Office of the President

Welcome to Connecticut College.

Before I arrived at Connecticut College in 2025, its mission drew me here. Conn practices the liberal arts with intention through an approach that is interdisciplinary, grounded in experiential learning, and strengthened by a career center that helps students turn their education into meaningful paths after graduation and lives of thoughtful, engaged citizenship.

As a social psychologist, I have studied how communities develop and flourish. Humans thrive when they feel both challenged and supported to reach and exceed their aspirations. This is the community I strive every day to sustain and reinforce here at Conn, in our classrooms, residence halls, studios and throughout our Arboretum campus. Faculty, staff, students, volunteers and alumni are committed to student well-being, intellectual growth and lives of purpose.

At Conn, the liberal arts come to life through our distinctive Connections curriculum, where learning is integrated, immersive, and engaged with the world. Students connect ideas across disciplines and apply their learning through research, internships, and creative projects. They are encouraged to examine complex social, environmental and global challenges and to consider their role within them. In the process, they develop essential skills that lead to rewarding and adaptable careers, including critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and discernment, qualities that are more crucial than ever in an age shaped by AI and rapid change.

Our residential campus is lively and full of spirit, and Camel pride is contagious! From sledding on the hill behind Silfen Field after the first snowfall to celebrating the Floralia music festival each spring, Conn’s traditions foster a sense of belonging. The energy of our students is felt everywhere, on stage, in labs, on the playing fields and in the laughter of friends gathered around tables in Crozier.

Students, faculty and staff bring diverse backgrounds and perspectives, making our people the College’s greatest strength. We are committed to a learning environment that is inclusive, collaborative, and enriched by difference. Conn’s scale allows for close mentorship, while encouraging exploration and rigorous inquiry, both on campus and across the globe. Across our differences, connection defines us.

That spirit of connection endures long after graduation. Within a year of graduation, 95 percent of our alumni are employed or pursuing advanced study, supported by a network of more than 25,000 fellow Camels. They leave Conn prepared not only for their first job or next degree, but for a lifetime of learning, growth and meaningful contribution.

Conn is a place where students discover who they are, what they love, and how they can make a difference. It is an honor to serve Connecticut College and I invite you to visit and experience it for yourself.

Andrea E. Chapdelaine
President