David Bergh new VTSU pres.

The following is a lightly edited press release from the Vermont State University administration announcing the appointment of the next interim president. It arrived too close to The Spartan’s publish- ing day to do an independent story.

Bergh also served in several community roles during his time at Johnson, including as chair of the Board of Directors of the Lamoille County Planning Commission, serving on the board of directors of the Northern Vermont Economic Development District, president of the Board of Laraway Youth & Family Services, and in several roles within the town of Johnson, including on the Planning Commission.

Most recently, he held leadership roles for eight years as vice president for Planning and Institutional Effectiveness, executive vice president, and then president at Cazenovia College, a former independent college in New York State.

At Cazenovia, Bergh served as president of the Cazenovia Area Community Development Association, co-facilitator of the Steering Committee for Cazenovia Welcomes Refugees, on the board of directors of the Greater Cazenovia Area Chamber of Commerce, and on the Cazenovia Central Schools Strategic Planning Task Force, among other roles.

Bergh has a B.A. in Political Science from Allegheny College, an M.P.A. from the Rockefeller College of Public Affairs & Policy at the University of Albany, State University of New York, and an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the Uni- versity of Vermont.

“We are excited to welcome Bergh back to the Vermont State Colleges System at this excit- ing moment in our history,” said Sophie Zdatny, Chancellor of the Vermont State Colleges System. “Dr. Bergh understands rural higher education and brings a true passion for advancing the needs of students to his work. He has a strong connection to Vermont’s rural communities and their unique needs, and a track record of engagement, community service and relationship-building. Dr. Bergh will thoughtfully carry forward the transformation and optimization work already underway to usher Vermont State University through its next phase. We are eager to welcome Dr. Bergh home to Vermont.”

Bergh added, “I am incredibly impressed with the students, faculty, staff, and leaders of Vermont

State University and throughout the Vermont State Colleges system. The transformation planning and the modernization work done over the last few years is truly remarkable. I believe that this work paves the way for growth and viability at our campuses and will be a national model to build on. I am excited to reconnect with old friends and forge new connections across all our campuses and learn- ing locations as I begin this work. I am honored to be selected as the interim President of Vermont State University and look forward to the work ahead because I know the future of Vermont State University is bright.”

“Dr. Bergh is an exceptional leader charged with leading Vermont State University through the next chapter of transformation, ultimately resulting in increased student access, continued modernization and improvement across all levels of the organization, and ensuring the institution’s financial stability,” noted Lynn Dickinson, Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Vermont State Colleges system. “We are incredibly grateful to interim President Mike Smith for his tireless work these last six months. Interim President Smith has laid the groundwork for a suc- cessful next phase, and we look forward to working with Dr. Bergh as he takes the helm later this year.

The Vermont State University President will exercise broad re- sponsibilities for all aspects of the academic, student, financial, and development dimensions of the university. The President will report to the chancellor of the Ver- mont State Colleges System and work closely with the Board of Trustees and with Vermont State University’s sister institution, Community College of Vermont.