On Monday, March 2, 2020, I received an email from Brendan Crowley, a Castleton student and the editor of the Castleton Spartan newspaper. He shared that he and fellow editor, Caton Deuso, had been approached by fellow students questioning a rumor they heard around campus.

That rumor involves me.

Last year I was nominated for the Champlain College presidency, and encouraged by a number of people to give it my full consideration. While I was not seeking another presidency, I felt I had an obligation to assess this position, just as I would encourage a colleague to explore professional opportunities as they arise.

I reached out to my supervisor, Vermont State Colleges Chancellor Jeb Spaulding, and talked with him about my plans to investigate this posting. Shortly after our discussion, I applied for the position. In late January, I was notified that I had been named one of three finalists for the position, and in early February I visited campus for two days of interviews with college stakeholders.

The two other candidates visited the following week. On Tuesday evening, March 3, I heard from the search firm that the search committee had selected one of the other finalists for the position. I was pleased to finally have resolution on the matter.

Throughout this process, I have remained fully committed to my role as your president. Castleton University is my home and holds a special place in my heart. I have remained committed to my role as president of Castleton University, and I remain so today. I fully intend to stay. We have built a strong team and we have accomplished a great deal in the past two years.

We have built the momentum to carry us into a bright future. Our successes have been because of our collaboration and our mutual commitment, and I am proud of our achievements. It is because of our students and because of all of our amazing faculty and staff that I am honored to serve this amazing community and to lead The Castleton Way.

Keep looking for me at games and arts events and across campus as I walk my puppies. We enjoy getting to know you, and sharing in your experience here at Castleton. I am, and will continue to be, your greatest fan!

As a final note, I thought it prudent to share that I have appreciated the support of Chancellor Spaulding, Board of Trustees Chair, Church Hindes, and our Castleton community, all of whom have been understanding and appreciative of the transparency I have offered.