Dear Members of the UVM Community,

I am writing to share the news that Nancy Mathews, dean of the Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources (RSENR), will be leaving UVM after this semester to assume the role of Provost and Executive Vice President at Central Michigan University (CMU).

While I am personally delighted for Nancy’s new opportunity to advance her academic career, like everyone who knows her well, I will miss her visionary leadership, passion for sustainability, and devotion to our students’ success.

Nancy assumed the deanship in 2014 and under her leadership, RSENR has increased its enrollment and its research activity significantly. During this period of strong growth, Nancy has never wavered from her commitment to students’ opportunities for engagement in meaningful learning and research here on campus and in locations around the globe. She has been equally committed to the scholarship of the School’s faculty.

Central to RSENR’s mission is building a better future for humankind. Nancy personifies that future-focused mission by leaving the School well positioned to maintain its leadership role for years to come. Nancy has successfully recruited new faculty and launched a new master’s degree in leadership for sustainability. She has recently secured a new, state-of-the-art hybrid electric research vessel that will launch on Lake Champlain later this year. And, she has made significant progress in plans for the expansion of research, outreach, and stewardship space atop Mount Mansfield. UVM students and faculty across our entire campus will benefit from the research opportunities each of these initiatives affords.

Perhaps the most lasting imprint of Nancy’s tenure is RSENR’s emphasis on environmental justice which is reflected in the teaching, scholarship, and service work of the School. Nancy has set RSENR on an innovative, equity-based path that is already making a positive difference for vulnerable individuals and communities. Her multi-disciplinary approach to complex environmental challenges will serve her well as the chief academic officer of CMU. I look forward to the news of Nancy’s many achievements in her new role.

After the Spring 2022 semester, Nancy will step down from the deanship in time to begin her new role at Central Michigan University on August 1. Before that time, we will find an appropriate way to recognize and celebrate Nancy’s many contributions to UVM.

Discussions about interim leadership for the School have begun; I’ll be in touch with the RSENR community with more details soon. Please join me in sharing my warm congratulations.

Sincerely,
 

Patricia A. Prelock
Provost and Senior Vice President