News

News To Know

Posted on by

By Carissa Rutkauskas

 

NACEP 2025 Conference, Los Angeles, CA

 

The 2025 NACEP National Conference—Lights, Camera, Access!— brought more than 20 years of national dual enrollment leadership to center stage in Los Angeles from October 26–28, with UConn playing a consistent and visible role through two decades of sponsorship, volunteering, and presenting. Representing UConn Early College Experience this year were Christopher Todd, Office of Early College Programs Executive Director, and Carissa Rutkauskas, UConn ECE Outreach and Evaluation Specialist, who also participated in the pre-conference affiliated chapters meeting asNEACEP secretary alongside colleagues from Maine and Rhode Island to share best practices and strengthen regional connections. Throughout the conference, Carissa attended sessions on AI-supported advising and instruction, redefining student success, evaluating credit transferability, strengthening counselor and coordinator support, and understanding the first year experience of students entering college with dual enrollment credit—gathering insights on responsible AI use, emotional intelligence development, equity-minded program design, and collaborative K–12/postsecondary strategies. In April 2025, Chris accepted an appointment as the Member-At-Large representative on the NACEP Accreditation Commission and was excited to meet in-person with fellow commissioners for the first time. Chris participated in several Accreditation Commission meetings and served as a representative on best-practices panels throughout the conference. As NACEP celebrated 20 years, it was inspirational to see UConn’s role in the inception and growth of NACEP over the years, as the program continues to serve on the national stage as a leading example of best practices.

 

CABE/CAPSS Convention

 

The CABE/CAPSS Convention— hosted annually by the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education and the Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents—was held November 21–22, 2025, in Mystic, CT, under the theme “Lighting the Way for Student Success.” Representing the Office of Early College Programs, Christopher Todd (OECP Executive Director), Bobbi-Jo Wathan (UConn Pre-College Summer Director), Carissa Rutkauskas (ECE Outreach & Evaluation Specialist), and Erin Blanchette (OECP Billing & Operations Specialist) engaged with attendees, including board of education members, superintendents, educators, and administrators, to share OECP opportunities and strengthen statewide partnerships. OECP is in their 4th year of partnering with CABE/CAPSS. A highlight of the event was the Friday morning keynote by Dr. Miguel Cardona, 12th U.S. Secretary of Education, whose deep Connecticut roots—from his early career as a Meriden teacher and principal to serving as Connecticut’s Education Commissioner and as a proud UConn graduate—resonated strongly with the convention’s focus on advancing student success across the state.

 

Katie Boland Constitution

 

UConn ECE Political Science Instructor Katie Boland, who teaches POLS 1202 – Introduction to Comparative Politics, POLS 1402: Introduction to International Relations, and POLS 1602: Introduction to American Politics, continues to inspire civic learning through her dynamic Constitution Day programming, which she shares annually through her popular YouTube channel to educate not only her own students at Trumbull High School but classrooms across the state. Constitution Day—recognized nationally each September 17 to commemorate the signing of the U.S. Constitution in 1787—has become a signature event for Boland’s AP/UConn American Government classes, who celebrate the day by creating schoolwide educational activities and promoting #ConstitutionDay2025. Renowned for her passionate and award-winning approach to civics education, Boland leads Trumbull’s acclaimed “We the People” team, guiding students to multiple state and national honors through simulated constitutional hearings, while her creative teaching methods including her well-known George Washington persona—bring historical concepts to life. A recipient of the American Lawyers Alliance Teacher of the Year award, Boland exemplifies the impact of exceptional UConn ECE instructors by cultivating informed, engaged future citizens through both classroom innovation and her expanding digital constitutional-education outreach.

 

 

UConn ECE Scholarships Expanded

 

UConn Early College Experience is excited to unveil a significant expansion of its student scholarship program, increasing the number of categories from three to six and fully revamping two of the original categories to better reflect the breadth of UConn ECE coursework. All 108 ECE courses now align with one of the six scholarship areas— Humanities, Social Sciences, or Interdisciplinary Studies; Visual, Performing, or Digital Arts; Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics; Professional Careers, Public Service, or Applied Studies; Languages, Literatures, and Cultures; and Agriculture, Health, or Natural Resources—with two scholarships offered in each category, for a total of twelve awards. Each award provides $1,000 to a high achieving senior whose academic interests and accomplishments exemplify excellence within their subject area. This redesigned structure not only broadens opportunities for students but also ensures recognition across the full range of disciplines represented in UConn ECE. Applications for the 2025-2026 academic year open January 19, 2026 and close March 9, 2026. For more information, visit ece.uconn.edu/students-parents/student-scholarships/

 

UConn Early College Experience Data Now Included in 2023-24 IPEDs

 

For the first time in its 70-year history, UConn Early College Experience (ECE) data was included in the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) with the 2023–24 reporting cycle—a landmark moment for concurrent enrollment nationwide. IPEDS, the federal government’s primary source for higher education data, only recently began capturing dual enrollment in a consistent way, following its major 2022–23 shift to collect a direct national headcount of dual enrollment students. This evolution in federal reporting brings long-needed visibility to high school students taking college courses—such as UConn ECE students, who are not matriculated—and recognizes the impact of long-standing, high-quality programs like UConn ECE, the nation’s oldest concurrent enrollment program. The inclusion of UConn ECE data in IPEDS also aligns with Connecticut’s advancement in statewide reporting through the newly launched CSDE Dual Credit Dashboard, ensuring that, for the first time, systems outside the university are documenting the full scope of dual credit participation across the state. Together, these tools now capture UConn course-taking across multiple contexts, each in slightly different ways. For data specific solely to the UConn ECE program, the UConn ECE Data Dashboard remains the authoritative source; for exploring the new IPEDS dual enrollment figures, the Community College Research Center (CCRC) Dual Enrollment Dashboard by John Fink offers an excellent resource for examining national trends.

 

 

Faculty Coordinator Morty Ortega featured in UConn Magazine

 

Congratulations to Morty Ortega on his incredible accomplishments featured in the UConn Magazine! His dedication to innovation and excellence continues to make an impact across our community. We’re proud to have Morty serving as a UConn ECE Faculty Coordinator for Natural Resources & the Environment, where he helps ensure the integrity of UConn courses offered in partner high schools and supports the professional development of UConn ECE Instructors. Read the entire article in the UConn Magazine.

 

 

Concurrent Enrollment Review, volume 3

The latest edition of Concurrent Enrollment Review is now available.

• Supporting Faculty Liaisons in Concurrent Enrollment Programs |Nicole A. Diederich

• Navigating Dual Worlds: The Complex Experiences of Concurrent Enrollment Instructors | Teri St. Pierre

• Cross-Pollination of Ideas: Exploring the Mental Health Implications of Academic Pressure in Dual Enrollment Programs for Students |Lorenzo Rene

• Early College Program Implementation and Growth: A Collaborative
Initiative by a State University |Olcay Yavuz and Trudy Milburn Concurrent Enrollment Review (CER) is the first independent, open access, peer reviewed journal dedicated to research in the field of dual/concurrent enrollment. surface.syr.edu/cer/

 

 

 2025 Welcome back packages

 

UConn Early College Experience kicked off the 2025–26 academic year by sending “Welcome” and “Welcome Back” packages to more than 200 partner high schools, filled with requested program materials, brochures, marketing items, UConn ECE polo shirts for new instructors and site representatives, and new “School of Distinction” banners. This year’s packages also included special celebratory items: each partner instructor, site representative, principal, and superintendent received a commemorative UConn ECE 70th Anniversary Challenge Coin, featuring our 70-year milestone on one side and an “Established in 1955” emblem on the other recognizing UConn as the nation’s oldest concurrent enrollment program. Included with the coin was a message of gratitude reflecting the spirit of our 70th year: that the program’s longevity and impact are made possible by the dedication of ECE instructors, counselors, administrators, and university faculty who, since 1955, have worked together to expand access and preparation for post-secondary success.

 

UConn ECE also launched a new annual tradition of presenting Top 10 School Banners to schools that ranked highest in one of three categories: (1) Highest Number of Students Enrolled in UConn Courses, (2) Largest Percent Enrollment Increase from the Previous Year, and (3) Highest Percentage of the High School Enrolled in UConn Courses. The 2024 -25 Top 10 schools can be found in the “By the Numbers” feature of our Summer 2025 magazine. We are also pleased to welcome several new partner schools for 2025–26, including ACES at Chase, the American School for the Deaf, Arts at the Capitol Theater Performing Arts Magnet High School, New Milford High School, and Upper School Madina Academy.

 

 

OECP Welcomes Jessica Lynch

 

Jessica Lynch joined Pre-College summer in July of this year. She serves as the Program Coordinator for UConn’s Pre-College Summer Program. Jessica holds a Master’s Degree in Higher Education Administration from Southern New Hampshire University and a Bachelor’s Degree in General Studies from Eastern Connecticut State University. She brings experience in higher education, with afocus on academic advising, student development, and college and career readiness. In addition to her advising roles, she also teaches courses in Public Speaking and College and Career Success, further reinforcing her commitment to early college awareness, access, and student empowerment. Jessica is dedicated to creating inclusive, supportive environments that encourage exploration, growth, and readiness for life beyond high school.

 

 

70 Years, 70 Faces, One UConn ECE Legacy

 

In 2025–26, UConn Early College Experience celebrates 70 years of offering UConn credits to high school students. Now, we want to celebrate you. Were you part of UConn ECE or the High School Co-op Program as a student?

We’re collecting stories for a special anniversary campaign—and we’d love to hear yours!

We’re especially looking for:

• Multi-generational ECE families
• “Full-circle” journeys (former students who became instructors or administrators)
• Notable alumni doing amazing things
• First generation college students
• Students who were greatly impacted taking UConn courses in high school

Selected contributors will be featured on UConn ECE social media and in the UConn ECE Magazine as part of our 70 Years,70 Faces campaign.

Be one of the 70 Faces who help us honor this legacy. Share your story and submit here: ece.uconn.edu/about/history/

 

 

ECE Welcomes/ Welcomes Back 5 New Faculty Coordinators

Dramatic Arts: Adrienne Macki, Ph.D.

Educational Curriculum and Instruction: Michele Back, Ph.D.

Engineering: Arash Zaghi, Ph.D.

Human Development & Family Sciences: Brian Chapman, Ph.D.

Music: Louis Hanzlik, PhD

News to Know

Posted on by

By Carissa Rutkauskas

 

New England Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NEACEP) Conference

 

The 2025 Annual NEACEP Conference, Something More Than Dual Credit, was held on May 30 at Middlesex Community College in Bedford, MA, convening over 100educators, administrators, and stakeholders from across New England and beyond. The conference focused on advancing dual credit programs through improved student advising and pathways, expanded access for underrepresented students, and stronger academic and non-academic supports. Dr. Amanda Sterk opened the event with a compelling keynote on empowering students and families to navigate dual enrollment successfully. Among the 14 breakout sessions, UConn ECE’s Chris Todd presented on using concurrent enrollment partnerships as a strategy to attract, recruit, and retain educators,while UConn ECE Instructor Amy Bigelow (Franklin Academy) shared insights on supporting students with learning disabilities in dual enrollment math courses. Amy reflected on her experience, saying, “My first NEACEP conference highlighted the wide variety of ways high school students earn college credit nationwide. It deepened my appreciation for UConn’s dual enrollment model, offering college courses in a familiar, small-class setting. I was also honored to present about Franklin Academy’s success in providing executive functioning coaching and accommodations for neurodiverse students taking ECE courses.” UConn’s Office of Early College Programs was well represented by Chris Todd, Carissa Rutkauskas, and Jess Dunn from UConn ECE, along with Dr. Bobbi-Jo Wathen and Yamileth Lopez-Ramos from UConn Pre-College Summer. UConn ECE instructors Catalina Peñafiel Rincón (Kennedy High School) and Dawn Marie Conroy (Waterbury Arts Magnet School) also attended, with Dawn Marie recently certified to teach ECE courses. Catalina noted, “Thank you, NEACEP, for a well-organized and informative conference. I particularly appreciated the engaging sessions, insightful speakers, and the opportunity to network with other professionals.” The conference proved to be a dynamic and collaborative event, reinforcing the value of partnerships in shaping the future of dual credit education.

 

 

UConn ECE Instructors Honored with Nation’s Highest Award in STEM Teaching

 

UConn Early College Experience is proud to announce that two of our outstanding certified instructors, Joseph Mancino of Glastonbury High School and Susan Palmberg of Edwin O. Smith High School, have been named recipients of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). The awards were officially announced on January 13, when President Biden honored seven exemplary educators from Connecticut with this prestigious national recognition. The PAEMST is the highest award in the United States for K–12 STEM teaching. It recognizes teachers who have demonstrated both outstanding subject mastery and a deep commitment to fostering student achievement in science and mathematics. Each year, up to 110 educators nationwide are selected to receive this honor.

 

Awardees receive a certificate signed by the President of the United States, a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation, and an invitation to Washington, D.C. for a series of recognition ceremonies and professional development opportunities. Mr. Mancino is certified to teach UConn ECE courses PHYS1201Q: General Physics I, PHYS1202Q: General Physics II, and PHYS1401Q: General Physics with Calculus I. Ms. Palmberg is certified in MATH1131Q: Calculus I, MATH1132Q: Calculus II, and MATH2110Q: Multivariable Calculus. Their dedication to academic excellence and student success exemplifies the mission and impact of the UConn ECE program.

 

We congratulate Joseph Mancino and Susan Palmberg on this well-deserved honor and thank them for their continued contributions to STEM education and the UConn ECE community.

 

UConn ECE Instructor Jessica Chapman Receives 2024-25 Milken Educator Award

 

UConn Early College Experience proudly celebrates Jessica Chapman of Norwich Free Academy, a certified instructor for SOCI 1001: Introduction to Sociology, who was honored with the 2024-25 Connecticut Milken Educator Award on November 12, 2024. Chapman, a passionate and innovative social studies teacher, received the surprise of a lifetime during a schoolwide assembly filled with students, colleagues, dignitaries, and media. The award, presented by Dr. Jane Foley, Senior Vice President of the Milken Educator Awards, and Connecticut Commissioner of Education Charlene M. Russell-Tucker, includes a $25,000 unrestricted prize and recognizes Chapman’s excellence in teaching and potential for even greater impact. As Connecticut’s only recipient this year—and one of just 45 educators nationwide—Chapman joins a distinguished network of education leaders celebrated for their dedication, creativity, and influence. Often called the “Oscars of Teaching,” the Milken Educator Awards shine a spotlight on outstanding educators who are shaping the future of education. We are proud to recognize Jessica Chapman among UConn ECE’s remarkable instructors.

 

 

Aaron Hull: Advancing Civic Education Through UConn ECE and the Spirit of the James Madison Fellowship

 

UConn ECE Instructor Aaron Hull of Greenwich High School has been inspiring young minds through the UConn Early College Experience program since 2010. Certified to teach UConn POLS 1202: Introduction to Comparative Politics, POLS 1402: Introduction to International Relations, POLS 1602: Introduction to American Politics, and SOCI 1001: Introduction to Sociology, Hull consistently brings depth, rigor, and civic engagement into his classroom. In recognition of his outstanding commitment to civic education, Hull was named the 2025 James Madison Fellow for Connecticut by the James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation—a national honor given to educators dedicated to improving the teaching of the U.S. Constitution. Hull’s work exemplifies the mission of both UConn ECE and the Foundation, as he continues to empower students with the knowledge and critical thinking skills needed for engaged citizenship.

 

Michelle Henry: Championing AAPI Education and Empowerment in Greater Hartford

 

As part of the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving’s “100 Influencers of Greater Hartford” centennial campaign, Michelle Henry is being recognized for her groundbreaking contributions to education and equity. A high school English teacher at Simsbury High School and certified UConn Early College Experience Instructor in UConn AAAS 2201: Introduction to Asian American Studies, Michelle created Connecticut’s first concurrent enrollment Asian American and Pacific Islander history course through the UConn Early College Experience program, in collaboration with UConn’s Asian and Asian American Studies Institute. Her course not only allows students to earn college credit while still in high school, but also equips them with tools to confront racism and xenophobia through deeper cultural understanding. With Connecticut’s K-12 AAPI curriculum mandate beginning in 2025–26, Michelle’s course has become a blueprint, now adopted by schools across the state. Her work reflects a commitment to creating inclusive, transformative learning experiences that amplify underrepresented voices and empower the next generation to lead with empathy, awareness, and action.

 

Arri Weeks: NCTE Annual Conference

 

Arri Weeks, UConn ECE Instructor of ENGL1007: Seminar and Studio in Academic Writing and Multimodal Composition, from New Cannan High School was awarded Conference Funding through UConn ECE and had this to say about her experience:

 

Thanks to a grant from the Office of Early College Programs I was fortunate enough to attend the National Council of Teachers of English annual conference in Boston in November. What an incredible four days! It was inspiring to hear from people like Bryan Stevenson from the Equal Justice Institute and United States Poet Laureate Ada Limón and attend sessions by fellow English teachers. The topics in these sessions ranged from the teaching of poetry to approaches to Generative AI in the English classroom. I came away with tons of notes, presentations, and ideas for my classroom and practice.

 

Additionally, Emily Genser, Ramona Puchalski-Piretti, and I led a session, “Multimodal at the Heart of the Essay,” featuring the work we do with our ECE students. For my part, I shared one of my assignments that asks students to curate a visual gallery of images that has informed their ways of seeing. Through the process of creating this show, students critically engage with images from their world and reflect on the impact these images have had in forming how they see. Our panel session was well-attended and receiving feedback from high school level and First Year Writing educators was wonderful. However, one of the most affirming experiences was collaborating with Emily and Ramona; I learned so much from them as they shared their assignments and practices with their own students. Thank you to OECP for providing the grant!

 

More information on UConn ECE Conference Funding can be found here: https://ece.uconn.edu/instructors/funding

 

Celebrating Achievement with UConn ECE Honor Cords

 

UConn Early College Experience (ECE) proudly celebrates the academic accomplishments of high school seniors through the UConn ECE Honor Cords program. Following a successful pilot with several partner schools last year, the program expanded significantly. This spring, 76 of our 193 partner high schools distributed UConn Honor Cords to their eligible seniors. These cords, in UConn’s signature blue and white, symbolize the achievement of successfully completing a rigorous UConn course while still in high school. Graduating seniors who have taken at least one UConn course through ECE and are in good standing with the program are invited to wear the cords at graduation. The colors themselves are steeped in university history: “National Flag Blue” (Pantone 289), a tradition dating back to the 1950s under President Albert N. Jorgensen, with further refinement by Athletics Director Tim Tolokan, who helped standardize uniforms and institutional branding. Congratulations to the high school Class of 2025—wear your UConn ECE Honor Cords with pride!

 

Celebrating Catalina Peñafiel Rincón: A Voice of Bilingual Wisdom

 

UConn Early College Experience proudly celebrates Catalina Peñafiel Rincón of John F. Kennedy High School, who has recently added “published author” to her many accomplishments. Certified to teach UConn SPAN 3177: Composition & Reading for Spanish Speakers, SPAN 3178: Intermediate Spanish Composition, and SPAN 3179: Spanish Conversation: Cultural Topics, Catalina released her first book in 2024, Sabiduría: Poems and Reflections on Life (Wisdom: Poemas y Reflexiones sobre la Vida). A winner of the 2025 International Impact Book Awards: Poetry- Contemporary Poetry and The Regal Summit Book Award, this bilingual collection blends poetry, self-reflection, and instant writing inspired by everyday life, aiming to connect readers through shared struggles, dreams, and aspirations. Drawing inspiration from her family, students, colleagues, and friends, Catalina encourages readers to pause, reflect, and find hope and serenity in their own journeys. Her work is a beautiful testament to the power of language, culture, and connection in an ever-evolving world.

 

Laurie Wolfley’s Legacy

 

After over a decade and a half of dedicated service as a UConn Early College Experience Faculty Coordinator, Laurie Wolfley is retiring, leaving behind a legacy of mentorship, academic rigor, and unwavering support for high school educators and students. As the coordinator for Maritime Studies and American Studies, Laurie has played a vital role in certifying teachers, observing classes, and maintaining strong connections between UConn and its partner high schools. Her leadership has helped ensure that students across Connecticut experience college learning that is both challenging and relevant. In 2017, she was honored as ECE Faculty Coordinator of the Year—a testament to her
impact and commitment.

 

Laurie’s contributions have shaped countless student journeys, and her presence will be greatly missed in the ECE community

 

Congratulations to the following UConn ECE Faculty Coordinators on their promotions:

 

Chunsheng (George) Yang (Chinese) Promotion to Professor

 

Ingrid Semaan (Sociology) Promotion to Professor In-Residence

 

Concetta (Tina) Chiappetta-Miller (Italian Literature and Cultural Studies) Promotion to Associate Professor In-Residence

 

OECP Team Honored with 2025 UConn Spirit Team Award

 

We are thrilled to announce that the Office of Early College Programs (OECP) Team—encompassing both UConn Early College Experience and UConn Pre-College Summer—has been awarded one of the 2025 UConn Spirit Team Awards! This prestigious recognition celebrates teams that exemplify collaboration, civility, and community across UConn’s campuses. The OECP team was recognized for its dedication to fostering meaningful connections, supporting student access to college-level learning, and maintaining a positive workplace culture. This award is a reflection of the incredible efforts of our Faculty Coordinators, Site Representatives, Instructors, and staff who make our work possible. We proudly share this honor with fellow recipients, including the Greenhouse Studios Team, Karima Jackson from First Year Programs and Learning Communities, and Unsung Heroes Sharon Daggett and Josue Zapata from Facilities Operations. Thank you to everyone who helps advance our mission—your contributions matter!