Hansen moves to VC; purchase inquiries considered

By Jessica Dunkel
Norwich Guidon Staff Writer

The color guard flags stood motionless in Dr. Richard Hansen's new office at College Hall in Vermont College. His fourth-floor office overlooked the campus, footpaths, and common, which have remained unchanged for many years.

With the decision to separate Norwich University and Vermont College, Hansen has relocated to the Montpelier campus of Norwich University and taken on the responsibility of much of the transition involved in the sale of Vermont College.

"It could be done fairly quickly," said Dr. Hansen. "We originally thought it might take two to three years, but I'm thinking it could be done in the next month or two."

On Jan. 27, NU President Richard Schneider and the board of trustees announced their decision to sell the Vermont College programs and the campus, preferably together as a whole. Officials at Vermont College favor this decision to the two previous options of bringing Vermont College to the Northfield campus or selling off parts of the campus.

"(This option) is by far the best of the alternatives," said Roger Cranse, head of the division of Liberal Studies at Vermont College. "We don't think we'd be successful operating in Northfield. There really just is not enough room, and we would hate to lose big chunks of our campus."

University officials, along with the President, arrived at this decision because both of the institutions have reached a point where they can flourish as separate entities.

"At this point in time, both Norwich University and Vermont College are really strong enough fiscally, in terms of enrollment, and academically, to separate," said Thomas Greene, NU director of public relations. "They can now move forward and fulfill their own destinies."

This third option, which involves some risk, would center on the possibility of "partnering with another institution," Cranse explained.

To date, however, the administration favors complete separation of the two institutions.

"(The decision) is advantageous and allows Norwich to have a heightened, sharper sense of mission and purpose from which positive things can come about," Greene said.

Vermont College has already received serious interest from other institutions, but the one that best fits the criteria set by the trustees and staff is Union Institute of Cincinnati, Ohio. Union has already visited Vermont College once and is coming back again twice in April to continue talking with college officials.

After Schneider's decision to separate from Vermont College, some adjustments have been made to accommodate VC through the transition period, beginning with moving Hansen to Vermont College. His position at the Northfield campus will be replaced.

"The faculty here is working on two main goals. One is to keep everyone informed about all these transitions, but also to keep our enrollment up and keep it strong and to keep it growing," Hansen said, adding that prospective buyers look for good strong programs, and a school with good enrollment.

"The positive outlook (from our employees) is fueled by all of the interest we've had," Hansen said, explaining that within a two or three-month span, they've had interest from at least six or seven institutions.

"The faculty are almost universally optimistic about this possibility," Cranse said. "They feel upbeat, buoyant, and they feel that we're moving in the right direction. They're not worried about their jobs."

He explained that because they are the "main workers", any institution will "want to keep them, because in higher education the faculty are the heart of the matter." They, along with the students, make the difference in a college community.

Schneider has also expressed concern about their jobs and contracts.

"One of the president's principle criteria in a potential merger is that the faculty and staff be protected by having their contracts honored," Greene said.

When a bid on the college comes, a sub-committee of the board of trustees will evaluate it. This group is made up of four board members, plus Schneider.

One of the criteria for potential buyers includes choosing one that will embrace the college's values, its programs and characteristics.

"One thing that is important to this board, and to me, is to pay attention to the 156 years of history (of Vermont College). The decision is not to be taken lightly," Hansen said.

Norwich University and Vermont College have been joined for 30 years, but VC has been a college for more than a century and a half.

"Our faculty and staff feel a real sense of stewardship to make sure we do the right thing," Hansen said.

Vermont College, including the programs, buildings, and grounds, is currently valued at $20 million. The money from the sale of Vermont College would go into the university endowment.

"It would go toward student scholarships, student activities, and other programs," Greene said. "But a percentage of the endowment actually is put into the budget every year to enhance academic quality."

With the possibility of a sale quickly approaching, both Norwich University and Vermont College are recognizing the concerns of current and future students. Students currently attending Vermont College before and during the merger will be able to earn diplomas with Norwich University letterhead and accreditation.

Some students may have a choice of institutions during the merger. However, school officials from both institutions want to achieve a "seamless transition for the students."

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