Vermont Law School changed its name on July 1 to Vermont Law and Graduate School (VLGS), as part of a broader long-term growth plan that will see the institution house two distinct schools, all supported by an anonymous $8 million donation.
Vermont Law is one of only 15 stand-alone law schools and has been looking for ways to solidify its financial footing. The school’s faculty and staff had been working on a plan for the past 18 months.
Along with the name change, the school is adding three new degrees: a Master of Climate and Environmental Policy, an Executive Master of Environmental Policy, and a Master of Animal Protection Policy.
The creation of the graduate school necessitated a stand-alone president position due to the increased workload. Rodney Smolla was appointed to fill the role of president by the board of trustees and began his tenure on July 1. Previously, the position was a joint president/dean role. Both schools will also now have their own respective deans, with Beth McCormack continuing to serve as interim law school dean and Jennifer Rushlow being named interim dean of the graduate school. Both will serve through the 2022/2023 academic year.
The plan builds on the school’s established strengths in environmental law and policy and justice reform.
The $8 million donation is the largest gift in the school’s history and will be apportioned over three years to support both existing programs as well as the new strategic plan.
More announcements about the school’s updated degrees and programs will be made in August 2022.
