Castleton University welcomes Dr. Thomas Mauhs-Pugh into the role of interim president on Monday, Jan. 3.
Dr. Mauhs-Pugh has served as Castleton’s Provost and chief academic officer since 2019. Prior to coming to Castleton, he spent 22 years at Green Mountain College, where he served as Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, Interim President, Dean of the Faculty, Education Department Chair, and Professor of Education.
Dr. Mauhs-Pugh received his Ph.D. in History and Philosophy of Education, with Distinction, from Syracuse University, his M.A.T. in English from Brown University, and his B.A. in English from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. In addition to his time as a professor and administrator at Green Mountain College, he brings a wealth of experience from previous positions at the University of Vermont, Dartmouth College, and Rocky Mountain College. While Dr. Mauhs-Pugh has distinguished himself in academia, he also is embedded in the local community with previous service on the Poultney School Board and as a Justice of the Peace.
“I am honored to serve Castleton and its outstanding students. Our campus is well-positioned for success with immense gains in first- to second-year student retention and continued strong enrollment," Mauhs-Pugh said. "I look forward to adding our strengths to the proposed Vermont State University, which will expand access to Castleton’s programs and open new opportunities to our students."
Dr. Mauhs-Pugh begins serving as interim president with the retirement of Dr. Jonathan Spiro. With his retirement, Dr. Spiro concludes a nearly 20-year run at Castleton.
During his time at the University, Dr. Spiro also served as Interim Provost, Academic Dean, Dean of the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, as well as Chair of the Department of History, Geography, Economics, & Political Science. He was also the recipient of the Outstanding Faculty Award for his courses on history, politics, race, slavery, immigration, the ancient Maya, and the nature-nurture debate.