Based in Burlington, Vermont, the University of Vermont (UVM) is a distinguished institution, dedicated to preparing students to lead productive, responsible, and creative lives. UVM stands for Universitas Viridis Montis, a Latin term for "the University of the Green Mountains."
The fifth-oldest university in New England, UVM was chartered as a private university in 1791. Ira Allen, who undertook much of the initial funding and planning of the university, was instrumental in its founding. In 1862, the university attained quasi-public status with passage of the Morrill Land-Grant College Act and addition of the State Agricultural College, thereby blending private and public university traditions.
In 1877, UVM became the first to admit African Americans to its chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, the national honor society. Further, UVM is the first educational institution to admit students without regard to religion and the first in New England to admit women.
Presently, the University of Vermont supports more than 90 majors in its eight undergraduate colleges and schools. It is especially well known for its programs in Agriculture and Life Sciences. The College of Arts and Sciences, the oldest university division, provides a continuum of undergraduate and graduate programs.
Accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education, the College of Medicine trains students in every medical discipline and advances medical knowledge through research. Fletcher Allen Health Care – the largest hospital complex in Vermont – is affiliated with the UVM College of Medicine and operates a primary-care facility on campus.
The College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Honors College, Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources, College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences, and School of Business Administration comprise the other academic units within the university. In addition, the Division of Continuing Education offers certificates and specialized programs. The 460-acre main campus is situated on a scenic hillside overlooking Lake Champlain and Burlington. A strong influence of colonial, Romanesque, and modern architectural styles is prevalent on campus. Several buildings bear commemorative plaques to commemorate significant aspects of the institution’s history.