Aug. 29 marked the celebration of a new academic year at Vermont State University and with it an impressive surge in enrollment. 

Castleton’s annual convocation featured addresses from Cathy Kozlik, dean of the School of Business and Professional Studies, faculty representative Andre Fleche, Student Government Association President Thomas Kehoe and university President David Bergh. 

“We’re on the cusp of a new academic year, just the second in our new life as Vermont State University,” said Kozlik. “We have the opportunity to work together, to shape something together. Our students are already leading the way in this endeavor.”

Kozlik advised new and returning students to “take full advantage” of all academic and extracurricular opportunities at Castleton. 

“Don’t sit in your room students,” she added. “I hope you will join this vibrant community and become part of a story which is bigger than yourself.”  

The ceremony recognized 34 new faculty and staff hired at Castleton this calendar year, roughly 550 new first year students, and international students from Canada, Italy, Spain, Norway, and Estonia, Russia. 

Fleche spoke on behalf of the faculty, saying, “[We] are especially looking forward to working with all new and returning students. At Castleton, as always, you can expect a close personal relationship with your professors and peers, face-to-face and hands-on work, and exciting opportunities outside of the classroom.” 

He went on to list many impressive faculty accomplishments, including awards, attendance at prestigious conferences, publications and research findings, in addition to their on-campus initiatives. He urges students to inquire more about professors and take advantage of the opportunities they have to offer.

Kehoe expressed his confidence in the merged, yet historically thriving Castleton campus. 

“Let me assure you, the spirit of Castleton, the spirit of the Spartan, still stands strong,” he said to a round of applause. 

He pledged his and the SGA’s loyalty to serving and representing the student body, especially through merger-related changes and challenges. 

“I, along with the rest of our student leadership, and the leadership here on campus, hold your best interest at heart. We are here to support you, listen to you, and fight for you. Your voice matters now more than ever,” he said.

Due to VTSU’s simultaneous convocations, Bergh delivered his message via video.

“It’s going to be a great year. I can feel it in my bones,” he said.

This feeling is illustrated by a 14% increase in enrollment since Fall 2023, announced in a university-wide email by Bergh and reinforced by a press release from Communications Director Greta Hasler on Sept. 5. 

 “I want to thank you for recommending VTSU to your friends and your classmates, and for everything that we’ve done and continue to do in support of our university,” said Bergh in his announcement video. 

The press release noted 1,700 new students, significantly boosting both in and out-of-state populations. 

“The Class of 2028 represents 35 states and 11 countries, with students hailing from as far away as Florida to California and Italy to Japan. In fact, out-of-state student enrollment is up 13% across all VTSU campuses, enriching the student population and diversity of the campuses. 19% of the new class identify as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color (BIPOC) and 56% are first-generation college students,” wrote Hasler in the release. 

Vice President of Student Success Kelley Beckwith and Vermont State Colleges System Chancellor Beth Mauch shared more good news, citing positive trends in retention and internal transfers from the Community College of Vermont to VTSU. 

“We’ll continue this essential work in partnership with the state and with our communities to carry this year’s success through the recruitment and ultimately the retention of our future classes,” concluded Bergh.