Vermont Business Magazine Vermont State University (VTSU) Provost Nolan Atkins will retire at the end of the next academic year, the university announced today. His retirement comes after a nearly 30-year career in higher education, including 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 twenty years at the former Lyndon State College, where he served as a faculty member, chair of the atmospheric science department, interim academic dean, and interim president. 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 until 2021, 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 unified program array for VTSU, establishing universal general education curriculum across the university, and leading the working group that developed seamless transition pathways 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. Every day I’m inspired by the dedication and resiliency of our students, faculty, and staff. While I’m looking forward to more free time in retirement, I’m committed to supporting VTSU through the next step in our accreditation process, for which we are well-prepared thanks to the hard work of our internal teams and leadership.”
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. I am incredibly grateful for his commitment to VTSU’s success and his willingness to continue helping us succeed, even after he retires.”
Under Atkins' leadership, VTSU now boasts a unified academic program array that is fully integrated. These offerings span the technological, professional, and liberal arts and address the needs and challenges facing Vermont and our world. VTSU has received national recognition for these innovative programs, including the Construction Management program, which recently received the Applied and Natural Science Program Accreditation from ABET and the Outdoor Education, Leadership, and Tourism program is distinguished as the only traditional university program to earn accreditation from the American Mountain Guides Association.
“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.”
After his retirement in Spring 2026, Dr. Atkins will transition to an advisory role as the university’s Accreditation Liaison Officer to lead the University through its planned self-study, which culminates with a campus visit in spring 2027. The self-study work began this summer under his leadership and will continue through the next two years. The New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) first granted VTSU preliminary accreditation in 2023.
In addition to countless contributions to VTSU, Dr. Atkins is a dedicated public servant in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom. He currently 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 to ensure continued momentum and a seamless transition in leadership.
For more information about Vermont State University, visit www.vermontstate.edu.
Randolph, Vt. — Vermont State University VermontState.edu
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!
