The Vermont State Colleges Board of Trustees voted by voice Nov. 3 to grant David Wark the title of president emeritus, honoring his more than 50 years in Vermont education and 16 years as president of Castleton (2001–2017).

Trustees read a multi-paragraph resolution that credited Wark with strengthening the Castleton campus and its ties to the Rutland region, expanding academic and athletic offerings, and establishing Castleton’s university status. The resolution noted Wark’s service on more than 40 state and national boards and commissions and cited his prior roles as a teacher, guidance counselor, principal, superintendent, commissioner of education and state senator. The resolution states the nomination was made in accordance with Policy 204 and formally “grants Mister David Wark the status of president Emeritus for Vermont State University” as written in the resolution.

Trustees also flagged Wark’s scholarship work. The resolution says the Diane Wark scholarship has received more than 500 gifts (the text referenced “over a 100,000”) and that scholarship distributions cited in the materials totaled $787,000 to 21 aspiring educators from Vermont.

Wark responded to the recognition, calling the honor deeply meaningful and reflecting on his years at Castleton. In his remarks he said, “I failed retirement,” and described the college as a “family” and a highlight of his career. He thanked trustees and colleagues and described the scholarship and alumni connections as ongoing sources of pride.

The resolution was introduced and read by a trustee; a motion and a second were recorded and the board approved the resolution by voice vote. The board’s materials cite Policy 204 as the criteria used for the emeritus designation.

The action was ceremonial and carries no budgetary instruction beyond recognition; trustees did not attach any follow-up assignment to the resolution in the meeting.