Dear Colleagues,

After nearly two years of devoted service as Vice President for Legal Affairs and General Counsel, our friend Trent Klingerman shared with me his decision to return to the private practice of law in his home state of Indiana, beginning mid-July.

Trent has been an essential partner to me, to his leadership colleagues, and to the Board of Trustees during a period that required significant legal expertise and careful advising. He has led the Office of the General Counsel with positive and collaborative energy, and his leadership of Human Resources during the first year of his time at UVM provided a critically steady hand for that important university function. Above all, Trent has been an invaluable resource and genial partner to colleagues and students across the university.

Quite happily, the challenge of Trent’s departure is mitigated by the willingness of our former colleague, Sharon Reich Paulsen, to return to UVM and serve in her prior position of Vice President for Legal Affairs and General Counsel. Sharon has served in a senior leadership role at George Washington University since August 2022, as many of you know, and has graciously agreed to return to UVM. We are fortunate to have Sharon’s unparalleled combination of legal expertise, strategic vision, and UVM experience to lead the General Counsel’s Office again and serve as a member of our senior leadership team. Her first day back at UVM will be July 15.

I anticipate that there will be a seamless transition thanks to Sharon’s return. While I’m sad to see our trusted colleague Trent leave us, I’m very happy for him and his family. Please join me in wishing Trent the very best.

Suresh