Tasha Gallup knew college could change her life, but getting there wasn’t easy. With help from VSAC and her own relentless drive, she made it to Castleton, earned her degree, and built a career helping athletes heal. Her story is a must-read for anyone who’s ever wondered if college is possible!

We're proud to share that our Fall 2025 enrollment reflects our commitment to expanded access, innovative programs, and pathways to student success that strengthen Vermont’s workforce and future.

VTSU is turning “Freedom & Unity” into action through programs like tuition-free college for income-eligible Vermonters! Vermont By Degrees: https://www.timesargus.com/opinion/perspective/vermont-by-degrees-vtsu-lives-vermonts-motto/article_8efb3458-bbb3-5336-84d5-5831bf282857.html 

The inaugural Making a Difference, Making a Living (MADMAL) conference brought inspiring voices from across Vermont together. Read about it in this great Rutland Herald story by Sophia Buckley-Clement!

Congrats to Cyndi Lauper on her induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame! Before she became a world star, she attended Johnson. In 2019, she returned to deliver an inspiring commencement address, encouraging graduates to “win the small battles” and turn challenges into opportunities.

It's Military Family Appreciation Month! A time to acknowledge the tremendous sacrifices military families make to support our nation. Sesame Street for Military Families app offer great support for families with young children. https://veteran.com/sesame-street-military-families-free-app/ 

November is Native American Heritage Month. It is a time to celebrate the cultures, traditions, and histories of Native peoples, honor their contributions, and recognize the challenges they have faced and continue to face. Resources: https://www.si.edu/events/native-american-heritage-month

Yesterday’s Making a Difference, Making a Living (MADMAL) Conference brought together a dynamic and diverse group, ranging from high school students to lifelong learners, with even more joining virtually from across Vermont. Thank you to everyone who helped make this event so successful!

VTSU is proud to support first-generation college students. Every classroom they enter is a victory over doubt, fear, and the unknown. We dropped a new video yesterday featuring some or our amazing first-gen students and faculty. Check it out!

It’s First Gen Day at VTSU! Today we celebrate the incredible achievements of our first-generation students with events across all campuses and a special video premiere at 6 p.m. Watch here: https://youtu.be/8-UldNw4FzE 

This week, VTSU proudly conferred the title of President Emeritus on David Wolk, honoring his extraordinary leadership and lifelong service to Vermont higher education. Read the news: https://vermontbiz.com/news/2025/november/03/vermont-state-university-confers-president-emeritus-status-david-wolk 

Calling all rising 10th, 11th, and 12th graders! Next summer, dive into an immersive program at VTSU Randolph and explore the world of 3D Imaging, 3D Printing, and 3D Modeling. June 28 – August 8, 2026 Earn up to 9 college credits More: https://vermontstate.edu/3d-technology-summer-institute/ 

Celebrate First Gen Student Day with VTSU! Sat, Nov 8, marks National First-Generation Student Day, and VTSU is celebrating early! On Thurs, we’ll hold events on all campuses and online! Learn more about why we honor 1st Gen college students: https://coenet.org/first-generation-college-student/ 

"With Sincere apologies to Shakespeare, HAMLET, it’s Tragic." Don’t miss this adaptation of “Hamlet,” written and directed by our own Barclay Tucker for The Twilight Players! Performances are November 13–15 at 7 p.m. and November 16 at 2 p.m. in the Twilight Theater. Admission is by donation.

On Friday, we welcomed Ethan Tapper to campus as their featured guest for the Science Colloquium series at VTSU Castleton. Ethan is well-known in Vermont and beyond as a best-selling author, consulting forester, and popular social media figure.

Join us in honoring all who served this Veterans Day! November 11 11:00 a.m. Castleton – Front steps of Woodruff Hall Johnson – Stearns Building at the flagpole Lyndon – Veterans Park Randolph – Front of Admin Building at the flagpole Williston – Outside 200 Building at the flagpole

Join us for our next Virtual Information Session to explore the MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at VTSU. Final fall 2025 session: November 20 at 5:30 p.m. (ET) Learn more: https://vermontstate.edu/academic-programs/clinical-mental-health-ms/ 

Build Your Cannabis Business in Vermont! Workshops Include: • Cannabis Business 101 • Cannabis Compliance • Challenges to Growing Cannabis • Knowing Your Genetics Learn more: https://vermontstate.edu/news/cannabis-education-workshops-offered-at-vermont-state-university-johnson-in-december/ 

We're less than a week away! 📍 RSVP now: https://madmalvt.org/rsvp  Join us Thursday, November 6, in-person or online, for the MADMAL conference to hear how a college degree has shaped the lives and careers of VT leaders. News: https://www.benningtonbanner.com/.../article_d6258c6d ...

VTSU Exercise Science students and faculty recently participated in the New England American College of Sports Medicine (NEACSM) Fall Meeting in Springfield, MA! #VTSULyndon #VTSUCastleton #ExerciseScience

Meet Lukas, an international student from Latvia who's found a second home at VTSU. From joining the Castleton hockey team to building a tight-knit community thousands of miles from home, his journey is one of courage, connection, and chasing dreams on and off the ice.

🎓 Education changes everything. Join us Nov 3, in-person or online, for the Making a Difference, Making a Living (MADMAL) conference to hear how a college degree has shaped the lives and careers of VT leaders. 📍 RSVP now: https://madmalvt.org/rsvp 

Yesterday, over 250 attendees connected for the VTSU Randolph Fall Career & Internship Fair to explore career opportunities and network with professionals. Huge thanks to Career Development for hosting this vibrant event that brought local and regional employers face-to-face with future talent!

🦷 October is National Dental Hygiene Month, and we’re proud to offer Vermont’s only accredited Dental Hygiene program! https://www.benningtonbanner.com/community-news/national-dental-hygiene-month-puts-focus-on-the-dental-hygiene-program-at-vsu/article_c454991f-7e4d-46ff-8615-6eb33e79de09.html 

Join us for a Virtual Information Session to explore our Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. Session Dates: -October 27 -November 20 Sessions start at 5:30 p.m. ET and run for one hour. Learn more! https://vermontstate.edu/academic-programs/clinical-mental-health-ms/ 

Advance Your Career in Early Childhood Education—100% Online! Spring 2026 is just around the corner—secure your spot in our next ECE Online cohort today! Learn more 👉 https://vermontstate.edu/academic-programs/early-childhood-education-online-completion-bs/ 

Athletic training students at VTSU Castleton recently welcomed distinguished alumnus Dr. David Perrin for a visit filled with conversation and connection. Thank you, Dr. Perrin!

100+ miles of trails. Endless possibilities. 🌿 Just minutes from VTSU Lyndon, Kingdom Trails offers more than epic rides — it’s a place where education meets adventure. Together, we’re building leaders who care for the land and the community.

Today we honor the histories, cultures, and contributions of Indigenous American peoples. More and more states and cities across the U.S.—including Vermont—recognize this day in place of Columbus Day, reflecting a growing movement to celebrate Native history, resilience, and identity.

Miss Vermont 2025 is a proud graduate of VTSU’s nursing program! After experiencing life at a larger university, she realized VTSU was where she truly belonged.

Shoutout to our amazing Professional Pilot Technology seniors who crushed it at their Mock Interview Day last week! With guidance from pilots across the industry—including several proud alums—our students sharpened their interview skills and gained confidence for the next steps in their careers.

In Johnson, campus and community stand shoulder to shoulder, rooted in the Vermont spirit of resilience and pride. What does it mean to reimagine a campus for today’s students and communities? President Bergh explores this question in a new op-ed. https://tinyurl.com/CampusReimagined

The Center for Schools has a number of fall courses with seats still available! Register now to secure your seat! https://vermontstate.edu/about/workforce-community-and-economic-development/center-for-schools/ 

Last month, nearly 200 high school music students from Vermont and New York gathered at VTSU Castleton for the 2025 Honors Festival. Led by their music educators, these talented students spent the day working with our faculty and students—culminating in a beautiful concert in Casella Theater.

Students from the VTSU Lyndon Animation & Illustration program recently attended the Ottawa International Animation Festival. The group went to screenings, presentations with industry recruiters, and networked with fellow animation students and professionals from around the globe.

Wishing everyone a restful and refreshing Fall Break! Take in the crisp air, colorful leaves, and everything that makes autumn in Vermont so enchanting. Enjoy the pause—you’ve earned it!

Did you know there are 100+ miles of mountain bike trails just minutes from VTSU Lyndon? Here’s the crazy part… 👀 It all started when two students secretly built trails. Now Kingdom Trails is one of the top mountain biking networks in the country.

Fall is the perfect time to visit VTSU! ✅ Open Houses ✅ Try a Major Day ✅ Campus Info Sessions ✅ Program-specific events
 ✅ Virtual Info Sessions Whether college is a brand-new adventure or a long-awaited goal, we’ve got an event to help you take the next step. More: VermontState.edu/Visit 

Looking for a job or internship? Don’t miss the VTSU Randolph Fall Career Fair! 📅 Tuesday, Oct. 21 📍 SHAPE Gym, Randolph Campus 🕚 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Meet employers, explore opportunities, and take the next step toward your future.

VTSU students and faculty are part of a cutting-edge team studying ice cores in some of the planet’s most remote environments. https://www.rutlandherald.com/news/local/vermont-state-university-students-faculty-study-arctic-ice/article_3b80dc1f-cad8-4d8b-94aa-1e22f55ef51b.html 

Students in VTSU Johnson's Intro to Field Conservation course recently conducted a nighttime moth inventory on the Johnson Campus—and discovered 25 different species! Using black lights, sheets, and handmade bait, they attracted moths with names like the Ruby Tiger and Setaceous Hebrew Character.

VTSU Randolph's Michael Murphy in the spotlight! ⚽️ Check out his profile in the St. Albans Messenger about his journey from Enosburg Falls to playing for the Knights!

Vermonters, we believe college should be within reach for everyone! That’s why VTSU, in partnership with VSAC, offers the Freedom & Unity Scholarship—covering tuition for eligible students with family incomes of $65K or less. Learn more and apply today! VermontState.edu/Freedom-and-Unity 

More VTSU Johnson Homecoming Weekend photos as the Badgers women's volleyball team took on SUNY Potsdam on Saturday. We’re looking forward to celebrating Homecoming at Castleton this weekend!

Our student athletes compete with some of the most breathtaking backdrops in the country! 📸 Photos from the Badgers’ 5–0 win over MCLA during Homecoming on Saturday! The VTSU Johnson women's soccer team will be back in action tomorrow at 4:30 as they take on Canton at home. Let’s go, Badgers! ⚽

📜 𝗜𝘁'𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝗮𝘆! All campuses will be holding events featuring mini constitutions, voter registration materials, and more! This moment is a reminder for everyone—students and community members alike—to reflect on the values that unite us and the role each of us plays in our democracy. 🇺🇸

Meet VTSU alum John Willard a graduate of our Outdoor Education, Leadership & Tourism program. Before VTSU, John had never climbed. Now, he owns his own business and leads others to new heights, literally. He credits much of his journey to Prof. Ben Mirkin, whose mentorship sparked a passion.

Hispanic Heritage Month is a vibrant, month-long celebration of Hispanic and Latino history, culture, and contributions to our society. To learn more, check out the Hispanic Heritage Month resources hosted by The Library of Congress: https://www.hispanicheritagemonth.gov/ 

𝗩𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀—𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗯𝗲 𝘁𝘂𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻-𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗲! If your family income is $65K or less, you may qualify for the 𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗼𝗺 & 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗮𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 at VTSU. 100+ flexible programs. Any age. No bachelor's degree required. 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲! vsac.org/unity  𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝘆 𝘁𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆! vermontstate.edu/apply 

Vermont State University’s Nursing Program has been named Best in State! 🏆 𝗜𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝘄𝘀: https://www.ourherald.com/articles/vtsus-nursing-program-garners-best-in-state-title/  𝗡𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺𝘀 𝗮𝘁 𝗩𝗧𝗦𝗨: https://vermontstate.edu/nursing-programs/  #WeAreVTSU #NursingExcellence