Vermont State University Leadership
On April 14, 2023, the Vermont State University Board of Trustees named Mike Smith as interim president of Vermont State University.
Mike Smith
Interim President
Interim President Mike Smith comes to Vermont State University after a long career in public service, most recently as Secretary of the Vermont Agency of Human Services where he was a key leader in the state’s nationally recognized COVID-19 pandemic response. Smith also served Vermont as Secretary of Administration, Deputy State Treasurer, and as a member of the general assembly. Smith served the United States admirably as a member of SEAL Team Two and has held various roles in the private sector.
Sarah Truckle
Vice President of Business Operations
Sarah Truckle is the Vice President of Business Operations at Vermont State University. Prior to joining Vermont State University, she worked for the State of Vermont in various senior leadership and strategic roles. She is highly regarded for her innovative thinking, problem solving, and management acumen and has garnered national recognition for programmatic operations and policy development during her time in government.
A graduate of Vermont Law School with a Juris Doctor and a Masters in Environmental Policy and Law, Sarah also attended Johnson Sate College, now part of Vermont State University, as an undergraduate completing a double major in Business Management and Political Science.
Currently residing in Montpelier with her two boys, she loves music, travel, and baking tasty treats particularly those from her British heritage.
Nolan Atkins
Provost
Dr. Nolan Atkins is the chief academic officer of Vermont State University. Dr. Atkins previously served as provost of Northern Vermont University and as interim president of Lyndon State College. As a faculty member at Lyndon, Dr. Atkins chaired the nationally recognized Atmospheric Sciences Department. He began teaching at Northern Vermont University – Lyndon in 1997 and was interim dean of academic affairs for eighteen months until serving as president. As an administrator, he has a strong commitment to students, faculty, and staff and is known for his integrity, forward-looking vision, and data-driven decision-making.
Dr. Atkins will continue to hold the role of provost at Northern Vermont University until unification is complete in July 2023.
Education
- Ph.D. Meteorology, University of California, Los Angeles
- M.S. Meteorology, University of California, Los Angeles
- B.S. Physics, University of Minnesota
Kelley Beckwith
Vice President of Student Success
Kelley Beckwith is vice president of student success at Vermont State University and leads the coordination and integration of a range of student services to continually improve student outcomes and the overall student experience. She has oversight of advising, career development, student and residence life, athletics, academic support, wellness, and other areas. Beckwith previously served as associate dean of student success at Castleton University, and before that led the work of Castleton’s Academic Support Center and TRIO grants for over seventeen years. She was also a part-time faculty member in the Business Administration department for ten years. Throughout her career, she has assisted students to realize the value of a college degree, helped them to achieve their goals, and focused on providing equitable and accessible services to meet student needs.
Education
M.S.A. Administration and Management, St. Michael’s College
B.S. Business Administration/Marketing, University of Vermont
Maurice Ouimet
Vice President for Admissions and Enrollment Services
Maurice Ouimet serves as dean of enrollment at Vermont State University, leading the admissions efforts for each campus. He entered the field of college admissions shortly after earning his undergraduate degree and has served in Castleton University’s admissions office since 2002, first as an admissions counselor before being promoted to director of admissions in 2003. He has served as dean of enrollment at Castleton University since 2007.
Ouimet will continue to hold the role of dean of enrollment at Castleton University until the unification is complete in July 2023.
Education
- M.Ed. College of St. Joseph
- B.A. Sociology, Boston College
Exciting Things Are Ahead
Vermont State University is new, but our team is comprised of expert faculty, dedicated staff, and committed administrators from Castleton University, Northern Vermont University, and Vermont Technical College. As our three institutions come together, our team will too. Check back and see what’s new!
