A historic Vermont liberal arts college that closed in 2019 after 93 years of operation.
Southern Vermont College was founded in 1926 as St. Joseph Business School, initially offering certificates in secretarial and accounting fields. It evolved into an accredited junior college by 1962, and in 1974 relocated to the Edward Everett Estate, becoming a nonsectarian four-year college. The institution earned bachelor's degree authority and full accreditation with the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). After 93 years of operation, the college closed in May 2019 following NECHE's placement on "show-cause" status due to financial stability concerns.
The college offered 16 academic degree programs organized within five divisions: the McCormick Division of Business, Hunter Division of Humanities, Division of Nursing, John Merck Division of Science and Technology, and Donald Everett Axinn Division of Social Sciences. All first-year students completed "Quest for Success," combining classroom instruction with community service projects. The college was a member of the Association of Vermont Independent Colleges and Vermont Campus Compact, emphasizing civic engagement and hands-on learning.
The 371-acre campus centered on the historic Everett Mansion, a 27-room Beaux-Arts and Norman Revival structure built 1911–1914 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The mansion housed the library, theatre, academic support center, gallery, classrooms, and administrative offices. Additional facilities included five residence halls, the Hunter Hall complex (completed 2009, accommodating 110 students), dining hall, Mountaineer Athletic Center with fitness facilities, and a 24-hour computer lab.
Southern Vermont's athletic teams, the Mountaineers, competed in NCAA Division III, primarily in the New England Collegiate Conference (2008–2019) and previously in the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (1998–2008). The college fielded 13 varsity sports across men's and women's programs. Notable achievements included the women's volleyball team winning three consecutive NECC Championships (through 2012) and the men's basketball team winning the NECC championship in 2016. Special programs included the College Steps Program for students with cognitive impairments and the Veterans' Scholar Program established in 2014.