The Center for Rural Studies at the University of Vermont is a nonprofit, fee-for-service research and resource center that works with people and communities to address social, economic, and resource-based challenges. A part of the University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences since 1978, CRS supports the research and teaching missions of the university through its work in applied research, community outreach, program evaluation, and consulting services. CRS is also the US Census Bureau's State Data Center for Vermont.

Our Mission

CRS works with people and communities to address social, economic, and resource-based challenges through applied research, community outreach, program evaluation, and consulting.

CRS offers its clients—small businesses, academics, UVM Extension and other UVM offices, community organizers, health and social service organizations, planners, town governments, and state and federal agencies—professional assistance. For more information take a look at our areas of expertise.

CRS Staff

CRS staff bring a range of skills and experiences to their project work. They work across disciplines in a collaborative, team environment ensuring the highest-quality outcomes for their clients. We are:

  • Kelly Hamshaw, Research Project Specialist and Department of Community Development & Applied Economics Senior Lecturer
  • Michael Moser, State Data Center Coordinator & Research Project Specialist
  • Claire Whitehouse, Research Project Specialist
  • Kerry Daigle, Research Project Specialist
  • Elisa Ziglar, CRS Business Manager & Coordinator for UVM Department of Community Development and Applied Economics
  • Fred Schmidt, CRS Founder and Director Emeritus, and UVM Associate Professor Emeritus
  • Jane Kolodinsky, Former CRS Director & Professor Emeritus