Vermont State University Leadership

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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. 

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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, she worked for the State of Vermont in various senior leadership and strategic roles. She is highly regarded for her innovative thinking, problem-solving ability, 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 Master’s in Environmental Policy and Law, Sarah also attended Johnson State College, now part of Vermont State University, as an undergraduate. She completed 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. 

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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, vision, and data-driven decision-making. 

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. She leads the coordination and integration of a range of student services to continually improve student outcomes and the overall student experience. Her duties include 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 after leading the work of Castleton’s Academic Support Center and TRIO grants for over seventeen years. She also taught as a part-time faculty member in the Business Administration department for ten years.  

Throughout her career, she has helped students realize the value of a college degree and achieve their goals, focusing on providing equitable and accessible services to meet their needs. 

Education 

  • M.S.A. Administration and Management, St. Michael’s College  
  • B.S. Business Administration/Marketing, University of Vermont 
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Maurice Ouimet

Vice President for Admissions and Enrollment Services

Maurice Ouimet is 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. Having begun as an admissions counselor, he was promoted to director of admissions in 2003. 

He has served as dean of enrollment at Castleton University since 2007. 

Education 

  • M.Ed. College of St. Joseph 
  • B.A. Sociology, Boston College 

Mission and Vision

Our seasoned leadership will be setting the pace as Vermont State University establishes its new identity while continuing to provide transformative educational experiences to students across the state and the region.

Find out where we’re headed.  

See Our Mission and Vision