Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont State Colleges (VSC) system has been selected for the inaugural Innovation Sandbox, a 12-month peer learning program convened by the Future Universities Alliance, a global learning network incubated by Duke University. This global learning network connects forward-thinking institutions through shared learning, coordination, and collective experimentation.
The 12-month program will bring together 49 higher education institutions worldwide, from 23 countries spanning 5 continents. The inaugural cohort brings together startup institutions, established institutions advancing ambitious, institution-shaping work in higher education.
“We’re delighted to welcome Vermont State Colleges to the inaugural Innovation Sandbox cohort,” stated Noah Pickus, Head of Global Strategy and Partnerships at Duke University and the founder of the Future Universities Alliance. “Their work to bridge advising, learning, and workforce pathways speaks directly to the challenges many public systems face, especially in serving rural and working learners. We look forward to learning alongside them as this effort takes shape.”
Through monthly facilitated small-group sessions, structured milestone meetings, and the Global Summit in Durham, North Carolina, participating teams will work with global peers on active challenges related to institutional design, curriculum, credentials, pedagogy, access, and sustainable implementation.
The VSC’s work will focus on strengthening pathways between Community College of Vermont (CCV) and Vermont State University (VTSU), improving student support systems, expanding opportunities for adult and working learners, and deepening alignment between educational programs and workforce needs.
“The Innovation Sandbox aligns closely with the strategic direction we are developing across the VSC,” said Chancellor Elizabeth Mauch. “At its core, this work is about creating a more integrated, student-centered public higher education system that better connects advising, academic pathways, workforce preparation, and flexible learning opportunities. These themes are reflected in the strategic priorities we are currently developing around Workforce and Economic Engagement, Student Success and Academic Innovation, Access and Affordability, and long-term institutional sustainability.”
Tiffany Walker, Senior Director of Workforce Education added, “While this work is grounded in Vermont, the challenges it addresses are global. Across the world, higher education institutions are grappling with demographic change, workforce disruption, evolving learner expectations, affordability, and access. Vermont faces many of these same challenges, particularly as a rural state with an aging population and workforce needs that are critical to our economic future.”
Dr. David Kupferman, Dean of the schools of Arts & Communication and Education, Psychology, & Social Science at Vermont State University noted, “This is an opportunity for the entire VSC to contribute to and learn from a global community of institutions that are actively rethinking how higher education can better serve students, employers, and communities, just like we are. We were selected because of the work we are already doing to build a more integrated and responsive system, and participation will help us accelerate that work while sharing Vermont's experience with colleagues from around the world.”
The cohort begins work virtually in July 2026 and gathers in person at the Global Summit in Durham, North Carolina, United States, on October 3-5, 2026.
More information about the Future Universities Alliance and the full list of participating institutions is available at https://futureuniversities.org.
ABOUT THE VERMONT STATE COLLEGES
For the benefit of Vermont, the Vermont State Colleges System provides affordable, high quality, student-centered, and accessible education, fully integrating professional, liberal, and career study, consistent with student aspirations and regional and state needs. The Vermont State Colleges System includes the Community College of Vermont (CCV) and Vermont State University (VTSU). Learn more at www.vsc.edu.
6.22.2026. Montpelier, VT – The Vermont State Colleges
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