Dear UVM community,

I am writing to share important news. With Linda Schadler’s upcoming retirement, we are launching a national search for our next Provost and Senior Vice President, a vital role in the mission of the university and a critical partner to me in advancing UVM’s academic excellence and impact.

In accordance with the University Manual, I have asked the Faculty Senate to initiate its election process for faculty members to serve on the search committee. In the coming weeks, we will finalize a broad and representative committee that includes representation of undergraduate students, graduate and professional students, staff, administrators, and faculty. I am grateful to Abby McGowan, Professor of History and President of the Faculty Senate, and Alicia Estey, Vice President for Finance, Administration and Human Resources, who have agreed to serve as co-chairs of this committee. Their leadership and experience will be invaluable as we move through this process.

This will be a community-engaged effort, like our strategic planning process. In March and early April, we will hold listening sessions for members of the community to help shape the position profile and identify priorities for the search. With that input, we anticipate beginning national recruitment in April, with the goal of completing the search in early fall 2026. We expect the new provost to begin in January 2027. To support this work, UVM will partner with an executive search firm, WittKieffer, who brings deep expertise in academic leadership searches and important familiarity with UVM developed over many years and several important searches.

I want to express my profound appreciation to Provost Schadler, who has served as acting and then interim provost since October 2024 with exceptional dedication, steadiness, and vision. Her leadership during this period of transition has been instrumental to our continued momentum. Dr. Schadler has graciously agreed to continue serving in her interim capacity until the new provost begins or through December 2026, whichever comes first. 

This search represents an important moment for UVM as we look forward to a new chapter with our Strategic Plan. I invite all members of the community to participate in the listening opportunities this spring and to engage thoughtfully as we seek to identify and recruit a dynamic, values-driven, hard-working new leader.

Thank you for all you do to support the University of Vermont and our bright future ahead.

Warmly,


Dr. Marlene Tromp

President