I'm wrapping up my second full year as Dean of the Rubenstein School, and I am in awe of the achievements of our faculty, staff, and students. Over the past twelve months we successfully welcomed our largest first-year class ever, navigated research funding shifts, and underwent our first academic program review since 2018. I am thoroughly impressed by the hard work we’ve done together, all while acting from our shared values and in pursuit of our mission question. 

RSENR students at the UVM commencement ceremony cheering
Rubenstein School graduates at the UVM 2026 commencement ceremony.

This academic year 22 graduate and 343 undergraduate students earned their degrees from the Rubenstein School. Last weekend we celebrated the Class of 2026 with incredible participation from our faculty and staff. Their participation reflects the commitment to our students that makes our school an excellent place to learn and grow. I was honored to welcome graduate alumna Heather Furman '01 as our commencement speaker — her moving words were the perfect send-off for our graduates, reminding us about the power of restoration and that small local actions can blossom into big global change. 

RSENR faculty member Luben Dimov hugging a student
Senior Lecturer Luben Dimov congratulating a Rubenstein School graduate.
Anna Smiles-Becker with RSENR student at commencement 2026
Interim Assistant Dean of Student Services Anna Smiles-Becker with Rubenstein School banner bearer Grace Wang '26.

This year our faculty and staff were recognized across the university for their impact on students, engagement with community partners, and research. I am particularly proud of our Rubenstein School faculty who were recognized in four of UVM's nine faculty award categories: Lecturer Noelia Barrios-García was named the President's Distinguished Lecturer; alumna and part-time instructor Eva Kinnebrew received a Patricia A. Prelock Award for Excellence in Online Teaching; Senior Lecturer Trish O'Kane won the Outstanding Part-time Faculty Teaching Award; and Professor Paul Bierman received the University Distinguished Professor Award, the highest academic honor UVM bestows on its faculty. 

Professor Paul Bierman received an award at UVM Commencement 2026
Professor Paul Bierman receiving the University Distinguished Professor Award from Provost Linda Schadler and President Marlene Tromp.

In the months ahead, our staff and leadership team will be supporting students with internships and research, preparing incoming students for orientation, developing new online academic offerings, and crafting the Rubenstein School's strategic plan in alignment with UVM's Green, Gold, and Bold plan. 

We are leaning into openness, innovation, and responsibility as we confront the many challenges facing our environment, our communities, and higher education. This work won’t be easy, but I remain an optimist. I am excited for the opportunity to consider where we will have the greatest positive impact, by trying new things, and pursuing excellence, justice, and curiosity every step of the way. 

I invite you to consider how you can positively affect the places you work, recreate, and live. We need all of you in this effort! 

Wishing everyone a fulfilling summer.