Mark E. Ojakian, the influential behind-the-scenes operative at the State Capitol who became the high-profile president of the troubled Connecticut State Colleges & Universities system in 2015, persisting in a job that defeated two academics, is retiring at year’s end. Ojakian, who turns 66 in October, is leaving with significant work remaining on a second round of consolidations that he initiated in 2017: Keeping all 12 community college campuses, but merging them into one accredited institution. His announced his retirement plans Wednesday. Lamont, who had taught part-time at Central Connecticut State University before his election in 2018, immediately issued a statement praising Ojakian — and the direction he set for the system.