# Consolidation Was Worth It, Says Former Leader

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/hartford-news-today-2-min-news-the-daily-news-now-7569670/consolidation-was-worth-it-says-former-leader
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/hartford-news-today-2-min-news-the-daily-news-now-7569670/consolidation-was-worth-it-says-former-leader.md
Podcast: [Hartford News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now!](https://stenobird.com/podcast/hartford-news-today-2-min-news-the-daily-news-now-7569670)
Published: 2026-06-17T18:34:24+00:00
Episode link: https://api.fastcast.ai/audio/5ef74ebd-bb9b-43e0-8f13-49367ed92911.mp3
Audio file: https://api.fastcast.ai/audio/5ef74ebd-bb9b-43e0-8f13-49367ed92911.mp3
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Duration seconds: 136

## Resource

Mark Ojakian, former head of Connecticut’s public college system, fires back at critics who blame the entire consolidated structure for recent leadership scandals—like credit card misuse and harassment claims—arguing these are failures of individuals, not the system. He defends the consolidation, which he says solved critical financial and transfer issues before, and insists that without it, campuses would have collapsed. While acknowledging funding shortfalls and unmet cost-saving goals, he maintains the overhaul was necessary and worthwhile. Ojakian also notes that leadership turnover always involves some luck—and that his own appointment was no exception. He’s not defending his successors’ specific cases, but he’s clear: dismantling the system isn’t the answer, and he’s proud of the path he helped chart. Support the show: Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting. Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates: https://sources.thednn.ai/c0ced26f76ebdca1

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