University achieves COPLAC designation, affirming its leadership in high‑impact, student‑centered liberal arts education
Vermont Business Magazine Vermont State University (VTSU) achieved distinction from the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges (COPLAC) and is officially recognized as a leading public liberal arts institution.
COPLAC comprises 26 colleges and universities across 25 states and one Canadian province. The organization drives awareness of the value of a high-quality, public liberal arts education in a student-centered, residential environment. COPLAC designation is a significant milestone and affirms VTSU’s commitment to providing excellent liberal arts and sciences education.
This achievement identifies VTSU’s role within the national consortium and expands VTSU’s historic participation in COPLAC to the entire university.
For a decade, Vermont’s COPLAC membership was held by Johnson State College and its successor Northern Vermont University at Johnson. Now, those legacy institutions are part of Vermont State University, With the entirety of the state-wide institution achieving this recognition, students and faculty across all campuses and academic modalities will now gain access to the full slate of COPLAC opportunities, programs, and national networks.
“COPLAC institutions share a deep commitment to the transformative power of public liberal arts education,” said Jeanine Went, Executive Director of COPLAC. “We are thrilled to welcome Vermont State University as Vermont’s designated public liberal arts institution. VTSU’s statewide reach and dedication to student‑centered learning strengthen the consortium, and we look forward to the perspectives, partnerships, and innovations the university will bring to our collective work.”
COPLAC unites public institutions across the United States and Canada that share a commitment to rigorous undergraduate education and a residential, student‑centered learning environment grounded in the liberal arts. Membership signals that students at VTSU receive a transformative and high-impact educational experience, as evaluated by the COPLAC board and conferred in January 2026. It also highlights VTSU’s ongoing work to deliver broad, interdisciplinary learning experiences while widening access through multiple modalities.
“This designation strengthens our identity as Vermont’s public liberal arts university and affirms the values that shape our work as a statewide institution,” said VTSU President Dave Bergh. “It signals to our communities and to prospective students that VTSU is committed to providing an educational experience rooted in curiosity, critical thinking, and the kinds of high‑impact learning that prepare graduates for meaningful lives and careers.”
COPLAC membership extends countless benefits to VTSU students and faculty. Undergraduate students will be able to participate in regional research and creative conferences that connect students with peers and faculty from across the COPLAC consortium and help prepare them for graduate study and professional pathways. Additionally, undergraduates have grant-funded research opportunities with mentors at other COPLAC institutions. campus exchanges and summer study abroad programs. Exceptional student work, both scholarly and creative, may also be published in Metamorphosis, COPLAC’s interdisciplinary journal.
Faculty opportunities include short- and long-term exchanges, access to conferences and idea exchanges like the annual Summer Institute on Liberal Learning and the Summer Summit, and development and leadership programs such as COPLAC’s Scott Beard Leadership Circle. COPLAC also works with members to advance their goals and advocate the value of a liberal arts education with federal and state policymakers.
Nolan Atkins, VTSU Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, has represented Vermont in COPLAC for many years and attended the board’s January meeting.
“Becoming Vermont’s COPLAC institution reflects both the depth of our liberal arts heritage and the momentum of our academic mission,” said Provost Nolan Atkins. “This recognition opens new pathways for our students and faculty to engage in research, creative activity, and professional development at a national level, and it ensures that the entire VTSU community can benefit from the opportunities COPLAC provides.”
ABOUT VERMONT STATE UNIVERSITY
Vermont State University (VTSU) provides a high-quality, flexible, and affordable education for students seeking associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees, certificates, and in-demand professional credentials. The university builds upon a history of public higher education in Vermont dating back to 1787. More information about Vermont State University can be found at: VermontState.edu
1.29.2026. Randolph Center, Vt. — Vermont State University VermontState.edu
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