Dear colleagues

Dean Holger Hoock has indicated his intention to step down from his positions of Graduate College Dean and Vice Provost for Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies effective June 30, 2026. We are writing to share the dean’s decision with you and to thank him for his service. 

Among his accomplishments while serving the Graduate College, Dean Hoock developed the first Graduate College Strategic Plan; supported the development of a suite of certificate, masters, and doctoral programs; established a graduate Professional and Career Development unit and the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs; modernized Graduate College processes and practices; envisioned and implemented a holistic approach to supporting our graduate students focusing on academic resources, professional development, mental health and wellness, mentoring, and community; was instrumental in the creation of the Provost’s Award for Excellence in Doctoral Mentoring; and established a Graduate College Board of Advisors.

We are grateful for Dean Hoock’s service and accomplishments and thank him for his important contributions to graduate education at UVM, and we understand and support his decision to return to the faculty. We are committed to a smooth leadership transition for the Graduate College and will share plans for the search for a new dean soon. In the meantime, we hope you will join us in thanking Dean Hoock for his service.

Sincerely,

Marlene Tromp
President

Linda Schadler
Interim Provost and Senior Vice President