When Vermonters tune in to broadcast news, more than likely they are being informed and inspired by a Vermont State University (VTSU) graduate. Known for its excellent communications program with concentrations in new media, journalism, and cinema studies and production as well as its top-notch atmospheric sciences program, Vermont State University produces graduates who are working across the media landscape as journalists in broadcast, online, and print media, meteorologists, in production behind the scenes, and more. Alumni are excelling in journalism and media here in Vermont as well as across the region and country.
After a tumultuous launch, Vermont State University’s first-year enrollment grew 14 percent this fall. Is its recovery proof of concept for campus consolidation?
10/3/2024
By Liam Knox
Vermont State University, the product of a 2022 merger of three struggling regional colleges, was created to save the state’s flailing higher education system. If it didn’t succeed, officials implied, budget cuts and campus closures could follow.
Its inaugural year was marked by controversy and leadership turnover. Overall enrollment declined by 6 percent, and first-year enrollment fell by 15 percent. It looked like maybe the experiment wasn’t enough to combat the state’s dire demographic challenges—or that mismanagement had sullied its promise.
But VTSU’s fortunes have reversed this fall. First-year enrollment surged by 14 percent, more than even its bullish new leadership anticipated, and overall enrollment is up by about 3 percent.
“While we were expecting some recovery, we were really pleased to see growth at this level,” VTSU president David Bergh told Inside Higher Ed. “I think it’s fair to say that 14 percent is good by any measure.”
Ricardo Azziz, director of the Center for Higher Education Mergers and Acquisitions, has been tracking the effects of public university consolidations for more than a decade. He said that VTSU’s enrollment trajectory is largely in line with others’, but that the extent of its pendulum swing—from a double-digit decline to a nearly equal recovery—is remarkable, especially for an institution operating in rural areas with declining populations.
“A dip in the first year or two after a merger is actually the most common enrollment trend we see,” he said. “Often there’s recovery after that, but to be honest, [VTSU’s] did surprise me … that’s a pretty amazing bump.”
Castleton, Vt – Though still illegal under federal law, cannabis sales in states is a multi-billion dollar industry.
And as the business and its culture continue to develop, a university in the Green Mountain State is hoping to turn out the next generation of workers for the industry.
Vermont State University’s ‘Cannabis Studies Certificate Program’ is a twelve credit program that goes deep on marijuana – it’s history and anthropology, cultivation and production, business enterprise and skill development.
“We wanted to provide both education and training, hence the certification part of it, for students to work in the industry,” said Philip Lamy, a professor of sociology, anthropology and Cannabis Studies at Vermont State University-Castleton, and the director of the certificate program.
The Ornithology class from the Johnson campus took an overnight field trip to Plum Island, MA to see birds from coastal habitats. They were not deterred by the windy and rainy weather and spent two days exploring the ocean shore, maritime forests, and marshland in the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. They saw a total of 54 species of birds on the trip. Some highlights include Black Guillemot, Eastern Towhee, Black-crowned Night Heron, Peregrine Falcon, Osprey, Sanderlings, Great Cormorant, and Semipalmated Plovers. They also enjoyed seeing Harbor Seals and a few other fun non-bird encounters.
Vermont State University engineering students enjoyed themselves at the annual Vermont Society of Engineers (VSE) golf tournament, held September 20, 2024 at the Cedar Knoll Country Club in Hinesburg, Vermont, but were unable to bring the student-team trophy back to its long-time home in Randolph Center. The Green Knights team, comprising Josh Mather of Sharon, Vermont (studying architectural engineering technology), Matt Noel (manufacturing engineering technology) and Kameron Smith (electrical engineering technology), both from Rutland, Vermont, and Evan Fletcher (of Jeffersonville, VT, civil and environmental engineering technology), competed against other student engineers, but the Norwich University team captured the trophy won by the University of Vermont last year. Matt, Kameron, and Evan competed in 2023 also.
The tournament is a student-scholarship fundraiser for the VSE, and most of the golfers were practicing engineers. The VSE invites the three engineering academic institutions in Vermont (VTSU, Norwich, and UVM) to enter a student team, as an opportunity for fun and professional networking. The Vermont State team is coordinated and sponsored by VSE member and Professor Scott A. Sabol, P.E., who noted that he often receives photos of past graduates, now working engineers, in front of his hole-sponsorship sign each year. He added, “Our students realize that golf, much like engineering, is a game of rules, ethics, and conduct. They did not bring home a trophy this year, but they are all success stories in our eyes!”
NBC5: Vermont State University to receive $1.8M grant to study ticks, invasive plant species
JOHNSON, Vt. —A team of faculty and student researchers at Vermont State University has been given a nearly $2 million grant to research the connection between ticks and invasive plant species in the state.
VTSU announced it has been awarded $1.8 million from the National Science Foundation to conduct research along with researchers from the University of Maine to help understand the connection between the insects and certain plant species. It will specifically focus on land management decisions made by private landowners in Vermont in relation to the control of those plants and ticks.
The project is being spearheaded by faculty members Drs. Kristen Ross and William Landesman.
Johnson, VT – Vermont State University (VTSU) is proud to announce that it was recently awarded a $1.8 million National Science Foundation (NSF) grant, along with researchers from the University of Maine, to conduct groundbreaking research on ticks and invasive plant species.
VTSU faculty members Drs. Kristen Ross and William Landesman are co-investigators on the grant. The project, titled “Management of linked human and ecosystem health threats in the private woodland socio-environmental system” is funded through NSF’s Dynamics of Integrated Socio-Environmental Systems program and will provide valuable research opportunities for undergraduate students over the next five years.
“This research is crucial for understanding social dynamics involved in managing ecological threats to forest and human health. This funding will also allow us to provide in-depth, hands-on, impactful research opportunities for our undergraduate students over the next five years,” shared Dr. Ross.
The multidisciplinary team, comprising biologists, social scientists, and mathematical modelers will investigate land management decisions made by private landowners, aimed at addressing threats to both forest and human health in the context of the control of invasive plants and ticks.
“Tick-borne diseases are a persistent and rising concern in Vermont,” said Dr. Landesman. This project will help us to implement land management to help reduce this risk while maintaining the health of our forests. It is especially rewarding to do be able to perform this research with students and in collaboration with faculty across the VTSU system.”
“Researching the correlation between invasive species and number of ticks has been hard work but it is really important to keep it going. The results of this research could really impact what we know about tick habitat and possibly give more ways to help control tick populations in certain areas. This research is important from both an environmental and human health perspective,” said Allie Cloutier, a student at VTSU Johnson who participated in collecting preliminary data during the summer of 2024.
Alexandra Williams, a VTSU Castleton Biology major who also participated in collecting preliminary data this past summer, shared, “Getting the opportunity to work with Dr. Ross and Dr. Landesman has been an incredible experience. As an undergraduate student, this work has built my researching skills and expanded my knowledge outside of the classroom. Exploring tick densities and invasive plants opened my eyes to a whole other world of biological and ecological studies I never realized was so important for the health of our state’s forests as well as human health.”
This initiative builds upon ongoing research led by Dr. Landesman and students from the VTSU Johnson and Castleton campuses, supported by the CDC-funded New England Center of Excellence in Vector-Borne Diseases. The NSF grant allocates $238,000 to VTSU, with funding commencing on September 1, 2024.
VTSU Castleton campus hosts voter engagement drive on National Voter Registration Day
CASTLETON, Vt. — Students and faculty were helping students make a plan to vote ahead of the November general election through a voter engagement drive Tuesday.
The drive was held at the Castleton Campus Center of Vermont State University. The university has invested in an app called Motivote as a resource for students. The app allows the user to check their voter registration status and provides links to get registered. The app also helps students create a plan to cast their ballot.
However, a QR code to the app was not the only resource provided at the drive. National Voter Registration Day is also on Constitution Day. Students and faculty handed out pamphlet-sized versions of the Constitution that can fit right in a pocket.
VTSU’s 3D Technology Summer Institute Equips High School Students and Recent Graduates with Practical and Creative Skills in High Demand Across Industries
VTSU’s 3D Technology Summer Institute Equips High School Students and Recent Graduates with Practical and Creative Skills in High Demand Across Industries
Randolph, VT – A cross-campus and multi-discipline collaboration at Vermont’s new public university, Vermont State University (VTSU), brought exposure to cutting-edge 3D technology tools and software for Vermont high school juniors, seniors, and 2024 graduates this summer.
The 3D Technology Summer Camp brought faculty from Vermont State University’s Castleton, Lyndon, and Randolph campuses together to teach three two-week 3D Technology courses with the aim of equipping students with high-demand skills, exposing them to new technology, and introducing them to Vermont State University’s leading edge programs.
“Today’s jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities are increasingly demanding practical and creative applications of 3D technology,” notes Matt Moriarty, Assistant Professor of Archaeology at Vermont State University, and one of the faculty leaders in the certificate program. “This certificate and the introductory summer camp was conceptualized to expose students to the 3D modeling, imaging, and printing revolution that is transforming a variety of industries. The opportunities have no limit, with practical and creative applications of 3D technology found in practically every industry, including art, science, healthcare, education, construction, manufacturing, and more.”
That’s exactly why Wesley Barlow from Peacham, a junior at St. Johnsbury Academy, enrolled in the summer institute. He wanted to better understand the complex 3D technology that will help him pursue his dream career in aerospace engineering.
“I’m always looking for opportunities to expand my engineering toolset,” he says. “I’m planning to go into a fairly ambitious field, so it’s important to have as much experience as possible and as many different skill-sets as possible as I get ready to apply to college.”
Students earned three college credits for each two-week session they completed, with students who completed all three summer courses earning nine credits from VTSU and a Certificate in 3D Technology. This industry-recognized credential marks skills and knowledge applicable to many fields, including engineering and additive manufacturing, anthropology and archaeology, art and illustration, and virtual and augmented reality.
“Exposing students to cutting-edge technology, the kind of software and hardware used right now by leading companies across multiple industries, will position them for success, whether they leave VTSU with this certificate or continue on to earn an Associate or Bachelor’s degree,” adds Dave Bergh, President of Vermont State University. “Embedding credentials that benefit our learners and enhance their future opportunities is fundamental to the mission of Vermont State University. Not only are these high school students earning college credits free of charge, thanks to a generous grant from the Vermont Legislature, they are leaving the summer program with hirable skills that will serve them now and in the future.”
Barlow, age 16, is also the captain and CAD lead of St Johnsbury Academy’s FIRST robotics team, FRC 2523 Techstorm.
“I’ll be able to apply the 3D printing skills I learned right away in my high school’s robotics team, where 3D printing is an increasingly important part of the creation process. Making 3D artistic models is fun for me, and I’m enjoying using the skills I learned this summer in a lot of different ways,” he notes.
Kate Renner, Assistant Professor in the Department of Visual Art, shares, “we saw a lot of interest in the institute this summer, from students who signed up for all three sessions to students who took one of the classes. It was great to see those who signed up based on their interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) really thrive in the art class on 3D imaging, while also seeing those who were most interested in the arts have opportunities available to them within the program as well. The summer institute was truly multi-disciplinary and aimed at 16-to-18-year-olds to pique their interest in 3D technology, equip them with hirable skills, as well as college credit, and to do it all with a focus on affordability. Room and board costs as well as program tuition were covered with the legislative grant, meaning Vermonters were able to take advantage of the program, regardless of their family’s ability to afford the program.”
John Kidder, Chair of VTSU’s Engineering Department, emphasizes, “this certificate pulls together several of VTSU’s excellent academic programs—Anthropology, Archaeology & Geography, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, and Animation & Illustration— and brings students into the state-of-the-art Advanced Manufacturing Center labs on the Randolph campus, further exposing them to the opportunities available to them after furthering their skills and education. The summer institute was the beginning and we’re looking forward to offering it again next year with an advanced track for those who have completed the basics. In the meantime, learners of all ages can enroll in these academic programs at Vermont State in addition to the 3D Technology program offered during the academic year.”
CASTLETON, Vt. — Students and faculty were helping students make a plan to vote ahead of the November general election through a voter engagement drive Tuesday.
The drive was held at the Castleton Campus Center of Vermont State University. The university has invested in an app called Motivote as a resource for students. The app allows the user to check their voter registration status and provides links to get registered. The app also helps students create a plan to cast their ballot.
However, a QR code to the app was not the only resource provided at the drive. National Voter Registration Day is also on Constitution Day. Students and faculty handed out pamphlet-sized versions of the Constitution that can fit right in a pocket.
“Once students get in the habit of voting, they’ll vote for life,” political science professor Rich Clark said. “The fact this is Voter Registration Day and Constitution Day gives us a couple of things to focus on in terms of a celebration.”
Vermont State University (VTSU) Recognizes Constitution Day and Citizenship Day
Announces Silver Seal from the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge
Castleton, VT – Along with institutions and officials across the United States, Vermont State University (VTSU) is recognizing Constitution Day and Citizenship Day today, Tuesday September 17th, a day within Constitution Week where the democratic rights and values outlined in our highest governing document are celebrated and recognized.
VTSU President Dave Bergh shares, “As we recognize and celebrate the rights and responsibilities of citizenship, I reflect on our role as an institution of higher learning to fulfill our core mission of ‘preparing all students for meaningful work and responsible citizenship by fostering their intellectual, personal, and creative growth in an accessible, caring, and inclusive community.’ We have a deep responsibility to encourage critical thinking and multifaceted growth, while strengthening an appreciation of community engagement and civic responsibility in all who pass through our doors. This is the foundation of our lasting legacy as an institution as the investments we make live on for generations to come in the contributions our alumni make to their families, communities, state, and world.”
All VTSU students are encouraged to exercise their democratic rights and uphold their responsibilities of citizenship. Among other responsibilities, students are encouraged to vote, engage in community service and volunteer activities, engage with elected officials and social institutions, and commit to leaving the university and their community better than they found it.
In that spirit, VTSU is pleased to announce that the Castleton campus has earned a Silver Seal from the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge, based on the campuses’ voting rate in the 2022 midterm elections. The ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge empowers colleges and universities to achieve excellence in nonpartisan student democratic engagement.
“It’s great that our campus is filled with students who are consistently participating in the civic engagement process,” shares VTSU Castleton Senior Class President and VTSU Castleton SGA Vice President, Zack Durr. “Students, Faculty, and Staff have been a part of numerous initiatives throughout the past few years to increase voter turnout on our campus, and I am grateful that those efforts have been recognized. It is an excellent acknowledgement for our student body and institution alike.”
Vermont State University was recognized alongside more than 500 campuses using data from the National Study of Learning, Voting, and Engagement (NSLVE) out of Tufts University, which found that colleges and universities had the second-highest voter turnout among students in a midterm election since NSLVE began measuring this data. The full list of campus award winners can be viewed here.
“I’m incredibly pleased the campus had such a strong voter turnout in the last midterm election,” adds President Bergh. “And I challenge our entire student body to engage and exercise their democratic rights this November. It is our shared responsibility and there is no better day than Constitution Day and Citizenship Day to register to vote and engage with our elected officials.”
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Veterinary technician students from Vermont State University deployed at the Tunbridge World’s Fair
TUNBRIDGE — A heavy dew covered the grass on Wednesday morning as 22 veterinary technician students from Vermont State University in Randolph, outfitted in coveralls and rubber boots, deployed at the Tunbridge World’s Fair grounds.
The students, along with several faculty and staff members of the university, assisted the fair veterinarian in checking in sheep, goats and cattle who will live in close confines at the fair through Sunday.
“It’s definitely one of the more fun days,” said 19-year-old Des Pouliot, a second-year student at VSU. “You get to get off campus and do actual work.”
JOHNSON, Vt. (WCAX) – Vermont State University has been through a lot in the past year, and so have many of the towns the campuses are in. Now, VTSU hopes to bring the campuses closer to the communities that they’re in by cultivating positive relationships.
NORTH CLARENDON — A summer class through Vermont State University is aiming to spread robotics and STEAM education through the state’s teachers.
The hybrid class, which began in July, will run until the end of October and is offered through VTSU’s Center for Schools, the primary purpose of which is to support the work of schools through in-service programs and graduate coursework.
Last Thursday, course educators Scott and Karen McCalla held the second of three in-person sessions at Mill River Union High School.
Karen, who also serves as MRUHS’ librarian and tech integrationist during the school year, said this is the second year the class has been offered. She added that it allows teachers to learn how to implement robotics in their classrooms.
I began my tenure at the start of the year with the intent to lead this system “for the benefit of Vermont,” as our mission statement declares. These past seven months have been long, short, great, exhilarating, fascinating and challenging all at once, and I am energized to continue the work needed to stabilize and grow this system.
The VSCS — encompassing the Community College of Vermont and Vermont State University — is a valuable state asset with strong potential. What excites me about this moment is that we are finally positioned to realize the true value of an integrated public state college system that evolves to meet the needs of our students, our state and our economy.
I am optimistic for several reasons. First, we are becoming a financially stable system for the first time in decades. This stability is due to critical investments from lawmakers, Gov. Phil Scott, and smart decisions from previous system leaders. While we are laser-focused on establishing a strong, stable system the tumultuous national landscape of higher education makes for strong headwinds. We continue to make measurable progress, while remaining flexible and responsive to our environment and the needs of our students.
Second, our enrollment is up. While final numbers will not be available until the start of the school year, we are seeing a 6-7% increase in our first-year class over last year’s numbers at VTSU. CCV’s numbers are also strong. These figures indicate that we are relevant and responsive to prospective students. In particular, we see growth in our online, remote and hybrid programs, reflecting the preferred learning modalities of many students today. We will continue to meet all our students where they are to ensure a robust educational experience, including in-person options across our campuses and programs.
Our strategy to increase access for students of all ages across Vermont will continue to bolster our economy and drive bold, transformative change. We have calibrated and will continue to adjust our offerings to focus on high-demand, economically relevant degrees, certificates and training programs at CCV and VTSU. This approach, while continuing to offer traditional humanities programs, provides our students with diverse options and career paths.
Consider our nursing expansion initiative at VTSU, positioning us to educate and train 1,000 desperately needed nurses annually. Or our certificate program in manufacturing at CCV, which prepares students for frontline operator positions in advanced manufacturing and earns them a nationally recognized credential.
Our long-term objectives for the VSCS are clear: improve access to education, ensure affordability for all and grow enrollment to meet the educational needs of our students and the economic needs of our state. Thanks to the increased financial support by the Legislature over the past four years, we are strong today and prepared to grow. Challenges lie ahead, but we are well-positioned to adapt and meet the moment.
Since taking the helm of the Vermont State Colleges System, I have been listening and learning. I have traveled across the state more times than I can count and spoken with hundreds of Vermonters who care deeply about our state. This work has been rewarding and very reassuring. Our communities need us, and we need them too.
As we continue this journey, I am confident that our integrated public state college system will not only meet but exceed the evolving needs of our students and our state. Together, we will build a brighter future for Vermont through education, innovation and collaboration.
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