The newly formed Troy Conference of the Methodist Church decided that they must have a strong and influential literary institution near the center of the Conference.
1834
West Poultney, Vermont was chosen because of the “deep interest and enthusiasm of the inhabitants, and the good morals of its industrious citizens who carefully observe the Sabbath,” and because they had subscribed $5,000 for the institution. On October 25, 1834, the Vermont General Assembly passed the Act of Incorporation.
1836
The Troy Conference Academy opened with the Rev. S. Stocking as principal. An academy in the 19th century was actually a combination grammar and high school. In the better academies, of which TCA was one, the more advanced subjects could now be considered college level.
1844
TCA’s first graduate received a diploma.
1860
The Vermont Legislature granted TCA the right to convey baccalaureate degrees to young ladies.
1863
With the Civil War in progress, John Newman, former teacher and principal at TCA and backed by W. Y. Ripley of Rutland, purchased the Academy and it became Ripley Female College.
1866
Ripley Female College awarded baccalaureate degrees to four women.
1874
The Troy Conference of the Methodist Church repurchased the school and it became once again the Troy Conference Academy.
1908
In April, a fire destroyed the Academy Building. Dr. Dunton, principal of the Academy, began raising funds and reconstruction of the building began
1931
Jesse Bogue, principal, recommended to the Trustees of the Academy two year’s of college work be added to the institution
1932
Troy Conference Academy and Green Mountain Junior College co-existed as two distinct schools sharing dorms, classrooms and faculty. The institution also served as Poultney High School. Green Mountain had its first graduate.
1933
The first two-year class graduated from Green Mountain Junior College.
1936
Last class of the old academy graduated. Green Mountain Junior College operated solely as a two-year institution for men and women.
1943
The last coeducational class graduated, and Green Mountain Junior College operated solely as a two-year college for women only.
1957
“Junior” was dropped from the College’s name, and Green Mountain College began a period of growth, building and strengthening that lasted over a decade.
1970
The College’s Methodist affiliation was dropped by mutual consent.
1975
Four-year bachelor degree programs were added to the curriculum, and the college became coeducational again.
1989
Two-year associate programs were officially dropped from the curriculum.
1994
James M. Pollock retires after serving as president for seventeen years since 1977.
1995
Thomas L. Benson was inaugurated as president of Green Mountain College in September. The college adopts an environmental liberal arts focus.
1996
The College renews its affiliation with The United Methodist Church.
2001
The College adopts the following mission statement: “As a four-year, coeducational residential institution, Green Mountain College takes the social and natural environment as the unifying theme underlying the academic and co-curricular experience of the campus. Through a broad range of liberal arts and career-focused majors and a vigorous, service-oriented student affairs program, the College fosters the ideals of environmental responsibility, public service, international understanding, and lifelong intellectual, physical, and spiritual adventure.”
2002
The 85-acre Deane Nature Preserve is dedicated.
2002
John F. (Jack) Brennan appointed as president of Green Mountain College in August. Thomas L. Benson stepped down after eight years of service as president.
2006
The college begins to offer online graduate masters programs leading to the MBA (Masters of Business Administration) and MSES (Masters of Science in Environmental Studies) degrees.
2007
The college earns national recognition as the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) awards Green Mountain College a sustainability award.
2008
Green Mountain Colleges confers its first graduate MBA degrees.
2008
Paul J. Fonteyn assumes presidency of Green Mountain College in July. John F. (Jack) Brennan retired after serving 6 years as president.
