This story was originally published by the Caledonian Record on June 26, 2025.
RANDOLPH — Vermont State University (VTSU) Provost Nolan Atkins will retire at the end of the next academic year, the university announced on Thursday.
His retirement comes after nearly two decades of commitment and service to Vermont State University and its legacy institutions. Dr. Atkins will remain on as a consultant following the 2026 academic year to assist the University in its continuing accreditation work.
Dr. Atkins’ career includes 20 years at the former Lyndon State College. He was an invaluable contributor to the unification of Lyndon State College and Johnson State College in 2016, playing a key role as provost of what was then Northern Vermont University. Dr. Atkins served as Provost of Northern Vermont University from 2017-21, and was instrumental in the unification of Northern Vermont University, Castleton University, and Vermont Technical College into the new Vermont State University.
Dr. Atkins was named Vice President of Academic Affairs and Provost of Vermont State University in 2021, a role in which he served while also contributing as chief accreditation officer for the new, unified institution and leading the team responsible for developing the institution’s unified mission and vision. Additionally, Dr. Atkins was instrumental in establishing a universal general education curriculum across the university, leading the transition within the Vermont State Colleges system from the Community College of Vermont (CCV) to VTSU.
“It has been my honor to support the intellectual and personal growth, and lifelong learning of the students of Vermont State University,” said Dr. Atkins. “The work to create and unify cultures and campuses and to design programs that address the needs and challenges facing Vermont and the world is ongoing, but we’ve laid incredible groundwork together for a sustainable future meeting the needs of all Vermont learners.”
A highlight of Dr. Atkins’ accomplishments at VTSU is his commitment to student success and the accessibility of the institution’s academic programs. “He’s been a champion for Vermont State Colleges for nearly three decades,” noted VTSU President Dave Bergh. “Dr. Atkins is held in high regard across VTSU and is known for his thoughtful leadership, for seeking broad input, and for his unparalleled commitment to a sustainable future for public higher education in Vermont.”
“For over a decade, I’ve had the privilege of working with Provost Atkins,” noted VTSU faculty member Dr. Benjamin J. Mirkin, Ph.D. “He has always led with integrity, listened with intention, and consistently supported faculty in solving challenges. His door has always been open, and I have used his counsel frequently throughout my career. His commitment to thoughtful, collaborative leadership has had a meaningful impact on our academic community and he will be greatly missed.”
In addition to countless contributions to VTSU, Dr. Atkins serves on the board for the Northeast Kingdom Collaborative and is a Northern Vermont Regional Hospital (NVRH) corporator.
The Vermont State Colleges System will launch a national search for Dr. Atkins’ successor in the spring of 2026.
