As Vermont’s first college, established more than 225 years ago, Castleton has experienced its share of change. Now, the University is on the forefront of change both at the local and state levels through its budding political science program.
Spearheading these efforts is Director of the Castleton Polling Institute and Associate Professor of Political Science Dr. Rich Clark, who came to Castleton in 2011 from the University of Georgia where he directed the Survey Research Institute.
From the beginning Clark was charged with building the unique Polling Institute structure that the university currently utilizes today.
“I came here with an idea,” said Clark adding that the university started from scratch and built the program from the ground up. “It was just a vision.”
Currently, he divides his time between the Polling Institute and teaching as a professor in the political science department. His presence on the faculty has allowed Castleton to move forward on creating a Political Science major.
“The Castleton Polling Institute is a place where students learn the science and art of polling and survey research methodology, and is a resource for scholars, policy makers, community groups, and businesses who need to learn what the public thinks on a given set of issues,” said Clark. “It ties in teaching, researching and public service.”
The Castleton Polling Institute burst on the Vermont and national scene with the release of its first poll, February 27, 2012.
Previously, there had been no polling center in Vermont, and scientific surveys of Vermont opinion were done by out-of state organizations, if at all.
The institute can survey policy preferences, customer satisfaction, and the economic climate; assess an organization’s image in the general public and evaluate its services and programs; collect behavioral data; and measure public opinion, with Vermont media, government agencies, nonprofits, communities, and businesses as likely clients.
“Our goal is to serve Vermont and Vermonters while engaging students and faculty in research on public policy,” said President Dave Wolk. “It makes learning come alive.”
Just three years after being established, the Castleton Polling Institute has experienced unparalleled success and growth.
In February Clark officially opened the doors on the brand new location in downtown Rutland, which provides much needed classroom and office space, while also providing an expanded calling center.
“I am committed to creating a program of excellence,” said Clark of the institute. “We hope to be the most authoritative resource for understanding public opinion in Vermont.”
Still in its relative infancy, the polling institute has provided important survey research for both public and private entities. It has been featured nationally for its work and ranks favorably among its peers according to Nate Silver’s FiveThirtyEight Pollster Ratings, which are calculated by analyzing the historical accuracy of each firm’s polls and methodology.
The success of the Polling Institute has also helped pave the way for growth in Castleton’s Political Science program.
The pairing of the two entities allows for students to not only master the study of politics and government, power, public policies and political behavior, but also gives them the opportunity for additional experiential learning by engaging with the polling institute and its work.
While the programs together serve as a vehicle for local politics, they have also provided countless opportunities for students hoping to widen their experience within the field.
Castleton alum James McCormack, ’14, was able to put his campaigning knowledge to work not long after receiving his diploma. Joining several campaign teams in the Rutland region he applied his knowledge to local politics.
“It is because of those experiences that I am better able to manage my own time,” he said, adding that his Castleton political science education has helped prepare him to successfully run two political campaigns. “As a campaign manager I was responsible for coordinating my candidates and my own schedules, as well as eyeing schedules of other individuals, organizations and local town calendars.”
Junior and Political Science major Erin Reilly was one of several current students who also played a role in local Vermont politics during the fall semester.
“Vermont is a very unique place for politics,” said Reilly, who has plans to work for an elected official and attend law school upon graduation. “This past campaign season was great experience for me and I cannot wait for the next season.”
Reilly completed campaign work for Brian Collamore, Peg Flory and State Senate candidate Kevin Mullin, as well as for the Rutland Republican Party, which included work on Scott Milne’s Gubernatorial campaign.
“I am proud of this leadership activity from our alums and current students,” explained Clark. “It’s very rewarding to see them move into and work towards political science careers.”