BENNINGTON, Vt. — Southern Vermont College, facing "insurmountable pressure," will close at the end of the spring semester.
In an announcement made Monday morning, President David R. Evans cited declining enrollment, financial pressure, and adverse action by the college's regional accreditor concerning institutional resources.
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts in North Adams, Mass., has agreed to accept SVC's new students in the fall semester. MCLA staff are expected to be on the Vermont campus on Tuesday afternoon to meet with any interested students.
"Following notice at the end of January from the New England Commission of Higher Education that SVC would face a show-cause hearing over finances and enrollment on Feb. 28, 2019, the administration and board of trustees met multiple times to explore options for the college's future," Evans stated. "Unfortunately, the negative publicity surrounding this hearing, coupled with widespread concern about the health of the small private college sector in our region, has placed insurmountable pressure on our plans to increase enrollment over the next several years."
The private four-year college had only 361 students enrolled for the 2017-18 school year, down from more than 500 at its peak.
The college has struggled over the last decade, nearly losing its nursing school accreditation and losing more than $400,000 to embezzlement, both before Evans came on in 2015. The college had sought to create a pipeline into its nursing program by collaborating with Southwestern Vermont Medical Center last year.
Evans told Vermont Digger last month that the nursing program only had 50 students, a third of its past enrollment.
"David Evans and Southern Vermont College have been terrific partners, and our innovative affiliation will regretfully end with the college's closure in May," said Tom Dee, president of Southwestern Vermont Medical Center. "We will support and assist SVC as they develop pathways to place their currently enrolled bachelor of science in nursing students in other colleges, and stand by our promise of providing tuition-debt forgiveness and employment for the eligible students that pre-qualified for our program."
In his statement Monday, Evans said the board and cabinet had determined to cease recruiting activities until the NECHE hearing was known. That action, however, "has effectively prevented us from implementing any credible plan to build enrollment to a sustainable level."
SVC is the second small Vermont college to close this year; the 175-year-old Green Mountain College in Poultney announced in January it would graduate its final class this spring, hit by similar declining enrollment and lack of partnerships. The College of St. Joseph in Rutland is teetering on the brink and Goddard College in Plainfield is on accreditation probation.
Southern Vermont dates to 1926 when it was established as a business school under the Sisters of St. Joseph and moved to the 400-acre estate of Edward Everett in the 1950s. It became a liberal arts college in 1974 and added on more majors, though its focus has been on business, nursing and health, social sciences, natural sciences and humanities.
Students who graduate in the spring will receive fully accredited degrees. On Saturday, SVC had received notice that NECHE will allow the college's accreditation to continue through Aug. 31, 2019, to enable students who need only a small number of courses or other requirements to graduate from SVC with an accredited degree at the end of the summer. Arrangements for such students are under development.
College officials say they are aggressively pursuing transfer options for continuing students,
including a preferred teach-out agreement with MCLA. For programs without a direct match, the college is seeking pathways with other colleges and universities, including Norwich University and Castleton University. The enrollment-management staff is also working to identify additional options and will support every student in finding the best path forward.
MCLA has agreed to admit all SVC's accepted new students for the fall semester and SVC leadership is also seeking opportunities to support employment transitions for faculty and staff.
"Our board and our administration deeply regret that we have not been able to find a way to continue the great work of the college in helping our students find and fulfill their potential," said Evans. "SVC has improved the lives of many students, and our legacy lives in their success and contributions to the world."
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.
Your Comments
iBerkshires.com welcomes critical, respectful dialogue. Name-calling, personal attacks, libel, slander or foul language is not allowed. All comments are reviewed before posting and will be deleted or edited as necessary.
No Comments
DPAC To Perform 'Clue: On Stage'
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The Drury Performing Arts Center, in collaboration with the North Adams Public Schools 21st Century Afterschool Program, announced performance dates for its production of "Clue: On Stage" adapted from the screenplay by Jonathan Lynn, written by Sandy Rustin with additional material by Hunter Foster and Eric Price.
According to a press release:
It's a dark and stormy night, and you've been invited to a very unusual dinner party. Each of the guests has an alias, the butler offers a variety of weapons, and the host is, well... dead. So whodunnit? Join the iconic oddballs known as Miss Scarlet, Professor Plum, Mrs. White, Mr. Green, Mrs. Peacock, and Colonel Mustard as they race to find the murderer in Boddy Manor before the body count stacks up. Based on the cult classic film and the popular board game, Clue is a madcap comedy that will keep you guessing until the final twist!
Performances will take place on Friday, Nov. 22 at 7PM and Saturday, Nov. 23 at 2PM and 7PM. All performances will take place in the Drury Performing Arts Center, 1130 South Church Street, North Adams. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students and senior citizens.
Tickets will be sold at the door.
"Clue: On Stage" is directed by Liz Urban and features the creative talents of more than 40 Drury students in grades 7–12.
There are several events this weekend, including an immersive installation, live music, and book activities. See a list of upcoming bazaars, craft fairs and markets here.
click for more
The scope of the work includes demolishing the existing roof membrane, flashing insulation and protection boards on the existing flat roof, repairing and repainting the window frames and sashes, and painting and sealing all surfaces.
click for more
Community, education and business leaders are promoting the Northern Tier Passenger Rail Restoration Project as a critical component for economic development. click for more
Monument Mountain's Everett Pacheco took control of the race in the final mile and went on to a convincing Division 3 State Championship on Saturday at Fort Devens. click for more