Sterling College (Vermont)

Sterling College is a private work college in Craftsbury, Vermont. Its curriculum is focused on ecological thinking and action through a major in Environmental Studies with concentrations in Ecology, Environmental Humanities, Outdoor Education, and Sustainable Agriculture & Food Systems. The college is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

Sterling College
MottoEcological Thinking and Action
TypePrivate work college
Established1958 (1958) (as a boys' preparatory school)
AccreditationNECHE
Endowment$1.1 million
PresidentScott Thomas
Academic staff
11[1]
Total staff
34
Students100
Location
Craftsbury Common
,
Vermont
,
United States

44.6523°N 72.3823°W / 44.6523; -72.3823
CampusRural
Websitewww.sterlingcollege.edu

History

Sterling School was founded as a boys' college preparatory school in 1958. The school's educational philosophy was later influenced by that of Outward Bound founder Kurt Hahn. The school's transition to higher education in the 1970s began with the Academic Short Course in Outdoor Leadership, a 21-day program. In 1974, Sterling School was faced with closure and a small group of faculty launched the educational model that became Sterling College.

In 1974, a small group of faculty established an academic year-long program similar to Outward Bound programs known as Grassroots Project in Vermont at Sterling Institute. By 1983, Sterling had developed into an accredited college offering an Associate of Arts degree in resource management with full accreditation by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges granted in 1987.

Since 1997, Sterling College has been accredited as a four-year college. It awards Bachelor of Arts degrees in Ecology, Environmental Humanities, Outdoor Education, and Sustainable Agriculture & Food Systems. Sterling College joined the Work Colleges Consortium in 1999.

In 2013, Sterling College announced that it would be the first college in Vermont, and the third college in the nation, to divest its endowment from fossil fuel extractors.[2]

On April 11th, 2023, Scott L. Thomas was announced as Sterling's 12th president; he began on July 1.[3]

Academics
a solar panel at Sterling College

Sterling College offers associate and bachelor's degrees. It was the first college in the nation to offer a minor in Draft Horse Management.[4]

In 2013, Sterling College created the Rian Fried Center for Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems. Named for the late trustee, it is the center point for the college's focus on sustainable agriculture and sustainable food systems.[5]

Sterling College also launched a continuing education program in 2013, with a series of 2- and 4-week short courses. The first course offered was a two-week cheese-making intensive in partnership with the Cellars at Jasper Hill.[6] Other courses feature guest faculty such as Sandor Katz,[7] John Elder, Rowan Jacobsen, Ginger Strand, and Clare Walker Leslie.[8]

Campus

The primary campus is 130 acres (53 ha). It has 14 buildings, including a woodworking shop and a library. Outdoor teaching facilities include a managed woodlot, a challenge course, a 30 feet (9.1 m) climbing tower, managed gardens, and a working livestock farm with two solar-powered barns. Much of what is grown and raised on campus is consumed in the dining hall. Sterling produces approximately 35% of its own food, with an overall 53% coming from within a 150-mile radius of the college.[9]

References
  1. "College Overview - Sterling College". Peterson's. 2006-10-23. Retrieved 2007-01-26.
  2. "Fossil Free – Commitments". Gofossilfree.org. Retrieved 2016-10-12.
  3. D'Auria, Peter (2023-04-13). "Sterling College names University of Wyoming administrator as new president". VTDigger. Retrieved 2023-04-14.
  4. "Minor In Draft Horsing? Well Yes, At Sterling College". Farmprogress.com. 2013-08-30. Retrieved 2016-10-12.
  5. "Sterling College Launches Sustainable Ag and Food Systems Center". WAMC. 2013-08-27. Retrieved 2016-10-12.
  6. Palmer, Hannah. "Sterling College Introduces Artisan Cheesemaking Intensive | Food News | Seven Days | Vermont's Independent Voice". Sevendaysvt.com. Retrieved 2016-10-12.
  7. Levitt, Alice (2014-01-29). "Sandor Katz to Teach Fermentation at Sterling College | Bite Club". Sevendaysvt.com. Retrieved 2016-10-12.
  8. "New writing workshop announced at Sterling College". Vtdigger.org. 2014-02-24. Retrieved 2016-10-12.
  9. "FOR THE THIRD CONSECUTIVE YEAR, STERLING COLLEGE IS #1 FOR REAL FOOD". Sterling College. Retrieved 23 April 2018.
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