1761
Town of Castleton Chartered
New Hampshire Governor Benning Wentworth chartered the town of Castleton.
About Castleton University
Castleton University has been dedicated to educating future leaders of Vermont and beyond since 1787. Today, Castleton sits on a foundation of more than 230 years of providing cutting-edge education through a highly personalized approach.
The Castleton University Mission
To understand the Castleton Way, which guides the University in all its endeavors, is to engage in respectful relationships in an inclusive, student-centered environment; to appreciate our learned and compassionate faculty and dedicated and caring staff; to strive to learn, use, and teach sustainable environmental practices; and to participate in strong community partnerships.
Castleton’s transformational education emphasizes undergraduate liberal arts and professional studies while also offering graduate programs. The University prepares its diverse students for relevant and meaningful careers in a global economy, advanced academic pursuits, and responsible citizenship.
- Approved by the VSC Board of Trustees, September 27, 2018
A Place Where Individuals Matter
Castleton is small enough to be a community where individuals matter, yet large enough to offer a diverse and challenging curriculum. Students expand their knowledge in our small-class settings. Our highly qualified faculty are strongly encouraged to develop their teaching skills and research interests.
The diverse composition of local, out-of-state, and a growing international student population provides a variety of extended learning opportunities for all. Not only does Castleton influence our students, but our students can impact Castleton. Students quickly learn that they can make a difference here as they prepare to make a difference in the world.
Our Academic Philosophy
Castleton has helped students realize their dreams through an educational approach that focuses on personal connections inside and outside of the classroom.
Over the generations, the tools of our teaching have changed considerably, but the heart of what we do has remained constant. The relationships our faculty build with their students take a Castleton education far beyond imparting knowledge and preparing people for jobs. Our professors are indeed experts in their fields, and they seek to produce graduates who will aspire to more than a successful career. In partnership with Castleton’s academic, student life, and athletic staff, they aim to graduate leaders who will improve both their local community and the world. At Castleton, you will be challenged intellectually by an academic program that expects your best effort and energy. You will also become part of a close University community where people care about one another.
The Castleton Anthem
The Castleton Anthem, also known as the Alma Mater, was written by Robert Aborn, a professor of music from 1960 to 2001.
There's a place we'll ne'er forget
As the twilight deepens
hallowed halls we'll long recall
As we sing of our dear Alma Mater
Castleton our voices raised
Ever mindful of those days
Ere we go our sep'rate ways
Alma Mater, thee we praise
Sing it always clear and strong
Sing it ever after
Show the spirit of us all and the
Love of our dear Alma Mater
Castleton our voices raised
Ever mindful of those days
Ere we go our sep'rate ways
Alma Mater, thee we praise
-Robert Aborn
History of Castleton
Interactive Timeline
1770
First families of settlers moved into Castleton.
Noah Lee and Amos Bird are usually given credit as the town's founders.
1777
The Revolutionary War Battle of Hubbardton was fought seven miles north of Castleton.
1787
Castleton traces its history to the Rutland County Grammar School, chartered by the General Assembly in 1787.
1791
Vermont joins the Union as the 14th state.
1818
Castleton Medical College founded
The school conferred some 1400 medical degrees until it closed in 1862.
1823
In 1823 instruction in “the solid branches of female education” began
By the Civil War, the majority of the students attending Castleton were young women.
1861
Professor and artist James Hope was the first man in Castleton to volunteer for Civil War duty.
When asked to make a speech, Captain Hope replied, "I cannot speak, but I can fight!"
1862
Harriet Haskell became Castleton's first woman principal.
She was 27 years old at the time.
1867
Castleton Normal School was founded
A "Normal School" is a teacher training school.
1881
Captain Abel E. Leavenworth purchased Castleton Normal School.
He and son Philip Leavenworth guided Castleton until 1911.
1924
The Old School was destroyed by fire.
Principal Caroline Woodruff battled to save the institution. Quoting the Bible, she promised, "And the glory of the latter house shall be greater than that of the former."
1948
Men's basketball began
1951
The student newspaper, The Spartan, published its first issue.
1962
Castleton Teachers College became Castleton State College.
Richard Dundas was president.
1963
The men's soccer team, coached by Dick Terry, won nine straight games
and they became NAIA national co-champions.
1965
Huden Dining Hall, Haskell Hall, and Adams Hall opened.
1971
On December 15 the original Leavenworth Hall was destroyed by fire.
Today's Leavenworth was built on the site.
1981
The Student Orientation Staff was founded.
Since then, more than 800 SOS members have welcomed new students to campus, helped them to succeed, and served as a bridge from one class to the next.
1985
Soundings, a course that exposes freshmen to the liberal arts, was founded.
2002
President Dave Wolk was formally inaugurated as Castleton's 20th President.
He said, "First and foremost, and very simply, we must remain a small college with a big heart."
2005
The Green Campus Initiative began in the fall of 2005.
The effort has since grown into a focus on sustainability.
2008
Castleton's football team takes the field for the first time.
2009
Castleton purchases the ice hockey rink in Rutland and renames it Spartan Arena.
2012
The 162-bed Hoff Hall, a new facilities barn, and the Castleton Pavilion are completed.
The Pavilion is the largest venue of its kind in the state.
2013
New tennis courts and the renovation and expansion of Huden Dining Hall are completed.
2014
Castleton unveils their new website.
The new website design offers easier navigation of the site, a more efficient way to stay on top of Castleton news, and showcases our small college with a big heart.
2015
It is time for Castleton University
On July 23, 2015, Vermont State Colleges Board of Trustees unanimously approved modernizing our name to Castleton University.
2017
Dr. Scolforo begins her tenure as 21st Castleton President.
She is the fourth woman to lead the University since its founding in 1787.
