Burlington College

Burlington College was a private, non-profit Vermont college that operated from 1972 to 2016, offering a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including those in Fine Arts, Environmental Studies, and Business Administration. The college was known for its strong programs in Sustainability and Social Justice, and its faculty included notable scholars such as Noam Chomsky and Howard Zinn. Burlington College was accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges and was a member of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities. The college's curriculum was designed to prepare students for careers in fields such as Environmental Science, International Relations, and Non-Profit Management, with many graduates going on to work for organizations like the United Nations and the Sierra Club.

● History

Burlington College was founded in 1972 by Stuart M. Butler and Sheila L. Murphy, with the goal of providing a unique and innovative educational experience for students. The college's early years were marked by a focus on Experiential Education and Community Engagement, with students participating in internships and service-learning projects with organizations like the American Red Cross and the Habitat for Humanity. In the 1980s, the college began to develop its programs in Sustainable Agriculture and Renewable Energy, with faculty members like Wangari Maathai and Amory Lovins playing a key role in shaping the curriculum. The college also established partnerships with institutions like the University of Vermont and the Vermont Law School, providing students with access to a range of academic and professional resources.

● Academics

Burlington College offered a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts, a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies, and a Master of Arts in Teaching. The college's faculty included scholars and practitioners from a variety of fields, including Annie Sprinkle, Stephanie Kaza, and Bill McKibben. Students at Burlington College had the opportunity to engage in Study Abroad programs with institutions like the University of Oxford and the Sorbonne, as well as participate in Internships with organizations like the National Park Service and the World Wildlife Fund. The college's academic programs were designed to prepare students for careers in fields like Conservation Biology, International Development, and Social Entrepreneurship, with many graduates going on to work for organizations like the Peace Corps and the Ford Foundation.

● Campus

The Burlington College campus was located in Burlington, Vermont, with views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains. The campus included a range of facilities, including the Durick Library, the Morgan Room, and the Sustainability Center. Students at Burlington College had access to a range of Recreational Facilities, including a Gymnasium and a Soccer Field, as well as opportunities to participate in Outdoor Programs like Hiking and Skiing with organizations like the Appalachian Mountain Club and the Vermont Ski Areas Association. The college's campus was also home to a range of Student Organizations, including the Burlington College Student Union and the Environmental Club, which worked with groups like the Sierra Club and the Nature Conservancy to promote sustainability and social justice.

● Finances

Burlington College faced significant financial challenges in the years leading up to its closure, including a decline in Enrollment and a increase in Operating Costs. The college's financial situation was further complicated by a Mortgage on its campus, which was held by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Burlington. In an effort to address its financial challenges, the college's administration implemented a range of Cost-Cutting Measures, including reductions in Faculty and Staff. Despite these efforts, the college was ultimately unable to overcome its financial difficulties, and was forced to close its doors in 2016. The college's financial situation was also impacted by changes in the Higher Education landscape, including the rise of Online Education and the increasing popularity of Community Colleges like the Community College of Vermont.

● Closure

Burlington College closed its doors on May 27, 2016, due to financial difficulties. The college's closure was a significant blow to the Burlington, Vermont community, which had come to rely on the institution as a source of Economic Development and Cultural Enrichment. The closure of Burlington College also had a significant impact on the college's students, who were forced to Transfer to other institutions in order to complete their degrees. Many students transferred to institutions like the University of Vermont, the Champlain College, and the Johnson State College, while others chose to pursue degrees at Online Universities like the Western Governors University and the Southern New Hampshire University. The college's closure was also felt by the broader Higher Education community, with many institutions like the Harvard University and the Yale University expressing sadness and disappointment at the loss of a unique and innovative educational institution.

● Legacy

Despite its closure, Burlington College's legacy continues to be felt in the Burlington, Vermont community and beyond. The college's commitment to Sustainability and Social Justice has inspired a new generation of Activists and Entrepreneurs, including individuals like Greta Thunberg and Malala Yousafzai. The college's emphasis on Experiential Education and Community Engagement has also influenced the development of Education programs at institutions like the University of California, Berkeley and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Additionally, the college's campus has been acquired by the Catholic Diocese of Burlington, which plans to use the facility to support the work of Non-Profit Organizations like the Catholic Charities and the Salvation Army. The college's legacy can also be seen in the work of its alumni, who are making a positive impact in fields like Environmental Conservation, Human Rights, and Social Entrepreneurship, with organizations like the World Bank, the United Nations Development Programme, and the Ashoka Foundation.