Jon Connolly

I’m Dr. Jon Connolly, a lifelong educator, scientist, and college leader dedicated to building environments where students thrive, faculty feel empowered, and communities grow stronger through learning. With deep roots in the natural sciences and decades of leadership in higher education, my career has centered on supporting people, programs, and progress.

I grew up in Basking Ridge, New Jersey, where a strong work ethic was instilled in me early on. At Delbarton School, I competed in football, hockey, and lacrosse, scoring the first goal in the JV hockey team’s history—an early highlight in a lifetime of persistence and purpose. I went on to study biology and geology at Colby College, where I received departmental prizes and earned the Webster Chester Award in biology. My graduate studies took me to Yale University for a Master of Forest Science and then to the University of Maine, where I completed a Ph.D. in biological science.

Over the course of my academic career, I’ve served as a professor, researcher, dean, vice president, and college president. I’ve taught biology, launched new academic programs, developed second campuses, guided ERP migrations, and led strategic initiatives in workforce development. Whether supporting faculty in building a sustainable farm and culinary institute, or working with industry to launch lineman training and optics technology programs, I’ve remained focused on delivering opportunity through education.

I’ve had the privilege of leading at institutions across the country, including Husson University, Lone Star College, Kennebec Valley Community College, and Sussex County Community College. In every role, I’ve believed in collaborative governance, transparent communication, and the value of empowering people to do meaningful work.

Above all, I consider myself a straight arrow—someone who leads with integrity, builds with intention, and finds purpose in education that transforms lives. I’m always open to new opportunities where I can make a difference through insight, empathy, and a lifelong commitment to learning.