PUTNEY — Vermont Women in Higher Education (VWHE) recently awarded its annual scholarship to Ellen Wood, a resident dean, communications professor, and coach at Landmark College.
Named for Lyndon State College's president, the Carol A. Moore Scholarship recognizes women working in Vermont higher education who want to advance their careers. This is the 10th year VWHE has given the scholarship, worth up to $1,000.
According to Scholarship Committee Chair Shannon Bohler-Small in a news release, Wood has an extraordinary history of teaching and participation at multiple levels of campus life at Landmark College.
“We were impressed with the balance of her dedication to the institution and her own continuing education,” Bohler-Small wrote.
Wood said she plans to put the scholarship funds toward her continuing studies at Antioch University New England's Experienced Educators master's program. Along with this terminal degree, Wood earned a certificate in autism spectrum disorders at AUNE in 2014, and her bachelor of science degree at Lyndon State College in 1992.
She has been at Landmark since her graduation from Lyndon State, fulfilling a variety of positions including resident dean, faculty mentor, academic advisor, communications and physical education professor, and the women's softball and basketball head coach.
She is listed in “Who's Who Among America's Teachers” and was a torch bearer at the 2002 Winter Olympics.
“It's exciting to once again be on the other side of the classroom as a student, learning and being challenged […] knowing that this experience will be a lifelong benefit to my higher education career,” Wood said in the news release.
She added that her multiple roles on campus allow her direct contact with students in many areas, “and, with specific focus on students who learn differently, it has been a privilege to help mentor students in all aspects of their collegiate journey.”
VWHE is sponsored by the American Council on Education's Office of Women in Higher Education, based in Washington, D.C., and has been active in Vermont for more than 20 years. The organization works to foster connections among women in various sectors of higher education, promote women's leadership, and encourage and support women leaders of diverse backgrounds.
In addition, VWHE works through state and national organization networks to identify, recommend, and advance women in higher education in Vermont. The organization maintains an open membership policy and welcomes the participation of women from all levels of administration, staff, and faculty.