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President's Perspective

Poised for transition, moving forward
In mid-January, our Board of Trustees announced the selection of Dr. Daniel Fogel, executive vice chancellor and provost of Louisiana State University, to become the next president of the University of Vermont. I applaud the comprehensive effort of the Search Committee, under the leadership of Board Chair Bruce Lisman, in bringing this search to a successful conclusion. Dr. Fogel is a dynamic educator, well-versed in the substance of leading a major, complex university system.

As interim president, it now becomes my responsibility to lead an orderly transition to Dr. Fogel’s administration, which will commence on July 1. There is much to be done. Extensive briefings by key faculty and staff, student leaders, introductions to community and political leaders, the business community — all require time commitments. Hopefully, we will be able to do a considerable amount prior to July 1.

In the meantime, we are moving forward on our strategic program. First and foremost is achieving a reasonable level of state appropriation for FY2003. I have been working this issue with Governor Howard Dean and key legislative leaders for the past few months, in cooperation with Vermont State Colleges and the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation.

Under the leadership of Interim Provost John Bramley, we have made considerable progress on the academic restructuring program approved by the trustees in October. Our comprehensive campaign for $250 million has begun, led by Interim Vice President for Development and Alumni Affairs Ian deGroot. Thomas Gustafson, vice president for university relations and operations, is leading a significant residence hall expansion and renovation program. These are a few of the major initiatives under way.

As this marks the final Vermont Quarterly column of my interim presidency, I’d like to say that I have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to come to better know and help lead this institution. I believe we are moving the university in the right direction, and whatever success I have had in this assignment is due in no small measure to the outstanding partnership with our Interim Provost Bramley, as well as the combined efforts of many others. The university is blessed with a dedicated Board of Trustees and alumni, a gifted faculty, and terrific professionals at all levels. I have particularly enjoyed my interaction with our students, who bring many varied talents to campus.

I look forward to assisting our university in the future, a future which I believe will shine bright under Dan Fogel’s leadership.

—Edwin Colodny, interim president