Over the years that followed, the School repeatedly demonstrated its ability to adapt to an exciting and evolving field of study. The core curriculum and degree programs have changed to accommodate the needs of students. Today, distinctions among disciplines are de-emphasized while elements of a strong professional education are retained, an approach that is not simply multidisciplinary but truly interdisciplinary in nature.
In 2003, the School became the Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources (RSENR), the first named and endowed academic unit at the University, following a generous gift from the late Steve (UVM, 1961) and Beverly Rubenstein of New Vernon, New Jersey and their family. Steve was a charter member of the Rubenstein School Board of Advisors, and his wife, Beverly, and son, Andy, are currently members.
Our Community
The School has been housed in the George D. Aiken Center since 1982. In addition to the Aiken Center, the Rubenstein School campus has expanded to include members of the Environmental Program, the Rubenstein Ecosystem Science Laboratory, and the USDA Forest Service Northern Research Station. We also maintain many other special partnerships. Our School is home to more than 900 undergraduates and more than 100 full and part-time Master’s and Ph.D. students, more than 10 post-doctoral associates, nearly 50 full-time faculty members, and nearly 50 research and administrative staff. Our alumni now number over 6000.
Our Mission Question
The Rubenstein School strategic vision was created around a mission question designed to leverage our distinctive strengths. We will relentlessly pursue answers to this question in order to turn ideas into action.
How can the Rubenstein School unleash empathy, passion, innovation, and creativity to heal and radically change human-environment systems in a just, equitable, and ecological direction?