Dr. Elaine Collins was appointed JSC’s next president by the VSC board of trustees after a final deliberation on Wednesday, Feb. 11. Collins will succeed President Barbara Murphy when she retires June 30.

Currently, Collins is serving as dean and chief operating officer of the College of Education at Grand Valley State University in Michigan. Prior to that, she served as vice president of arts and sciences at West Shore Community College, and interim vice president of academic affairs at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts.

During her time at Grand Valley State University, Collins strengthened academic programs, galvanized faculty, increased financial support, embraced a more inclusive vision of shared governance, and expanded external programs.

“Dr. Collins will bring strong leadership, vision and administrative skills to Johnson State College,” said VSC Chancellor Jeb Spaulding. “She recognizes the importance of meeting the diverse needs of our students and the crucial role the college plays in Vermont’s economy and our regional community. Just as important, she has demonstrated the fortitude to implement innovative strategies to strengthen student recruitment and retention and to achieve operational efficiencies.”

As a first-year college student, Collins says she recognizes the difficulties that students face when entering a new learning environment, and she wants to see everyone together working at the same table to address issues, and improve the college experience.

According to Collins, she likes to have students present on each committee so they get voice as well. The first thing she wants to do as president is get to know the students, staff, faculty and community. She wants to go on listening tours to hear people tell her the issues, and how she could be the best president. Then, her top priorities for the first two years as president will be enrollment, branding, and retention. She wants to determine how to best brand the institution so that JSC can expand its image and reputation both locally and across the state.

“I cannot wait to learn more about the people at Johnson State College,” Collins said in an email interview. “Why have students chosen to fulfill their education goals at JSC? What do they most enjoy about the campus experience? What would they like to see changed? What do staff and faculty feel is the essence of the JSC learning experience, and what would they like to see changed? I have a lot to learn about JSC’s rich history.”

Some students and faculty have stated that they’d like to see the campus dog policy change to allow them to bring their dogs to JSC unleashed, but while Collins said she would be bringing two basset hounds, Fergus and Maggie, to campus, she says she will not be changing this policy.

“Both of my dogs have received extensive obedience training,” she says. “Having said this, I would not feel comfortable letting my dogs off leash when walking on campus. I take the issue of campus safety very seriously for all members of our community. While I am confident that they do not pose any threat to people, they have been known to chase the occasional rabbit. Walking them on leash ensures their safety and the safety of any rabbits that may cross our path.”

Search Committee member Jamey Ventura, director of athletics and recreation at JSC, said he is thrilled that Collins will be JSC’s next president.

“Dr. Collins’ vision for moving the college forward, along with her attention to detail and proven track record in accomplishing her goals, will help us reach our full potential in the years to come,” he said.

Spaulding added that throughout the search process, the Johnson State College community engaged in a lively conversation about its future, and he said, “on behalf of the Vermont State College community, I welcome Dr. Collins and look forward to our work together on behalf of our students and our state.”