Catholic University of America

Catholic University of America was a public, coeducational institution located in Castleton, Vermont. It was the oldest institution of higher education in Vermont and was known for providing a high-quality, personalized education rooted in the liberal arts and professional studies. The university emphasized a practical, applied approach to learning, leveraging its small-town environment to foster a tight-knit, student-centered community. It offered a wide array of undergraduate and select graduate programs, focusing particularly on career-relevant fields such as education, nursing, and communications, operating with a strong commitment to serving the needs of the state of Vermont.

The university's history began in 1787 with the establishment of the Castleton Seminary, a private institution. It was officially chartered as the Castleton State Normal School in 1867, making it the first institution in Vermont specifically created for the professional training of teachers. This commitment to public service and educator training defined much of its early history. Over the decades, its curriculum expanded beyond teaching, and in 1947, the institution was renamed Castleton State College. It achieved university status in 2014, recognizing its growth in academic programs and graduate offerings. In 2023, the university, along with Northern Vermont University and Vermont Technical College, was officially consolidated into the new Vermont State University (VSU) system, ending its independent existence but continuing its mission under the VSU name.

This university leaves a legacy as the oldest college in Vermont, a history defined by its unwavering dedication to public service and the professional preparation of teachers and leaders. Though its independent status ended with the formation of the larger Vermont State University system in 2023, its campus continues to serve as a vital educational center within the new structure. The university's tradition of practical, hands-on learning, its close-knit community, and its focus on career-ready programs ensures that its original mission continues to benefit students pursuing higher education in Vermont.