MassArt president named 2025 commencement speaker at Eastern Connecticut State University
Dr. Mary K. Grant to receive honorary degree
Willimantic, CT (03/28/2025) — Eastern Connecticut State University is proud to announce Dr. Mary K. Grant, president of Massachusetts College of Art and Design, as the honorary degree recipient and keynote speaker for its 135th Undergraduate Commencement on May 20 at the XL Center in Hartford.
Dr. Grant is a nationally recognized leader in public higher education, known for advocating access, equity, and the transformative power of public colleges and universities. With more than 30 years of leadership experience, she has previously served as chancellor of the University of North Carolina Asheville, as president of the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA), and chaired the board of the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges (COPLAC), among numerous other leadership roles in the community.
"It is a true honor to join the Eastern Connecticut State University Class of 2025 for this momentous occasion," said Grant. "Commencement is a time to reflect on all that has been achieved and to look ahead to the promise of the future. In a rapidly changing world, the power of a liberal arts education remains essential - equipping graduates to think critically, act with purpose, and drive the innovation and social progress our communities need."
Throughout her career, Grant has championed education as a path to purpose and public engagement, emphasizing civic dialogue and the role of education in developing thoughtful, engaged citizens.
"Dr. Grant's passion for public higher education and her unwavering commitment to access, equity, and civic engagement have had a profound impact on the institutions she's led and the lives she's touched," said Eastern President Karim Ismaili. "We are honored to recognize her with an honorary degree and to have her share her insights with our graduates. Dr. Grant reminds us of the extraordinary good that can come from a life led with purpose. I can't imagine a more inspiring honoree to help send our graduates into the world."
Grant concluded, "I'm especially proud to stand here today alongside President Karim Ismail, a valued colleague, leader, and friend in higher education and civic engagement, as we celebrate this important milestone with the students, families, and community of Eastern Connecticut State University."
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Eastern Connecticut State University is the state of Connecticut's public liberal arts university, serving upwards of 4,000 students annually on its Willimantic campus. A residential campus offering 41 majors and 68 minors, Eastern offers students a strong liberal arts foundation grounded in a variety of applied learning opportunities. Ranked among the top 25 public institutions in the North by U.S. News & World Report in its 2024-25 Best Colleges ratings, Eastern has also been awarded 'Green Campus' status by the Princeton Review 15 years in a row. For more information, visit www.easternct.edu.
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Eastern Connecticut State University
Michael Rouleau, (860) 465-0172, rouleaum@easternct.edu; universityrelations@easternct.eduShare this Story
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