2) University, joining an elite group of nationally recognized institutions. This milestone underscores our dedication to academic excellence and innovation. It means more hands-on research opportunities, career-ready graduates, and a greater impact on our community and beyond. #LeadingTheWay 🔗 Learn more at news.southernct.edu

As an R2 institution, @SCSU is preparing students to lead in a changing workforce. I appreciated the conversation on Spotlight Connecticut and the opportunity to share how we’re advancing research, embracing AI, & strengthening career-connected learning. bit.ly/4lSiMrT

Spring is officially here — and soon, campus will be blooming again! 🌷

We're proud to launch a new website for our alumni and friends. This dedicated platform brings together opportunities to engage, give, and stay connected—strengthening the lifelong relationship between Southern and its global Owl community. 🔗 Visit the new Alumni & Friends site: alumni-friends.southernct.edu

The teachers who helped her adjust after moving from Puerto Rico to Connecticut left a lasting impression on Alejandra Quiñones, ’25. Now, she’s preparing to become one herself. Quiñones was recently awarded the Prospective Teacher of Color Scholarship from the Connecticut Teacher of the Year Council, recognizing future educators who are already making an impact. #LeadingTheWay Learn more: bit.ly/4slhmZk

When Southern students succeed, Connecticut succeeds. In a recent Spotlight Connecticut interview, Interim President Dr. Sandra Bulmer shares how the university is leveraging its R2 status through innovative programs, strategic partnerships, and hands-on experiences that meet real workforce needs — and drive lasting impact. #LeadingTheWay Learn more: bit.ly/4lSiMrT

It was an honor to join more than 400 aspiring educators - middle and high school students from over 20 districts across Connecticut - today at the 6th Annual @EdRisingCT State Conference at @SCSU. Thank you to Educators Rising for organizing a wonderful event to celebrate and support the next generation of educators. This work is critical to our continued focus on expanding our educator workforce, so that every classroom has skilled, high-quality, and inspiring educators. As Commissioner @CharleneRTEdu told the students in her remarks, "Our state needs talented, passionate educators who believe in the promise of every student and to awaken the potential that every child brings into the classroom."

✨ 📚 Big news! The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi has installed its 365th chapter at Southern Connecticut State University. Learn more about this exciting milestone➡️ bit.ly/4uy8lxp

From Southern Owl to two-time Super Bowl champion. 🏈 Join us on June 4 as we celebrate the legendary career of Kevin Gilbride ’74, former NFL head coach and offensive coordinator for the New York Giants’ Super Bowl teams. An unforgettable night honoring a Southern great — with dinner, stories, and a program hosted by legendary sportscaster George Grande. Learn more: bit.ly/4rEJplh

Lucky to be Owls 🍀🦉

The future of STEM is being shaped at Southern. 🔬 Through mentorship initiatives like Million Women Mentors, Southern faculty and students are helping young women explore careers in science, technology, engineering, and math — and discover pathways they may never have imagined. #LeadingTheWay Learn more: bit.ly/4sTgjzI

Spring Break is here 🌼 No classes this week — whether you’re traveling or taking it slow, enjoy the time off, Owls! #LeadingTheWay

This past weekend we proudly hosted STEM Goes Red—a day empowering the next generation of women in STEM! Huge thanks to event chair Dr. Ayanna Walker @SCSU Hands‑on sessions + inspiring mentors = big sparks of curiosity and confidence. 🚀✨

🏀 For Kate Lynch, ’08, Southern has always been more than a place to play basketball — it’s home. Now as head coach, Lynch has guided the Owls to the Northeast-10 Conference Championship — the program’s first since 2007 — earning Southern the No. 1 seed in the NCAA Division II East Regional and the opportunity to host the tournament on campus. Nearly two decades later, history is repeating itself — this time with Lynch leading from the sidelines. “My goal has always been to put Southern back on that stage,” Lynch said. “This program has a proud history, and I want our student-athletes to experience the same excitement and pride that we felt when we wore this jersey.” Read the Story from Southern Alumni Magazine → bit.ly/4rq1LGs

Happy Birthday to K9 Officer Jules, Southern’s beloved comfort dog and campus community ambassador. Since arriving in 2022, Jules has helped keep spirits high, stress levels low, and tail wags plentiful. #LeadingTheWay

Even as a student, your voice can reach the halls of Congress. 🇺🇸 Matthew Montanez ’27, a junior in Southern’s Physical Education Teacher Education program and a Connecticut Army National Guard veteran, recently traveled to Washington, D.C., to advocate for health and physical education funding during SHAPE America’s Speak Out! Day. Learn more: bit.ly/4uaQtIz

The road continues in New Haven. 🦉 🏀 After capturing the 2026 NE10 Championship, Southern Women’s Basketball will host the NCAA Division II East Regional this weekend at Moore Field House as the No. 1 seed. #LeadingTheWay Learn more: bit.ly/4cEJ3Hp

National stage next. 🦉 Southern will be represented by five student-athletes at the NCAA Division II National Championships this week: 🏊‍♀️ Molly Kennedy – Swimming & Diving bit.ly/4rjl6co 🏃‍♀️ Hannah Caiola, Avery Winters, Djamilla Toukour, Patrice Mansfield – Indoor Track & Field (4x400 relay) bit.ly/4rgOdx3 From conference records to NE10 titles, the Owls continue their postseason run. #LeadingTheWay

Please join us in welcoming Ken Rahn as Southern’s next chief of police. A seasoned law enforcement leader with more than 30 years of experience, Rahn has served as deputy chief at Southern since 2019. We look forward to his continued leadership supporting the safety and well-being of the campus community. Learn more: bit.ly/4lew0Pk

The @SCSUwomenshoops team wins the Northeast 10 conference title for the first time since '07. The Owls going back to the NCAA Division Two tournament. Selection show tonight at 10:30. @WTNH

Congratulations @SCSU_Owls Women’s basketball team on their first conference title since 2007 🏀🏆