Dear UVM community,

I am pleased to announce that we have filled an important new position: Sexual Violence Prevention and Education Coordinator. This role complements the strong teams within Student Affairs, HOPEWorks, and our Title IX office, all of whom are committed to addressing sexual violence prevention and education.

In the fall, as one of many concrete actions we have taken to prevent and address sexual misconduct, Student Affairs launched a nationwide search for this new position focused on sexual violence prevention and education. Students’ involvement throughout the selection process and open candidate forums brought strong student voices and perspectives to the search. I am grateful to everyone who participated in the search.

Today, I’m excited to announce the appointment of Dr. Elliot Ruggles as UVM’s first Sexual Violence Prevention and Education Coordinator. Dr. Ruggles joins UVM from Brown University, where they apply contemporary research and practice in the university’s violence prevention work, as well as develop new and innovative programs.

Dr. Ruggles has experience in developing institutional efforts to prevent sexual and gender-based violence using a variety of methods, including sexual assault peer education and masculinity peer education programs; delivery of educational programming on consent and community care; policy development; collaborative justice-based approaches to working with students, faculty, and staff; program evaluation; and curriculum development and implementation. I am delighted we will soon welcome Dr. Ruggles and their 15 years of professional preparation to the University of Vermont.

Dr. Ruggles graduated summa cum laude from Mount Holyoke College and later earned master’s degrees in social work and human sexuality education as well as a Ph.D. in Human Sexuality Studies from Widener University. In addition to their academic credentials, they are also a licensed social worker. Dr. Ruggles will begin at UVM on February 22, 2022.

Stay tuned for opportunities to meet Dr. Ruggles next month.

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Erica Caloiero, Vice Provost for Student Affairs