Marcia McAllister Caldwell, a foundational figure in the Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources’ history, passed away on July 21, 2026, after a period of illness. She dedicated her career to UVM, beginning as a typist in the extension forester’s office in 1966 at the age of 19.
In the early 1970s Marcia began working for the Department of Forestry, which moved into the School of Natural Resources when it was founded in 1973. In 1985, Marcia began working in the Dean’s Office, where she first worked for Associate Dean Al Cassell and then for Don DeHayes when he was appointed associate dean, and eventually dean.
In a tribute to Marcia, Don wrote “Probably more than anyone else, she defined and sustained the very culture that has always distinguished the Rubenstein School from the rest of the UVM campus. Without even knowing it or overtly trying, Marcia created a contagious culture of caring that defined the School and made it a great place to work, play, and learn. More than anything else, Marcia cared about each and every faculty and staff member and, even more so, she cared deeply about the students. The students recognized this and cherished her for all she did for them. I will be forever grateful for her loyalty and friendship.”
In 2016, Marcia retired after 50 years of administrative service and support to the faculty, staff, and students. During those five decades she made a long-lasting impression on the more than 4000 students who graduated from the school between 1973 and 2016.
“I first met Marcia when I was a Ph.D. student in 1999,” said Peter Newman, Dean of the Rubenstein School. “Throughout my time she coached me through the ins and outs of finishing my degree – always cheering me on. Returning to the Rubenstein School 25 years later, her legacy of support is evident every day.”
In 1997 a Forestry student, Tiffany Potter ’98, led the creation of the Marcia Caldwell Award for outstanding dedication to the students of the School. The award has since been given to nearly 30 individuals, recognizing them for all the ways they help Rubenstein students thrive.
“Marcia was a critical presence for me starting as a new faculty member in the Rubenstein School in the 1990s,” shared Professor Emerita Clare Ginger. “She was the go-to person for managing all manner of logistics and problem solving. Most importantly, she showed me what it meant to put students first, and how to be a good advisor.”
“When I was an undergraduate, class registration actually involved walking around the Patrick Gym, going from table to table to sign up for classes,” shared Allan Strong, Alumnus and Professor. “On my first day on campus, I met Marcia as a confused, gangly 18-year-old who helped guide me around the gym to make sure I got the classes I needed. Fast forward 20 years as a new faculty member in the Rubenstein School and Marcia was still guiding me around campus, telling me who to call to get paperwork signed and how to be the best mentor I could be for my students.”
Marcia was quoted in an article announcing her retirement in 2016, stating “the School meant a lot to me, but the best part of my 50 years has been helping all ‘my’ students graduate, watching them grow, and seeing where their four years of hard work have taken them in life.”
Marcia’s legacy in the Rubenstein School lives on through the award named in her honor and the countless people and programs she supported over five decades.