Author: Becca Munkelwitz

Vermont State’s Outdoor Education, Leadership, & Tourism Program Achieves Accreditation From American Mountain Guides Association

August 2, 2023

Vermont State becomes the only university in the nation with AMGA status

Vermont State University announces that the Outdoor Education, Leadership & Tourism (OELT) program based at its Lyndon campus has received accreditation from the American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA) for a four-year term that started on May 16, 2023, making it the only university program in the country to currently be accredited by the AMGA. The accreditation applies to the OELT program’s training in alpine, ice, and rock climbing ,as well as backcountry skiing. 

“Now students who come to Vermont State University’s Lyndon campus can know that, in addition to being taught by academics who are versed in the theory behind adventure education, leadership, and tourism, they will be taught by individuals trained and certified by the American Mountain Guides Association,” said Ben Mirkin, associate professor at Vermont State University’s  Lyndon campus. “They can know that we are doing everything we can to manage risk well – and teach them how to do the same.”

All faculty members and adjunct instructors working in these skill areas  will be required to be trained within the AMGA scope of practice, and in most cases will also be certified in the discipline they teach. 

AMGA accreditation results in new risk management protocols for the OELT program, specifically in the case of emergencies encountered in the field. Accreditation also means the addition of a medical advisor to the program – Dr. Brian Irwin, a family medicine physician with a speciality in wilderness medicine will serve in that role. Irwin is currently an adjunct faculty member at Dartmouth. 

Graduates of Vermont State’s OELT program who go on to work in the mountain guide industry will be trained at the AMGA standard, positioning them to be workforce-ready. OELT students already graduate with several instructor certifications. Currently, the OELT program has a 100% job placement rate with alumni serving in roles globally and in Vermont. 

There has been incredible growth in adventure and experiential tourism within the past few years. The global adventure tourism market size is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.2% from 2022 to 2030 (Source: Grand View Research). Programs such as Vermont State’s OELT course of study equip students for an array of roles within the tourism industry. 

Learn more about the Outdoor Education, Leadership & Tourism Program at Vermont State University.

Vermont State University Celebrates Official Launch

July 6, 2023

Four mascots stand side-by-side. A knight, badger, hornet, and spartan.

Vermont State University Celebrates its Official Launch and Looks to Strong Future for Rural, Public Higher Education in Vermont

The unification of campuses is part of a multi-year and multi-phased transformation set to ensure affordable, accessible, relevant and high-quality education programs for students for generations to come.

See photos from event here.

Vermont State University (VTSU) marked its official launch today as the culmination of more than three years of transformation work by Vermont State College System (VSC) leaders, Governor Scott and lawmakers. Bringing together the best of Castleton University, Northern Vermont University, and Vermont Technical College, the unification will enhance education offerings, including online degree and training programs, for students across Vermont. It will also stabilize the system’s finances into the future.

State officials joined VSC and Vermont State University leaders to mark the occasion and reinforce Vermont State University’s critical role in our rural economy, serving as a catalyst for change for students seeking any one of its 105 affordable degrees, certificates and training programs in relevant and well-paying careers. VTSU is on track to welcome more than 1,330 new students this fall.

As Chancellor of the Vermont State College System, Sophie Zdatny worked closely with state leaders as the Vermont State Colleges system undertook the transformation work. “This is an incredible day of celebration and I thank all the state officials whose financial support and words of encouragement have made this possible,” she shared. “I also want to thank our faculty, staff and leaders who did the very hard work necessary to launch this new state university. We are well-positioned for the future because we came together as a state to tackle the immense challenge before us to shore up the state college system. It has been a tremendous honor to be part of this work.”

For its Inaugural year, Vermont State University is poised to bring together a class that represents diversity of culture and experience including 1,330 students and growing from 30 states and 21 countries.

“We are excited to welcome our inaugural freshman Vermont State University class and welcome back our returning students who will change our state for the better and that is what is important about this moment,” said Interim Vermont State President Mike Smith. “Over the next several years, we will graduate thousands of nurses, engineers, plumbers, computer programmers, hospitality leaders, climate scientists, educators, counselors and entrepreneurs. These bright and dedicated people will serve on our selectboards, volunteer in our fire departments, coach our youth sports and bring so much to our economy and the fabric of our communities. That’s what rural, public higher education is all about and Vermont State is well positioned to deliver on this promise.”

Of course, transformation would not have been possible without steadfast support from Governor Scott and his administration officials, along with legislative leaders including Speaker of the House, Jill Krowinski, Senate President Pro Tem Phil Baruth the chairs and members of the Education and Appropriations Committees. Together, they have provided more than $200 million in one-time and bridge funding to enable the system to transform and create this new state-wide public university. In return, the state has asked the system to increase its financial stability by reducing its structural deficit by $25 million over five years. That work is underway with plans to both reduce expenses and grow revenue.

“Every learner, regardless of age or income, should have an affordable option to learn a skill, trade or earn a degree and that’s what this unification is about,” added Speaker of the House Jill Krowinski. “The faculty and staff made this possible through their dedication to providing rural higher education and I want to thank them for their trust and patience as this important and challenging work has taken place.” 

“I was a member of the Select Committee that developed the initial plans for unification of the Vermont State Colleges, and throughout that process we dreamed about a university combining all the best of the individual campuses and providing access to all of those resources from anywhere in the state,” said Senate President Pro Tem Phil Baruth. “I’m incredibly proud of the administrators and faculty and students who have worked and pulled together to make that dream a reality. And I want them all to know that the state will continue to partner with them, to make sure that the new Vermont State University has the resources it needs to thrive.

Vermont State University prides itself on a structure that meets students where they are, across its five campuses, online and with flexible programs and degrees that allow students to achieve their academic goals at a pace and schedule that fits their unique circumstance.

Professors Awarded U.S. Department of Education Grant

June 27, 2023

Vermont State University Professors Awarded U.S. Department of Education Grant to Address Shortage of K-12 School-Based Mental Health Providers

The U.S. Department of Education has awarded a five-year, $820,000 grant to two Vermont State University faculty to help address the shortage of K-12 school-based mental health providers.

Dr. Maureen Stewart, director of the Johnson-based school counseling graduate program, and Dr. Lacy Skinner, faculty in the school psychology graduate program based at Castleton, worked together with Lamoille North and Addison Northwest School Districts to develop and submit a proposal for a Mental Health Service Professional (MHSP) Demonstration Grant. The funding from the Department of Education will provide financial support for eligible graduate students who will then work as school psychologists or school counselors in high-need school districts in Vermont after graduation.

“There is a significant shortage of school counselors in Vermont and nationwide,” Dr. Stewart said, “so we are thrilled to get this funding. It will enable us to better support graduate students who will then go on to work in Vermont schools.”

This financial support is available to graduate students beginning fall 2023; the grant runs through calendar year 2027.

“Currently, there aren’t enough students in our program to fill all the gaps in Vermont K-12 schools,” Dr. Skinner added. “Expanding the opportunities we can provide will really benefit our students and the communities where they will work.”

The funding will allow Vermont State to significantly increase the number of paid internships it offers, as well as provide tuition assistance and even pay for childcare for students who might need it to allow them to intern full time. “Very few school districts pay for interns,” Dr. Skinner explained, “and now we can provide more full-time, paid internships across all Vermont districts. It will help us recruit more students and will make our graduate program more accessible.”

The grant stipulates that students who receive funding will commit to working in a Vermont district for a period of time, at least as long as the period of their support. That means a student who receives support for two years will work for two years or more in a high-need Vermont district.

“That’s an important part of the grant,” Dr. Stewart said. “We want more students to come to Vermont State and we want them to stay in Vermont. We also want more students from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds who understand and can address the needs of students and families in the underserved communities that need counselors.”

In addition to making its graduate program more affordable, Vermont State is making its classes more widely available through a variety of delivery modalities. “Our partnership,” said Dr. Skinner, “has allowed both of our students to take classes on both campuses through our in-person plus options. A student in northern Vermont who can’t drive to Castleton three times a week can still take classes there.”

Dr. Stewart added, “It’s been great working with Dr. Skinner. We’ve been able to collaborate on this grant living in different parts of the state, and it has energized both our campuses and proved that we really are better together. And now we’re going to be able to provide so many more opportunities for our students and really benefit the state.”

Vermont State University Receives NECHE Accreditation

June 19, 2023

Vermont State University Reaches Critical Milestone: Accreditation from New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) as it Prepares to Launch on July 1

NECHE found that Vermont State University met all of its nine standards

Vermont State University (VTSU) announced today that it received accreditation from its governing body, the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) at its June 16 meeting held in York Harbor, Maine. NECHE found that VTSU met all nine accreditation standards, which range from academic programming to integrity and transparency. 

“This is a significant step in the launch of Vermont State University and an exciting demonstration that this new institution is prepared to thrive,” said Sophie Zdatny, Chancellor, Vermont State College System. “This accreditation provides assurances to our students, staff, faculty and state partners that we can meet the rigorous standards of higher education and deliver a great education.”

NECHE is among the many regional higher education accrediting organizations across the country. Through its evaluation processes and accreditation of institutions across New England, it can certify for the public that quality, academic and organizational standards have been met. Prior to unification, all individual institutions—Castleton University, Northern Vermont University and Vermont Technical College—were accredited separately by NECHE. Across Vermont, nearly all colleges and universities are accredited through NECHE, including the University of Vermont, Saint Michael’s College, and Champlain College. 

“Vermont State University is ready to unify on July 1, and this announcement validates the hard work and determination of our leaders to get us to this moment,” added Mike Smith, Interim President for Vermont State University. “Our sights are now firmly set on the fall semester and welcoming our inaugural class of nearly 1,200 students and thousands of returning students. We are enrolling more students every day as more students of all ages are learning about and coming to know and trust Vermont State University. I am very pleased with our progress to date, and know that if we continue this trajectory, VTSU will be a great success.”

NECHE will continue to monitor the new VTSU in its first years as is standard practice. More information can be found at https://www.neche.org/ and https://vermontstate.edu/ .

Higher Education Opportunities were Highlighted for Veterans and Service Members at 11th Annual Veterans Summit

June 16, 2023

A group of people standing in a crowd talking with each other.

Vermont State University, Vermont National Guard, Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC) Highlight Higher Education Opportunities for Veterans and Service Members at 11th Annual Veterans Summit

Vermont National Guard Scholarships and Tuition Benefit Program available to active members.

The 11th Annual Veterans Summit was held on Vermont State University’s Lyndon Campus on Wednesday, June 14. Veterans, military families, and all who care about veteran’s issues. Two-hundred-and thirty people were in attendance. 

“Great things happen at the Summit because veterans, their family members, and stakeholders get together to share valuable information and to support one another,” said Thom Anderson, Vermont State Registrar, U.S. Marine Corps veteran, and Veterans Summit organizer. “The exhibitors provide a wide array of services and resources. The speakers and presenters bring fresh insights, expertise, and inspiration. There is something of value for everyone.”

The event featured keynote speaker Robert Bellows, founder of The Warrior StoryField, a collaborative sculpture project with a core mission of exploring what it takes for warriors to come home from war. Bellows is a metal sculptor who has worked as an artist in Longmont, Colorado for more than 45 years. Bellows was accompanied by videographer and U.S. Army veteran John P. Golden. Heather Lafont, a U.S. Navy veteran and alum of Northern Vermont University was the event emcee. Lafont joined the Navy out of high school and served four years on active duty in Washington, D.C., and Norfolk, Virginia, before transitioning to the Department of the Navy as a manpower and management analyst for ten years. Lafont is currently pursuing a master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with Vermont State.

Breakout sessions explored a variety of topics including a state legislative update on veterans affairs, a Q & A session with a Veterans Affairs representative, best practices for employers looking to hire and work with veterans, and a fun session on tying flies for fly fishing. More than 50 veteran service organizations staffed information tables at this event, offering a one-stop shop for services, clubs, and resources. A complimentary dinner was provided along with a beer tasting by 14th Star Brewing Company.

“As Vermont’s rural public higher education system, we have a strong connection with the National Guard and with service opportunities,” said Mike Smith, interim president of Vermont State University. “On behalf of Vermont State University, we express our profound appreciation to our Veterans and service members,” he continued. Smith served the United States as a member of SEAL Team Two.

Vermont State University joins the State of Vermont in supporting Vermont National Guard Tuition Benefit Program scholarships, which are administered by Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC). The Vermont National Guard Tuition Benefit Program covers tuition at Vermont State University, or up to the in-state tuition rate at UVM or other institutions. Active members of the Vermont National Guard who agree to complete the service requirements of the program may access an interest-free forgivable loan.

“In the 2022-2023 academic year, twenty-one Vermont State University students received this tuition benefit to further their education in fields essential to Vermont’s workforce needs, including nursing, paramedicine, construction management, education, dental hygiene, and criminal justice. These students are entering the Vermont workforce with essential skills and training from their time in the service and are filling critical workforce shortages across the state,” added President Smith.

“We are very proud of our 20 plus year partnership with the Vermont National Guard. The Vermont National Guard Tuition Benefit Program helps individuals access an excellent college education, while simultaneously training to learn critical skills and support our communities. Through our partnership, we are able to support students to achieve higher education while helping create a vibrant, strong, and skilled workforce,” added Scott Giles, President and CEO of Vermont Student Assistance Corporation.

“Service in the Vermont National Guard can provide a service member with a tuition free college experience,” said Col. Tracey Poirier, director of the joint staff, Vermont National Guard. “This benefit can’t be overstated. I hope our Veterans, those currently serving, and future members take advantage of this benefit,” said Poirier.

The Veterans Summit is made possible by the generosity of sponsors, including the Vermont Veterans Fund, Vermont Community Foundation; Keynote Sponsor Casella Waste Systems; Hospitality Sponsor Twin State Ford; Breakout Session Sponsors – New England Air Systems, Northern Counties Health Care, and Vermont Electric Cooperative Community Fund; and additional contributors.

For more information, see VermontState.edu/VeteransSummit.  

Your Best Life: Will A.I. replace human work?

June 13, 2023

Associate Professor of Mathematics Greg Petrics joins the conversation in this short clip about artificial intelligence.

My Champlain Valley

Newsmaker Interview: Mike Smith to steer Vt. State University launch

May 23, 2023

Interim President Mike Smith spoke with Darren Perron about the transition to Vermont State University, strategies for saving money, and what makes Vermont State distinct. See clips of the interview at WCAX.com.

WCAX

VTSU announces plans for expansion of nursing programs

May 19, 2023

Over the next five years, Vermont State University will receive $6.3 million in funding from the 2023 Omnibus Appropriations bill. The University will use the funding to expand its nursing program across all of its campuses, allowing it to enroll an additional 250 students. Learn more in this Times Argus article.

Time Argus

Partnership tests Vt. virtual tech and trains future nurses

May 18, 2023

Tacitly, a Rutland-based entrepreneurial venture, is partnering with Castleton nursing students to beta test some of its new virtual reality technology. Students get to learn about nursing procedures while helping Tacitly improve its product. Watch this WCAX3 news story to learn more.

WCAX

Super Senior: Claire Duke

May 18, 2023

Visit WCAX3 to watch the touching story about Super Senior Claire Duke and her honorary doctorate from Northern Vermont University.

WCAX

Vermont State University receiving $6.3M to expand nursing programs

May 17, 2023

Vermont State University will receive $6.3 million over the next five years to expand its nursing program by 250 seats and help address the critical need for healthcare workers in the region. NBC5 reports that Vermont State will construct a new nursing education center on the Lyndon campus, and plans are underway for additional development at the Castleton, Johnson, Williston, and Rutland locations.

NBC5

Funding for mental health coming to Vermont schools

May 17, 2023

Vermont State University will receive $847,970 over the next five years to support students in its school counseling and school psychology graduate programs. The funding will expand opportunities across the state and make the program more affordable and accessible. Learn more in this article from mychamplainvalley.com.

(Note: The $97,617 noted in the article is only for the first year of the five year grant.)

My Champlain Valley

Out for Blood: Fear of tick-borne diseases is keeping some Vermonters out of the woods. Scientists seek solutions

May 17, 2023

Associate Professor of Biology Bill Landesman and students are teaming up with Vermont property owners to study the effectiveness of various strategies to curb tick population growth. Learn more about the research and Project ITCH in this Seven Days article.

Seven Days

UVM Health Network and VTSU partner to support respiratory care

May 11, 2023

The UVM Health Network and Vermont State University are partnering to expand Vermont State’s respiratory therapy training program, the only one of its kind in Vermont. See the 22News story to learn how the partnership “will bring essential education to our region.”

22News

UVM Health Network and Vermont State University partner to support respiratory care in Vermont

May 11, 2023

Vermont State University is expanding its respiratory therapy training program, the only one in the state, in partnership with the University of Vermont Health Network. Read in VTDigger how the partnership will strengthen the program and help address healthcare staffing shortages.

VTDigger