Dr. Marlene Tromp officially began her tenure today as the 28th president of the University of Vermont, marking a new chapter in the university’s leadership. In a video message shared with the UVM community, Tromp expressed her excitement at joining UVM and pursuing the vital work of improving life for individuals and communities across Vermont and beyond.

Tromp comes to UVM after serving six years as president of Boise State University. The UVM Board of Trustees announced her selection on March 20, 2025, following a search that examined over 100 candidates.

Tromp brings three decades of experience in teaching, research, and higher education administration to her new role.

At Boise State, Tromp led the institution during the pandemic. The university saw increased student enrollments and graduation rates during her tenure.

A humanities scholar specializing in Victorian literature and culture, Tromp has published nine books and dozens of peer-reviewed papers. Her previous roles include campus provost and executive vice chancellor at UC Santa Cruz, vice provost and dean at Arizona State University’s New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences, and chair of faculty and director of women’s studies at Denison University.

Tromp has served on the NCAA Division I Board of Directors and consults on higher education with the Federal Reserve Board of San Francisco.

A first-generation college graduate raised in Wyoming, Tromp earned her bachelor’s degree from Creighton University, a master’s in English from the University of Wyoming, and a Ph.D. from the University of Florida.

During March 2025 campus visits, Tromp met with campus community members, participated in a public forum, and visited with state government leaders.

Tromp succeeds Suresh Garimella, who served as UVM’s 27th president from 2019 until October 2024, when he became president of the University of Arizona. Former provost Patricia Prelock served as interim president following Garimella’s departure.