Elizabeth Mauch: The Vermont State Colleges System is ready to meet the moment

This commentary is by Elizabeth Mauch of Cornwall, chancellor of the Vermont State Colleges System.

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.

Read the story on VTDigger here: Elizabeth Mauch: The Vermont State Colleges System is ready to meet the moment .