VTDigger’s “Deeper Dig” recently questioned whether and how the decreasing numbers of Vermonters enrolled at the University of Vermont challenge the mission of the university.
These discussions (to date) have neglected the role of research and service as equally important to teaching at major universities. Consider: How does research conducted in UVM hospitals, labs and libraries contribute to the future of Vermont, the nation and the world? How are students, faculty and staff sharing their knowledge and skills beyond the classroom, and what is the impact of this work?
Higher education is under siege in many states, in part because the mission and activities of universities are not fully understood. I hope we can do better in Vermont.
Mary White
Montpelier
