Impact Will Be Felt on Both Sides of the Border
By Doug La Rocque
There has been concern about the college’s future for several weeks, but when President David R. Evans made the official announcement on Monday morning, March 4, that SVC would close its doors at the end of the spring semester, it still sent shockwaves around the community.
Dr. Evans cited declining enrollment, financial pressure and what he labeled as “adverse action by the college’s regional accreditor concerning institutional resources” as the reason for the closures.
SVC received notice in late January they would face a show cause hearing over finances and enrollment. That hearing was held last Thursday, February 28, with the school learning on March 2, that the New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE) had voted to withdraw the school’s accreditation effective August 31. Dr. Evans stressed NECHE concernes were limited to finances, and the quality of education was never in question. The August date allows students who need only a few classes to finish their degree to do so before the end of summer.
“This is Terrible News”
Those were the words of Bennington Town Manager Stuart Hurd, in his comment about the closing to The Eastwick Press. Mr. Hurd also said “SVC has become such an integral part of our community. Its campus located on the east side of Mt Anthony is gorgeous and well utilized and enjoyed by the community. Many of our police officers are graduates of SVC’s Criminal Justice program. Many others on the Town’ staff graduated from SVC and found a home here and a way to contribute to our community. This is truly a sad day for the students, faculty, employees of the college, its administration, and the Town.”
The impact is not only educational, but financial as well. Bennington Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Matt Harrington says “The chamber and staff are sad at the loss of such an institution in our region. I do not envy the task that lay ahead for Dr. Evans and the staff as SVC closes. Unfortunately, I’m not sure this is exclusively a Southern Vermont College problem and I think this is part of an evolutionary process which is creating hardships on many small, rural colleges. This is something Vermont and other states are going to have to deal with. I think the ripple effect throughout the community is yet to be known, but I know of at least a dozen of our business members that will be negatively impacted by this decision.”
Closure Impacts SVHC Nursing As Well
Over the years, Southwest Vermont Health Care and SVC have worked together to develop and strengthen the nursing program at SVHC. In a statement to The Eastwick Press, Thomas Dee, SVHC President said “Southwestern Vermont Health Care is deeply saddened by Southern Vermont College’s (SVC) announcement to close at the end of the spring semester. The loss of their quality education and the economic impact that the institution has on our regional economy is significant and will be difficult to replace. David Evans and Southern Vermont College have been terrific partners, and our innovative affiliation will regretfully end with the college’s closure in May. We will support and assist SVC as they develop pathways to place their currently enrolled Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) students in other colleges, and stand by our promise of providing tuition debt forgiveness and employment for the eligible students that pre-qualified for our program.”
Cross Boarder Impact.
SVC’s closing not only impacts Bennington, but all of the surrounding areas as well. There are many students from New York State enrolled there, and the college employees a significant number of people from Hoosick Falls and Eastern Rensselaer County. Hoosick Falls Deputy Mayor Bob Ryan tells The Eastwick Press, while impact of the closing on the Village won’t be to the level it is in Bennington, “ we will still feel it.” Coupled with the announcement that St. Mary’s Academy in Hoosick Falls is also closing at the end of the school year, he says it’s just more bad new for any area that doesn’t need any more bad news.
On a Personal Note
Hoosick Falls Board of Trustees member Ben Patten and his wife are both 1984 graduates of SVC. He recalls looking at the campus back in 1980. On that day, there was no running water and port a potties outside. There were no dorms on campus, everything was in town. No athletic facilities either, so the school has come a long way in 35 years. “I hope there is a way to get another institution of higher learning interested in taking it over. They have all the facilities now, it’s just a shame.”
Where Do Students Go From Here
The Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) in North Adams as agreed to a program that will provide clear pathways and financial equity for most students who would like to transfer. MCLA has agreed to admit all SVC’s accepted new students for the fall semester. SVC is also working with Norwich and Castleton Universities in Vermont to accept transfers. For employees of the college, they plan support programs such as resume workshops and placement assistance where possible.
Southern Vermont College was founded in 1974.