Sterling College in Craftsbury Common will end its academic programs after the spring semester, police announced this month, citing persistent financial and enrollment challenges. The closure of the 65-year-old environmental college has stirred anxiety in the community of roughly 1,300 residents.
Ned Houston, who worked at the college for 37 years, said the school brought world exposure to a rural area. "Despite our location in a very rural area, we gave quite a lot of world exposure to students, and to ourselves," he said.
The college has been a major employer and cultural hub. Emily McClure, co-owner of the Craftsbury General Store, said students brought "young energy" to the town. "Craftsbury Common would not be what it is without Sterling College having been there for nearly 70 years," she said. But McClure noted a "slow decline" in the college's presence since the pandemic.
The closure also threatens the local water system. Paula Davidson, treasurer of Craftsbury Fire District #2, said Sterling College is the district's largest customer, accounting for 45% of water usage and 36% of income. "I'm not sure how we will proceed," she said, adding that the district will seek grants and loans for infrastructure repairs.
College President Scott Thomas said the focus is on helping remaining students finish their degrees. The board of trustees will determine how to steward the college's remaining resources. Residents are hoping for a community-led effort to repurpose the campus.
Originally reported by VTDigger.
Photo: Sterling College from Craftsbury Common, VT, USA (Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0). Photo is illustrative and not from the scene.
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