JOHNSON, Vt. (WCAX) – Vermont State University has been through a lot in the past year, and so have many of the towns the campuses are in. Now, VTSU hopes to bring the campuses closer to the communities that they’re in by cultivating positive relationships.
Downtown Johnson and the campus on the hill are both going through changes as VTSU enters the second year after its merger and Johnson reimagines itself after multiple devastating floods.
“We just really want to give back to the community as much as possible, all of our local communities have been very important to the campuses around here,” said Greg Eckman, the athletics director at VTSU Johnson.
This summer, VTSU leaders spoke with their campus towns, including Johnson, about what they want to see from the university moving forward.
“So far, we’ve talked about the possibilities and what works with the college system and what works with the community,” said Gene Richards, who owns Johnson Woolen Mills.
Richards says businesses in town have worked with the school before for sports events and one-time collaborations, but he’s thankful for a chance to participate more.
“It’s our part as a community asset, and they’re a community asset, so we have been working together but not necessarily having input or even discussion on what might happen up there,” Richards said.
To foster connection, Eckman says he wants the community to know services like the fitness facilities, the pool and the library are all open to the public. He says the university is trying to encourage more community service, partnering with organizations like Teen Challenge and Jenna’s Promise, as well as starting a new mentorship program between students and young locals.
“That’s something we’re really looking to do as a campus is to get out in the community, do community service through different opportunities to enjoy what this college has to offer, but also to figure out ways we can grow our local community,” Eckman said.
Richards says that connection is a major part of what will help as Johnson is reimagined.
“I think it’s instrumental,” Richards said. “Just like the rest of the universities in the state, you can’t do anything without that system, so what you have to do is you have to do is how do we work with it, and how do we make the most of it?”
To keep Johnson and its campus alive.