Vermont Business Magazine Today the Vermont State Colleges (VSC) Board of Trustees unanimously approved one-year, interim appointments to fill two presidential vacancies. Patricia Moulton has been appointed as interim president at Vermont Technical College (Vermont Tech). Moulton currently serves as the Secretary for the Agency of Commerce and Community Development for the State of Vermont. As Secretary, she facilitated the expansion of many Vermont companies, helped attract new companies, assisted in rebuilding Vermont after Tropical Storm Irene and helped create the nation’s first statewide comprehensive economic development strategy (CEDS) that has led to millions in federal grants for Vermont. She was previously Commissioner of Economic Development and Commissioner of the Vermont Department of Labor. As executive director for the Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation, she directed a region-wide initiative resulting in support for businesses impacted by the closure of Vermont Yankee. She is a 1981 graduate of the University of Vermont.
Pat Moulton. VBM file photo.
“Pat has been a great partner of Vermont Technical College throughout her career and clearly understands the important role the college plays in transforming the lives of Vermont students and creating a stronger economy for the State of Vermont. Her considerable leadership skills, statewide connections with employers and economic development leaders, and passion for Vermont Tech’s future will make her an exciting interim leader. Working closely with the leadership team, I am confident she will continue their good work in building a stronger connection with the Community College of Vermont, and a strong future for Vermont Tech,” said VSC Chancellor Jeb Spaulding.
"Pat Moulton is an excellent choice to lead Vermont Technical College's continued focus on preparing students to enter the workforce with the skills and education employers need," said Betsy Bishop, President of the Vermont Chamber of Commerce.
Moulton replaces outgoing Vermont Tech President Dan Smith, who is leaving the college in August to take his new role as president of the Vermont Community Foundation. The Board of Trustees expects to initiate a national search for a permanent Vermont Tech president during the academic year.
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Vermont Tech is a leading public college with a mission of applied education. It serves students from Vermont, New England, and beyond at its two residential campuses in Williston and Randolph Center, regional campuses in Brattleboro and Bennington, and at six nursing campuses located throughout the state. Vermont Tech takes an optimistic, rooted, and personal approach to education to support students in gaining the confidence and practical skills necessary not only to see their potential, but to experience it. The college's academic programs encompass a wide range of engineering technology, agricultural, health, and business fields that are vital to producing the knowledgeable workers needed most by employers in the state and in the region. This year, Vermont Tech is completing $2.5 million in renovations to three engineering laboratories in Randolph and Williston. It recently won a $4 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to provide training and education to prepare low- to middle-skilled Vermonters to enter the workforce with better paying jobs in industries relevant to Vermont’s growth. www.vtc.edu.
Dr Nolan Atkins. Lyndon State College photo
At Lyndon State College (LSC), Dr. Nolan Atkins has been named Interim President. Dr. Atkins currently serves as interim academic dean and was chair of the college’s nationally-recognized Department of Atmospheric Sciences. He received his Ph.D. in atmospheric sciences from the University of California at Los Angeles in 1995, completed a postdoctoral program at the National Center for Atmospheric Research, and began teaching at Lyndon State College in 1997. During his 19-year career at Lyndon, Dr. Atkins has received two distinguished teaching awards. As interim academic dean, he has led a strategic planning process which is helping to ensure that curricula best reflect academic quality and responsiveness to student needs.
“Nolan Atkins has earned the respect of faculty and staff at Lyndon. His leadership as interim academic dean -- and on the curriculum task force in particular -- has been inclusive, substantive, and effective. I am confident he has the skills, the temperament, and the passion for Lyndon required in a campus leader. The board and I have every confidence in Dr. Atkins’ ability to build on President Bertolino’s work to enhance students’ academic opportunities, leverage system-wide resources for student benefit, and pursue a strong alliance with Johnson State College,” said VSC Chancellor Jeb Spaulding.
Outgoing LSC President Joe Bertolino said, “I am fully confident that Nolan will bring his steady leadership and people skills to the role of interim president at an important time for Lyndon. Nolan cares deeply about our college, its students, and his colleagues. I am enthusiastic about his appointment and I look forward to working with him to make a successful transition."
Dr. Atkins’ appointment will be effective mid-August and is expected to continue through June 30, 2017. He will replace outgoing LSC President Joe Bertolino, who is leaving in August to assume the presidency of Southern Connecticut State University. The VSC Board of Trustees will discuss permanent leadership for Lyndon at its July 21st meeting.
Lyndon State College, founded in 1911, combines a liberal arts education with nationally-recognized professional programs that integrate theory with hands-on experiences to prepare individuals for career success. Lyndon State offers two and four year degrees and graduate degrees in education and liberal arts. The college continues to receive national recognition for its atmospheric sciences, electronic journalism arts and outdoor recreation management programs. This year it introduced the college’s first online degree program in early childhood education and created a new Center for Professional Studies. Recent capital projects include two new science labs, a new music business and industry lab, a new electronic journalism arts studio, new smart classrooms, a new veterans’ lounge and several other public spaces. In the past two years, Lyndon has secured a record number of gifts from a record number of donors. With these new scholarship funds, many local students have come to Lyndon who otherwise wouldn’t have been able to attend college. www.lyndonstate.edu.
“This is a time of change and opportunity for the Vermont State College community. I sincerely thank the faculty and staff of both Vermont Tech and Lyndon for their steadfast commitment to their colleges and students. I am confident the Board of Trustees has appointed two exceptional interim leaders, and I look forward to working closely with each of them to ensure their success,” said VSC Board Chairwoman Martha O’Connor.