Our History

The Community College of Vermont was founded in 1970, and in 1972 merged with the Vermont State Colleges, which also include Castleton, Johnson, Lyndon and Vermont Technical College.

Since 1975, CCV has been accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. Over the years, CCV has received national recognition for its innovative programs and its unique way of bringing college learning to residents in all parts of the state.

Today, CCV serves over 5,000 students each semester, making its enrollment the second largest of any college in the state.

CCV Milestones

1970 - Governor Dean Davis creates the Vermont Regional Community College Commission (VRCCC). Peter Smith is hired as the first president, and VRCCC opens its doors in Montpelier with 10 courses and 50 students.

1972 - VRCC becomes the fifth member of the Vermont State Colleges system and is renamed Community College of Vermont.

1973 - CCV holds its first commencement, awarding eight associate degrees.

1975 - CCV earns its first accreditation from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

1979 - CCV weathers legislative budget crisis with grassroots and media support, the College escapes a narrow brush with dissolution.

1980 - CCV receives its first Title III and Special Services grants from the U.S. Department of Education to expand six sites and services to students.

1983 - CCV joins the information age with the installation of microcomputer labs in site offices.

1984 - CCV’s commencement tops 100 graduates; CCV’s 12th site is opened in Middlebury.

1985 - Spring semester enrollment nears the 3,000 mark; library system automation begins.

1986 - CCV offers its first summer residency course, Exploring the Humanities, at Trinity College in Burlington, a precursor to study abroad, hybrid courses, and intensive course delivery models of the future.

1992 - CCV deploys the "Virtual Campus," linking its 13 statewide locations via networked computers.

1993 - CCV enrollment tops 5,000.

1995 - Three hundred associate degrees are awarded as CCV celebrates 25th anniversary.

1996 - CCV offers its first online course, Introduction to Political Science.

1998 - CCV and the University of Vermont sign a long-awaited articulation agreement, guaranteeing CCV graduates admission to UVM College of Arts and Sciences.

1999 - CCV hosts its first Student Leadership Conference; unveils “Great Beginnings” instructional development workshop provided for all new faculty members.

2000 - Online Learning reaches 5% of all-college enrollment; CCV and VTC consolidate library services.

2001 - CCV Dean of Administrative Services Timothy J. Donovan is installed as president.

2002 - First CCV Study Abroad class treks to Ireland to study Folklore; CCV honored by the Met Life Foundation as one of six colleges in the nation for innovative practices that reach underserved populations. Online Learning reaches 10% of all-college enrollment.

2003 - Students age 22 years and younger reach 33% of CCV population.

2004 - CCV’s faculty handbook, selected for publication by the American Association of Community Colleges Press. Annual enrollment climbs to 10,000 students.

2005 - CCV’s first built-to-own facility in Wilder is dedicated by Governor James Douglas. CCV celebrates its 35th anniversary with 437 graduates. A full 31% of students taking CCV courses take one or more online courses.