JOHNSON, Vt. (WCAX) – Vermont State University has been through a lot in the past year, and so have many of the cities its campuses are located in. Now, VTSU hopes to bring its campuses closer to the communities they are in by fostering positive relationships.

Both downtown Johnson and the hilltop campus are undergoing changes as VTSU enters its second year after its merger and Johnson reinvents itself after several devastating floods.

“We just want to give back to the community as much as we can, all of our local communities have been very important to the campuses around here,” said Greg Eckman, VTSU Johnson athletic director.

This summer, VTSU leaders spoke with their campus towns, including Johnson, about what they want for the future of the university.

“So far we’ve talked about the possibilities and what works with the higher education system and what works with the community,” said Gene Richards, owner of Johnson Woolen Mills.

Richards says businesses in the city have partnered with the school before on sporting events and one-off collaborations, but he is grateful for the chance to become more involved.

“It’s our share of the commons, and they’re a commons. So we’ve worked together, but not necessarily influenced or even discussed what might happen up there,” Richards said.

To encourage connectedness, Eckman wants the community to know that amenities like the fitness facility, swimming pool and library are open to the public. He says the university is trying to encourage more community service by partnering with organizations like Teen Challenge and Jenna’s Promise and creating a new mentorship program between students and young locals.

“That’s something we really strive for as a campus: getting out into the community, doing community service in different ways and enjoying what this college has to offer, but also finding ways to grow our local community,” Eckman said.

Richards says that connection is an important part of what will help redefine Johnson.

“I think it’s critical,” Richards said. “Just like the other universities in the state, you can’t do anything without that system. So you have to ask yourself how do you work with it and how do you make the most of it.”

To keep Johnson and his campus alive.

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