Southern Vermont College Names New President
BENNINGTON,
VT., July 14, 2006 --- Southern Vermont College announced today the selection
of Karen Gross, a leader in education and community development, as its eighth
president. She succeeds Barbara P. Sirvis, who is retiring after serving as
the College’s president for the past nine years.
Dr.
Gross, selected following a six-month national search involving more than one
hundred candidates, brings to Southern Vermont College a remarkable and diverse
set of skills and experiences. A professor of law for more than 20 years at
New York Law School (NYLS), she has earned a national and international
reputation as a scholar, teacher, speaker and advocate who addresses the needs
of vulnerable individuals and communities. She founded and led an
award-winning non-profit organization that designs, implements and assesses
programs to improve financial literacy skills. She has been honored for her
efforts by many organizations, including the Legal Aid Society and American
Association of University Women.
A
prolific writer, she is frequently quoted in the media, and her articles appear
in well-known academic and non-academic publications, including The Chronicle
of Higher Education, University Business, the Journal of Student Affairs and
Leadership Exchange. Her book, Failure and
Forgiveness (Yale University Press, 1997), has been regularly cited
by commentators and won the Association of American Publishers Business
Management Award.
Raised
in New England, Dr. Gross received her B.A. from Smith College,
cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa, and her J.D. degree, cum laude, from Temple University,
spending her final year of law study at the University of Chicago.
In
announcing the appointment of Dr. Gross, Mike Rolla, Chair of the
Board of Trustees, applauded the search committee, chaired by fellow trustee
Wally Altes, and the efforts of the many constituencies that contributed to the
successful process. “We believe our intensive search effort has yielded
an individual who is uniquely qualified to advance the mission of Southern
Vermont College,” he said. “Dr. Gross’ longstanding
commitment to education and community building, her deeply held belief in the
power of education to create opportunity, and her vision for liberal arts
education in the 21st century struck a chord with those who met her.”
Search Chair Wally Altes echoed these sentiments. “In Dr. Gross, we have
found a talented, energetic and skillful leader who understands small colleges
and appreciates the values at the heart of this college. The SVC community
eagerly awaits her arrival on campus in August.” The College–now
in its 80th year–is planning a series of community events over
the coming months to welcome its new leader.
Congratulations
to the College and Dr. Gross are already being heard in different quarters.
“In Karen Gross, Southern Vermont College has found an
inspirational leader,” said Ray Bell, Vice President of CreditorsInterchange,
who sat on Dr. Gross’ non-profit board and has worked with her for a
decade. “She has the capacity to move people and institutions to places
they have not been before, with thoughtfulness, good humor and sound
judgment.” Dr. Sirvis noted, “The Board has made an excellent
choice in selecting Dr. Gross. In her capable hands, the College will continue
to flourish.”
In
accepting this appointment, Dr. Gross said, “Southern Vermont College is
a very special place. The College’s programs, resources, location and
size create the unique opportunity for it to address successfully the challenge
of providing the next generation of students with the skills they need to
become leaders in our ever-changing workplaces and communities. I look forward
to being a part of the College’s future and to meeting and working
together with the SVC and Bennington community. I am delighted
with my new academic home, and I look forward to synergies between SVC and NYLS.”
Dr.
Gross and her husband, Stephen H. Cooper, a lawyer and law professor, have a
home in Bondville, Vermont. Their son, Zack, who graduated from
the Stratton Mountain School and the University of Chicago, is now pursuing
graduate studies in healthcare policy at the London School of Economics.
About
the College
Southern
Vermont College, founded in 1926, is a private, independent
institution that offers a career-oriented, liberal arts education to 500
students. It has more than 6,000 graduates. The campus has strong academic
support programs and NCAA Division III athletics and provides a safe,
environmentally respectful and supportive community to its diverse student
body. The College-owned radio station, WBTN 1370-AM, provides a voice for the Bennington
community and broadcasts Boston Red Sox games.
More information about Dr. Gross and high-resolution photos
can be found at: http://www.svc.edu.
Contact:
Melissa Smith, Public Relations, 802-447-6389/6388