VTSU's Incoming Presidents Focus on the Student Voice

Details: Created on Wednesday, 11 March 2026 17:47; Written by Paige Lenahan

Lyndon - Vermont State University's upcoming President, Dr. Sherry Kollmann, has focuses important to students.

Students at VTSU were recently informed of a new president being appointed for the upcoming year. The university has undergone multiple changes over past years, and with more to come, a new president is a big deal.

"We've worked with our current president, and aim to always have positive communication with them between us and the students," Kiara Mack, President of Student Government at VTSU Lyndon explains, " And making sure that our voices are heard aswell as our fellow students voices."

VTSU students value communication more than anything when it comes to a new president. Dr. Sherry Kollmann describes herself as a listener and hopes that students will feel comfortable to meet with her and voice any concerns they may have. She explained that students are the heart of a university, and hearing their voices is what a university is for.

"In any role I have ever had or will ever have, students will always be at the center of decision making," Dr. Sherry Kollmann stated, "I think what we need to look at is what is in the best interest of our students and community."

This past semester, VTSU has been slowly working to implement more community into campuses. VTSU campuses are on the smaller side and many have empty buildings, which the current president had decided to turn into cummunity buildings.

Kollmann spoke on this saying, "Coming from a rural background myself, I think community members are an intrical part of the discussion."

Kollmann also explained that businesses and community involvment is important to drive academics. For some of VTSU's campuses, local businesses are already working heavily with students.

Kiara explained why Lyndon values community involvement, "They support us in a lot of ways that we just don't see as students sometimes. So we want to make sure everyone feels welcome. An increase in community engagement means an increase in the community wanting us to be here and wanting the school to continue forward."

Dr. Sherry Kollmann will join the University later this year as President of VTSU and Vice Chancelor of the Vermont State Colleges System.