Thomas Chittenden is widely recognized for his teaching innovation and effectiveness. His creative course-delivery methods facilitate student interaction and engagement.

Thomas is actively involved in many important Grossman School of Business activities and initiatives. With Professor Pramodita Sharma, he is responsible for organizing and leading the annual Family Enterprise Case Competition, the only case competition in the world focusing on issues important to family enterprises—the dominant business organization in most economies. The event has played a significant role in the Grossman School of Business’s ranking as one of the top business schools in the world for family business education.

In addition to leading the recruitment and training of coaches and students participating in these competitions, he developed the pragmatic “Case Studies and Analysis” course in Fall 2012. While not an expert in this pedagogy, he took the initiative to learn from the world’s most successful case coaches and visited top-ranked events to prepare UVM students for competition. Many students report winning internships and full-time jobs because of their experience in the Family Enterprise Case Competition.

An active leader in the Faculty Senate, he has served on the Faculty Senate Executive Council, the Student Affairs Committee, and the Educational Research and Technology Committee. Thomas has had a hugely positive impact on Grossman School of Business programs, curriculum, and students.