Gail Gibson Sheffield Named as New VP for Academic Affairs

by Madeline Bergstrom

PUTNEY, Vt. -- On August 1, Dr. Gail Gibson Sheffield will join Landmark College as the new vice president for Academic Affairs. Gibson Sheffield is currently associate provost and dean of curriculum and student learning at Paul Smith's College, where she has served in various roles since 1998. She holds a Ph.D. in education from Capella University, an M.S. in instructional design from Syracuse University, and a B.S. in communication arts and sciences from Lyndon State College.

"My role at Paul Smith's was to be a change agent and help that institution to grow and evolve," Gibson Sheffield stated. Like Landmark College, Paul Smith's College made the transition from an associate degree-granting institution to one that also offers baccalaureate degrees, a process with which Gibson Sheffield was closely involved.

Gibson Sheffield brings key skills to Landmark College during a time of growth and change. "Dr. Gibson Sheffield has significant strengths in program assessment, in curriculum development, in academics overall," said Dr. Peter Eden, Landmark College's president. "We know that she will bring her very good relational qualities to the College as we work through this exciting but often challenging transition period."

Gibson Sheffield is very familiar with the strengths and challenges of small colleges. "Small schools have to stay nimble and have to be looking for what's next, while staying true to their mission and taking care of each other along the way," she said. "I'm blown away by how connected everyone at Landmark College is to the mission, to student success, and to providing access to students who may not have been able to unlock that potential themselves."

One important focus for Landmark College in the next few years will be the continued development of online courses that serve students who learn differently. "I'm really excited about the possibility of what Landmark can bring to that table," Gibson Sheffield said, "because of their work in universal design."

A native New Englander, Gibson Sheffield is also "really excited" to move back to the area.

"Gail will help us maintain and refine our efforts while simultaneously help to build new things and create new opportunities to best serve our students," Dr. Eden stated. "She clearly has enthusiasm for this important position at the College and she comes at a perfect time, as we prepare to create our next strategic plan."