July 25, 2011

To The University of Vermont Community:

    It gives me great pleasure to announce that the Board of Trustees has approved the appointment of Dr. A. John Bramley to the position of Interim President of The University of Vermont, effective August 1, 2011.  We are extremely fortunate that John was both available and willing to step into this important role, and quite frankly, there could not be a better choice for this job in light of John’s experience, skills, character, and knowledge of UVM, in addition to his outstanding scholarly record.  One of the Board’s primary goals is to keep the University’s upward trajectory moving ahead, and the appointment of John Bramley ensures that is going to happen.

    Further information is available in the announcement below, which is being sent to a variety of media and other venues.

    I hope you will join me in welcoming John Bramley back to UVM, and giving him your strong support.  He is an extraordinary individual who will provide excellent leadership as we search for a permanent President.

Sincerely yours,

Robert F. Cioffi
Chair, UVM Board of Trustees

A. John Bramley Appointed UVM Interim President

University of Vermont Board of Trustees Chair Robert F. Cioffi today announced the appointment of Dr. A. John Bramley as Interim President, effective August 1.   Bramley, a longstanding member of the UVM faculty, has served as Department Chair of Animal Sciences, Dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, and Provost and Senior Vice President of the University. In 2006 he also served as Acting President during President Daniel Mark Fogel’s illness.  From 2007 to 2011 he was President and CEO of the Windham Foundation, the largest private foundation registered in Vermont.  In recognition and honor of his service, the Windham Foundation announced last week the creation of the A. John Bramley Lecture Series, designed to focus on preserving Vermont’s rural communities.

“We are extremely fortunate that John Bramley was both available and willing to step into this important role,” Cioffi said.  “Quite frankly, there could not be a better choice for this job in light of John’s experience, skills, character, and knowledge of UVM, in addition to his outstanding scholarly record.  One of the Board’s primary goals is to keep the University’s upward trajectory moving ahead, and the appointment of John Bramley ensures that is going to happen.”

“Dan Fogel is leaving us with an impressive legacy of accomplishment and a strong foundation for further success.  Even though he will be in this role for a relatively short time, John is not going to be a ‘caretaker,’ and will be pushing our key initiatives forward.  I couldn’t be more pleased that John has agreed to take on the responsibilities of Interim President, and I know that he will be welcomed back to UVM with open arms,” Cioffi remarked.

Bramley is expected to serve as Interim President until July, 2012, and will not be a candidate for the position of President, for which a search is underway.

In accepting the position, Bramley said, “I love UVM and have devoted a large part of my life to it.  After leaving Windham I had planned to be doing other things, but I concluded they should be put on hold if I could help the institution at this critical point.  I am grateful for and humbled by the confidence the Board has placed in me, and I will do my best to see to it that the University continues to gain ground.  I very much appreciate all that President Fogel has done to put this institution in a strong, viable position and I have every intention to work with the University community and beyond to make us even better.” 

“I look forward to re-engaging with the community, reuniting with old friends and colleagues, and getting to know new ones, beginning August 1st.  You will hear more from me after that date.  Until then, President Fogel will continue to provide effective leadership for UVM,” Bramley stated.