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RANDOLPH, Vt. — On a chilly winter morning, the thermostat was set low in the admissions office at Vermont State University as a nod to the institution’s commitment to efficiency, according to David Bergh, the university’s president. However, beneath this lighthearted remark lies a serious concern: Vermont’s public university system is grappling with a significant financial deficit that threatens to close several campuses, exacerbated by steep declines in enrollment and revenue.
While private nonprofit colleges are receiving considerable attention for their mounting challenges—experiencing an alarming spike in closures, with at least 17 institutions shutting down in 2024—public universities are facing their own dire situations. Many state colleges across the country are undergoing mergers or campus closures, particularly in rural areas where educational access is already limited.
Higher Education Under Scrutiny
David Bergh remarked, “Public institutions are not exempt from the challenges” straining the higher education sector. He observed that the issues are particularly noticeable in rural states, where institutions struggle to optimize resources while still providing adequate access for students. Vermont exemplifies the challenges faced by such public colleges, revealing the complexities of adapting to changing educational landscapes amid political and logistical obstacles.
According to Vermont State Representative Lynn Dickinson, who chairs the Vermont State Colleges System Board of Trustees, the issues are multifaceted. “The declining demographics of young college students, the oversaturation of campuses, and the evolving workforce demands are universal challenges,” she explained.
The trend of merging public universities and colleges has already transferred to states like Pennsylvania, Georgia, California, and Minnesota, while closures have taken place in Ohio and Wisconsin. In New Hampshire, a merger of public universities and community colleges is currently under study.
The fallout from campus closures can be severe for local communities. Thomas Nelson, county executive in Outagamie County, Wisconsin, lamented the closure of the two-year Fox Cities campus of the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, a significant educational presence in the area for over 60 years, now marking the sixth public campus in Wisconsin to shut down since 2023. Nelson expressed concern over the economic ramifications, stating, “There’s not much beyond the university in many rural areas, so this will be devastating.”
The process for closing public campuses often attracts political pushback, as elected officials wield more influence over public institutions compared to private ones. Dan Greenstein, the former chancellor of Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education, emphasized that state ownership plays a crucial role in such decisions. His leadership led to a significant reconfiguration of campuses in Pennsylvania, merging six universities into two systems in response to enrollment declines.
The political sensitivities surrounding campus changes were illustrated in Georgia when the merging of Augusta State University and Georgia Health Sciences University to form Georgia Regents University faced backlash for dropping “Augusta” from its name. The institution eventually reverted to being called Augusta University after community outcry.
In Vermont, the initial proposal to close campuses faced strong public and political opposition, leading state planners to instead opt for a consolidation that involved significant staff layoffs and program cuts, resulting in turbulent public meetings, votes of no confidence, and multiple leadership changes. Only recently has this transition begun to stabilize.
Vermont’s demographic trends had already raised alarm bells ahead of the Covid-19 pandemic. The state, which has the third-oldest median age in the U.S. following Maine and New Hampshire, saw a 25 percent decline in high school graduates over the prior decade, contributing to an 11 percent drop in enrollment across its public colleges—not counting the flagship University of Vermont. With lower birth rates than historically recorded before the Civil War, the prospects for rebound appear grim.
These challenges have led to the closure of six private, nonprofit colleges and universities in Vermont since 2016. Jeb Spaulding, the former chancellor, noted the critical need for awareness: “We would be neglecting the reality to think these pressures would not impact our public higher education system.”
Despite efforts to curb losses, enrollment issues persisted, leading to recommendations for closing several campuses during the pandemic, a move that met with fierce public protesting. The proposal was quickly retracted, culminating in Spaulding’s resignation after just four days.
Ultimately, the Vermont State Colleges System opted for consolidation over closures, merging and renaming existing campuses to form Vermont State University (VTSU). This restructuring required rigorous spending cuts to address a significant deficit estimated at $22 million.
The name change proved controversial; alumni advocated for the new institution to retain Castleton University’s identity to honor its rich history dating back to 1787. Current chancellor Beth Mauch acknowledged the deep connections that these colleges have with their communities, stating that “they are in the fabric of a community.”
However, the consolidation came with further complications, including substantial faculty layoffs—23 full-time positions—alongside cuts to academic programs, resulting in ten major eliminations and relocations. This upheaval prompted unions and student governments to voice strong opposition.
Lilly Hudson, a junior at Castleton, expressed concerns over the changes, stating, “It’s just such a difference to be able to see people and meet your professors in person.” While she appreciates the flexibility of online class options, she emphasizes the value of in-person learning experiences.
Despite some benefits of consolidation such as broader course availability, significant missteps continued, like the initial decision to transition school libraries to all-digital formats, which did not align with community values that place high importance on their libraries. With ongoing pushback and the loss of intercollegiate sports teams, university administrators found themselves facing mounting criticism.
Raymonda Parchment, a recent graduate, reflected on the turbulent events, noting that many students experienced significant disruptions to their academic programs. “We also had to face the reality of programs being removed or moved,” she said.
As Vermont works through these ongoing challenges, current president Bergh noted a slight increase in first-year enrollment this fall—up approximately 14 percent—but acknowledged that various systemic issues still require attention. Parchment expressed relief at the decision to keep campuses open, highlighting the necessity for local educational options for students unable to pursue education out of state.
Amidst these evolving dynamics, Spaulding cautioned that the challenges facing public higher education are far from resolved. “I don’t think the storm is over by any stretch of the imagination,” he stated, indicating that the path ahead remains fraught with uncertainties.
Source
hechingerreport.org