Marlene Tromp, the current president of Boise State University, has been named the sole finalist for the presidency at the University of Vermont (UVM). The decision follows an extensive search process that began after former UVM president Suresh Garimella resigned last August to take up a new role as president of the University of Arizona. Tromp’s appointment marks a significant step in UVM’s ongoing search for leadership, as the university faces budgetary challenges and changing demographics.
Tromp, a scholar of Victorian literature and former provost at the University of California, Santa Cruz, was chosen from a pool of over 100 applicants. According to the Seven Days, the university’s board of trustees reviewed ten candidates in their search and ultimately selected Tromp due to her leadership experience and academic background.
Strong leadership at Boise State
Tromp has led Boise State since 2019, where she presided over notable growth in enrollment and graduation rates. Under her leadership, Boise State saw a 2.8 percent increase in enrollment and a remarkable 39 percent rise in its four-year graduation rate between 2019 and 2023. As reported by the Seven Days, Tromp also played a critical role in advancing the university’s efforts to achieve R1 research status, a designation for institutions with the highest level of research activity.
Despite these accomplishments, Tromp’s tenure has not been without controversy. She has been a staunch defender of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in a state where such efforts have faced resistance. The Idaho State Board of Education passed a resolution banning DEI offices, but Tromp continued to advocate for these programs during her time at Boise State.
Challenges at UVM and future goals
At UVM, Tromp will inherit a university grappling with a shrinking pool of high school graduates and a budget deficit of $10 million. The institution has already implemented a tuition increase and a 60-day hiring freeze in response to these financial pressures. As quoted by the Seven Days, Tromp’s leadership will be essential in navigating these financial and demographic challenges while continuing to support the university’s mission.
