Norwich Chair Al Gobeille. Courtesy photo.
Vermont Business Magazine The letter below was written by Chair Al Gobeille ’86 following the Norwich University Board of Trustees spring meeting, held April 16-18 on campus.
The letter outlines decisive actions focused on affordability, workforce investment, and the long-term strength of the University.
- Tuition Freeze: Norwich will not raise tuition for the coming academic year, reinforcing its commitment to affordability at a time of national financial pressure on families.
- Employee Investment: The Board approved wage increases to keep pace with inflation and funded healthcare premiums to maintain current benefit levels.
- Record Endowment: The University’s endowment has reached a historic high of $328 million, reflecting continued growth through support and disciplined investment.
- Long-Term Stability: These decisions are supported by a measured endowment draw, underscoring the balanced approach to near-term needs and long-term institutional strength.
by Chairman Al Gobeille
The Norwich University Board of Trustees met on campus for their spring meeting from April 16-18, 2026, engaging in a productive and forward-looking meeting focused on what matters most at Norwich, our students, our people, and the long-term strength of the institution.
We made a clear and deliberate decision not to raise tuition for the coming year. We know that families across the country are feeling real financial pressure, and we believe it is our responsibility to meet that moment with discipline and empathy. Affordability is not an abstract concept at Norwich; it is a commitment to ensuring that a Norwich education stays within reach for the students who are called to this place.
At the same time, we chose to invest in our employees. The Board approved wage increases designed to keep pace with inflation and funded healthcare premiums to keep our current level of benefits. These decisions reflect a simple belief that the people who deliver the Norwich experience every day deserve stability, respect, and support.
These commitments are made possible through a thoughtful and measured draw from the endowment. Importantly, the strength of Norwich stays clear. Our endowment has continued to grow through both philanthropic support and disciplined investment, reaching a record level of 328 million dollars. This is not just a financial milestone; it reflects the confidence that our alumni and supporters have in the future of this university.
We recognize that higher education is facing a set of historic headwinds. Demographic shifts, evolving student expectations, and increasing financial pressures are reshaping the landscape in real time. We acknowledge Norwich is not immune to these challenges and remain vigilant to their impacts. We are committed to making thoughtful, disciplined adjustments as we navigate these challenges. Norwich has endured and adapted for more than two centuries, and we approach this moment with that same sense of responsibility and resolve.
The weekend also included numerous events that Trustees were immersed in. We gathered for dinner and reflections of gratitude with student scholarship recipients and the donors who sponsored their scholarships. Trustees were led on tours by our students, offering an authentic and engaging view of academic programs, student life, and the stewardship of our campus. On Friday, the junior class assumed the leadership of the Corps of Cadets at an evening parade on the Upper Parade Ground. Moments like this
remind us of the fact that leadership at Norwich is not theoretical. It is lived, earned, and passed from one class to the next with purpose and pride. The parade was followed by the Norwich Band's Spring Concert, putting their talent and hard work over the past year on display in a moving musical tribute to Norwich and America.
Taken together, these actions reflect a university that is grounded in its values and clear in its priorities. We are focused on access, on taking care of our people, and on strengthening Norwich for the generations who will follow. Students are our why. Every decision we make is measured against their experience and their future. This weekend, the Board acted with that principle firmly in mind.
Thank you for all that you do to support Norwich and the students we serve.
Al Gobeille
Chair, Board of Trustees
Norwich University
About Norwich University
Norwich University is a diversified academic institution that educates traditional-age students and adults in a Corps of Cadets and as civilians. Norwich offers a broad selection of traditional and distance-learning programs culminating in baccalaureate and graduate degrees. Norwich University was founded in 1819 by Captain Alden Partridge of the U.S. Army and is the oldest private military college in the United States of America. Norwich is one of our nation's six senior military colleges and the birthplace of the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC). www.norwich.edu
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