About UVM

About UVM

UVM is a top research university of ideal size, large enough to offer a breadth of ideas, resources, and opportunities, yet scaled to enable close faculty-student mentorship across all levels of study, from bachelor’s to doctoral programs.

A student and faculty member work in a laboratory.
A hockey player heads out onto the ice.

Bold leaders, big ideas

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UVM President, Marlene Tromp

A strong proponent of the value of public higher education, the President leads UVM with a firm emphasis on its status as the land-grant university for Vermont.

Interim Provost and Senior Vice President Linda Schadler

As the university's chief academic officer, the Provost strives to create paths for students and faculty to achieve academic excellence.

Mission and Vision

At UVM, we are dedicated to creating, evaluating, sharing, and applying knowledge while preparing students to be accountable leaders. Our mission and vision guide us in fostering global engagement, critical thinking, and lifelong ethical learning.
Campus overhead shot with downtown Burlington, Lake Champlain, and the Adirondacks in the distance.

A location for every season

UVM students’ educational experience and activities are enriched by our location — from the energy and innovation of Burlington to the forests, farms, mountains, and independent spirit of Vermont.

Living in Burlington
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Making an impact on Vermont and beyond

UVM is a global crossroads for bold ideas and diverse minds. Our researchers drive impact, crafting solutions from farm viability to environmental growth. As Vermont’s land-grant think tank, we fuel innovation, equity, and regional prosperity through visionary partnerships.

UVM Facts Engagement Entrepreneurship Extension
Students and a faculty member cultivate Aiken's green roof.

Sustainability is in our DNA

UVM leads in health, sustainability, and environmental innovation. From groundbreaking research to green campus practices, we champion thriving communities and ecosystems. It’s in our nature to live, work, and lead for a healthier, more sustainable world.

Office of Sustainability
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Uncompromising belonging

We welcome and celebrate every person and every identity. UVM is committed to inclusive excellence strengthened by enduring relationships, and invigorated by personal engagement. Students, faculty, and staff come to UVM as unique individuals, and we welcome all in our community.

Division of Intercultural Excellence

An experience like no other Handcrafted for you in Vermont

Chartered in 1791

UVM was established in 1791 as the fifth college in New England (after Harvard, Yale, Dartmouth and Brown). The initials UVM stand for the Latin words Universitas Viridis Montis, or University of the Green Mountains. The phrase appears on the university's official seal as Universitas V. Montis.

Foundation and Early Support

Much of the initial funding and planning for the university was undertaken by Ira Allen, who is honored as UVM's founder. The citizens of Burlington helped fund the university's first building, and, when fire destroyed it in 1824, also paid for its replacement, the Old Mill building.

UVM's Public Status

Although it began as a private university, UVM attained quasi-public status with the passage of the Morrill Land-Grant College Act in 1862 and the addition of the State Agricultural College. Today, the university blends the traditions of both a private and public university, drawing 7% (as of 2023).

By the numbers

  • 1791 university founded
  • Top 100 Public Research University (National Science Foundation)
  • 459 acres main campus