Dr. Karim Ismaili officially began his role as president of Eastern Connecticut State University on July 31. He comes to Eastern from Bridgewater State University (BSU), where he most recently served as Executive Vice President and Provost. During his tenure at BSU, Ismaili promoted student success, fostered academic innovation, advanced educational equity/social justice, reimagined enrollment strategies, and secured funding in support of institutional goals.

“Eastern is a special university with a distinctive public mission,” said Ismaili. “In a world marked by uncertainty, conflict, and rapid technological change, Eastern’s focus on educating students to be thoughtful, engaged, and constructive citizens is more important than ever. An Eastern education prepares graduates to be successful in their chosen careers and in life. I am deeply honored to have the opportunity to serve as president of a university that contributes positively to the state of Connecticut and beyond.”

“As a first-generation college student, Dr. Ismaili understands the power and transformative role of higher education,” said CSCU Chancellor Terrence Cheng. “He will ensure Eastern’s nearly 4,000 students have access to the programs, courses, resources and support needed to thrive. He will help us reimagine a liberal arts university for the 21st century.”

A scholar of crime policy and social theory, Ismaili has nearly three decades experience in higher education. In addition to his work at BSU, he has held academic and administrative roles at Radford University (VA), St. John’s University (NY), Kennesaw State University (GA) and Toronto Metropolitan University (Ontario). Earlier in his career, he was a policy and research advisor on criminal justice issues in the Government of Canada.

Ismaili holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Western Ontario, a Master of Philosophy in Criminology from the University of Cambridge, and a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology from Simon Fraser University. His research on immigration, policing, public policy, and criminological thought has been published in various academic journals and featured in national media outlets. Ismaili’s appointment comes with tenure and the rank of full professor in Eastern’s Department of Sociology, Anthropology, Criminology, and Social Work.

Raised by a single mother, Ismaili is a citizen of the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States, and has a family history with links to East Africa and South Asia.