The University of Vermont Board of Trustees approved the formation of UVM’s Food Systems Research Institute (FSRI) at its annual spring meeting on May 16. A collaboration with the U.S. Dept of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service, the FSRI aims to foster a thriving food system fueled by transdisciplinary, people-centered research.

The FSRI builds upon the UVM Food Systems Research Center established in 2019 with a Congressionally mandated allocation. Under the leadership of Director Polly Ericksen, the FSRI will create and support collaborative teams to connect disciplines and communities and produce results that are relevant to users from consumers to policy makers.

“The center has done outstanding work in its first five years, and we are thrilled to take this next step in boosting research that can create such significant, positive impact regionally and beyond,” Ericksen said. “We appreciate our growing partnership with the USDA ARS and are excited for the future of this vital institute.”

Interim President Patricia Prelock’s report to the Board outlined the hard work done to prepare the updated model to the University’s Commencement ceremonies, new this year, and described the rigorous process used to advance a balanced budget for Fiscal Year 2026. Financial leadership at the university has been planning to address the ongoing budget pressures caused by rapidly increasing healthcare costs through a combination of targeted budget reductions and the use of reserve funds. Those plans are reflected in the budget approved by the board. Should federal actions occur that would significantly impact university funding, the budget would be revisited by the Board. The budget for FY26 was advanced by the Budget, Finance, and Investment Committee and approved by the Board.

The Board also approved a pair of construction projects: A new clinic building for the Center for Health and Wellbeing and a new athletic facility at the Archie Post Complex. The clinic replaces the undersized and outdated facility currently located at the University Health Center’s Rehab Wing, and improves access to consolidated medical care, mental health counseling and aligned services. The athletic facility – in the area of the athletic campus home to Virtue Field, Moulton-Winder Field, and the Frank H. Livak Track and Field Complex – will include expanded locker rooms, dedicated spaces for sales of concessions and tickets, and increased capacity for equipment storage.

Acting Provost Linda Schadler’s report to the Board included an overview of the work done this semester by the university’s Operations Teams for Federal Response. Since their formation in mid-February, the teams have overseen the creation of a Federal Actions webpage and helped organize and promote more than a half-dozen information sessions and discussions, in-person and online, to answer questions and explore potential impacts on the university. Schadler also mentioned the July 1 arrival of Linda Prokopy as the new Dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, taking over for Leslie Parise who is retiring.

Members of UVM’s research faculty gave a presentation to the Board on the university’s attainment earlier this year of the coveted Carnegie R1 research status. An event to recognize the achievement and celebrate UVM researchers and their work was held during Research Week (April 21-25).

The Board received presentations on the Graduate College and Career Center, as well as updates from various governance groups including Faculty Senate, Staff Council, the Student Government Association and the Graduate Student Senate.

The Board recognized and commended Patricia Prelock for her service as interim president of the university and wished her the best as she takes the provost position at the University of Arizona. The Board also expressed its “appreciation, affection, and heartfelt best wishes” to retired trustees Kevin “Coach” Christie, Carolyn Dwyer, Katelynn Giroux, and Samuel Young.