Vermont Business Magazine The Board of Trustees of Putney-based Landmark College—the world’s first college built to exclusively serve people who learn differently—announced today that current Interim President Dr. James Dlugos will serve as the fifth president in the College’s 40-year history, effective May 1, 2025.
Dlugos previously had an 11-year tenure as president of St. Joseph’s College of Maine in Standish, Maine. Upon his retirement in 2023, he founded a higher education consulting firm with his wife, Melissa, which led him to the interim opportunity at Landmark College in the summer of 2024 following the departure of Dr. Peter Eden.
Board of Trustees Chair Barbara Epifanio noted at the time of Dlugos’s interim appointment that he had experience developing programs for neurodivergent learners. Today, she expressed gratitude and optimism for the College’s future.
“Today is a great day in the life of the College! As we’ve gotten to know Jim, and he’s gotten to know us, we came to realize there was an ideal fit for his experiences and the opportunities our institution presents. Through the search process, we came to realize he had the right vision and demeanor to be the next president,” said Epifanio.
Trustee Maryellen Rancourt, Ed.D., who chaired the search committee, echoed Epifanio’s thoughts about the outcome of the nine-month, nationwide search.
“I so look forward to working with Jim as we all work together to continue to make Landmark College the best college for neurodiverse learning in the world, and to support the Landmark College Institute for Research and Training (LCIRT) in spreading the amazing work that is happening on campus. With Jim at the helm, and the continued dedication and hard work of faculty and staff, I continue to see a bright future for the College,” Rancourt said.
Dlugos holds a doctorate in English from the University of Virginia, and a master’s and bachelor’s degree from Boston College. Prior to his time at St. Joseph’s, he served as academic vice president of the College of St. Elizabeth in New Jersey as well as various administrative and faculty roles (including academic vice president) at Washington and Jefferson College Pennsylvania. Dlugos is currently a trustee for Scholarship America, a non-profit organization that has facilitated the distribution of $5.7 billion in scholarships since its founding in 1957. He and Melissa have two children, Matthew and Sophie.
“Landmark College’s singular focus on neurodivergent learners makes it a distinctive and special part of the American higher education landscape. I’m delighted to have the opportunity to bring my experience, passion, and commitment to learner-centered environments to this wonderful institution and its amazing students, faculty, staff, and trustees.”
An inauguration ceremony will take place a later date.
Landmark College was the first institution of higher education to exclusively serve students who learn differently, including students with learning disabilities (such as dyslexia), ADHD, autism, or executive function challenges. The College offers associate and bachelor’s degrees as well as short-term programs on its Putney, Vermont campus along with a growing selection of online programs for high school students, college-age students, and education professionals.
4.29.2025. Landmark College
To support vital journalism, access our archives and get unique features like our award-winning profiles, Book of Lists & Business-to-Business Directory, subscribe HERE!
