This story by Jason Starr was first published in the Williston Observer on April 16, 2026.
The Williston campus of Vermont State University has never been known for its residential experience. An administrative decision this spring to convert its lone dorm building into classroom space will eliminate any residential option on the campus.
Through an agreement with Saint Michael’s College, Williston’s residential students — of which there are currently about 20 — will live in the dorms at St. Mike’s, roughly 5 miles away in Colchester.
The decision solves two issues for Vermont State, university spokesperson Katherine Levasseur said. First, it opens up “Williston Hall” — the three-story dorm building that sits across Helena Drive from the main campus — for additional classroom space. Second, it gives residential students a more traditional college campus experience.
The decision will affect only about 5 percent of Vermont State’s Williston students. The vast majority of those enrolled are older than traditional post-high-school college age and commute to classes — such as adults taking individual classes or seeking second degrees.
For those living in Williston Hall, the move to St. Mike’s will open up a suite of new opportunities and amenities. Most essential, perhaps, is access to a meal plan and on-campus dining.
“I think this is going to be a good thing for the more traditional college-aged students at Williston,” Levasseur said. “It expands their peer group and gives them a more traditional campus experience and campus environment.”
Vermont State students will also have access to the St. Mike’s gym, library, student center and chapel.
“We’ve gotten feedback and requests for a more vibrant residential environment,” Levasseur said.
The commute to Williston takes about 15 minutes by car. It can also be done by bus: Green Mountain Transit’s Route 15 bus picks up in front of St. Mike’s. The trip requires a transfer in Essex Junction to the Essex-Williston bus.
The Williston campus is one of five in the Vermont State University system, which was created in 2021 as a unification of Vermont State Colleges and Vermont Technical College. Post unification, the university is undergoing an ongoing assessment of buildings and degree program offerings.
Part of the need for more classroom space in Williston is due to the increasing popularity of the nursing and dental hygiene programs, Levasseur said.
Programs with decreasing enrollment — including an associate degree program in automotive mechanics at the Randolph campus — are being eliminated, as reported this week by the Valley News.
“The Williston campus is kind of unique in that it’s busting at the seams in some senses in terms of classroom space,” Levasseur said. “With unification, we’re going to keep thinking as creatively as possible and look for partnerships and opportunities that allow us to do multiple things at the same time — like provide a more in-demand residential experience for students while also opening up more classroom space.”
