The Generous Offer: A Free Campus for Catholic Missions

In a remarkable development in the world of higher education real estate, entrepreneur Raj Bhakta has announced his intention to donate the former Green Mountain College campus in Poultney, Vermont, to a qualified Catholic mission-based organization at no cost. This 115-acre property, purchased by Bhakta for $4.5 million in 2020 following the college's closure, is now valued at over $20 million. The offer represents a unique opportunity amid the ongoing challenges of repurposing closed college campuses across the United States, where financial pressures have led to numerous shutdowns.

Bhakta's vision emphasizes returning the site to its roots as a faith-based educational hub, originally founded in 1834 as a Methodist institution. Eligible recipients include Catholic dioceses, religious orders, colleges, seminaries, or nonprofits capable of maintaining the property, which requires an estimated $1 million annually for operations and $1.5 million for infrastructure upkeep. Proposals are being solicited through an official Request for Proposals (RFP) process, highlighting a structured approach to stewardship in an era of declining traditional college enrollments.

History of Green Mountain College: From Environmental Pioneer to Closure

Green Mountain College (GMC) held a distinctive place in American higher education, renowned for its pioneering sustainability programs. Located at the foot of the Taconic Mountains, the campus fostered hands-on environmental studies, earning accolades for initiatives like campus-wide sustainability practices. However, like many small liberal arts colleges, GMC succumbed to demographic shifts, rising costs, and enrollment declines, announcing its closure in February 2019 after 185 years of operation.

The shutdown left Poultney, a rural Vermont community, grappling with economic repercussions, including job losses and diminished local vitality. Bhakta's acquisition preserved the site from immediate commercial development, and during his ownership, improvements were made, including the establishment of the Green Mountain Community School by his wife, Danhee Bhakta, which will continue operations under new leadership.

A Closer Look at the Campus Assets Up for Donation

The donated portion encompasses prime facilities ideal for educational or retreat purposes:

• Withey Hall: Administrative building with commercial kitchen, dining hall, and gathering spaces.
• Griswold Library: Multi-level academic resource center filled with natural light.
• Sage and Lyman Halls: Recently renovated dormitories offering over 54 rooms.
• Waldron Gymnasium: Athletics center featuring an indoor pool, gym, locker rooms, and basketball court.
• Expansive green spaces, quads, river frontage along nearly a mile of waterfront, and pedestrian pathways.

The transfer will be 'as-is,' with deed restrictions ensuring faith-based use aligned with reviving Christian values and Western Civilization.

Raj Bhakta: Entrepreneur's Journey to Philanthropy

Raj Bhakta, an Indian-origin entrepreneur, gained fame as a contestant on The Apprentice before founding WhistlePig Whiskey and Bhakta Spirits. His decision to donate stems from a six-to-eight-month reflection on stewardship, viewing the campus as too vast for private use. 'This is a gift of opportunity—the chance to revive a campus for mission, formation, and future generations of the Catholic Church,' Bhakta stated.

Previously, Bhakta pursued commercial ventures like a micro-distillery and event venue but withdrew due to regulatory hurdles. Now prioritizing legacy, he seeks partners with 'demonstrated leadership, vision, and long-term operational capacity.' For those exploring opportunities in higher education executive roles, this underscores innovative paths in campus management.

Photo by Austin on Unsplash

The RFP Process: How to Claim This Historic Gift

Interested Catholic organizations can submit proposals via giftacollegecampus.com, including:

1. Executive summary and organizational background.
2. Proposed use and development plan.
3. Financial sustainability strategy.

The Rising Tide of College Closures in the US

Repurposing closed college campuses has become a pressing issue, with at least 16 nonprofit institutions shuttering in 2025 alone, matching prior years. Since 2008, nearly 300 degree-granting institutions have closed, disproportionately affecting for-profits but increasingly nonprofits amid the 'demographic cliff' and financial strains.

Rural campuses like GMC face acute challenges, contributing to local economic hits—each closure impacts 265 jobs and $14 million in income. Yet, creative repurposing offers hope, positioning sites for new educational or community roles.

Success Stories: Colleges Transformed Anew

Several closed campuses have found vibrant second lives:

• Marylhurst University (Oregon): Converted to 100 affordable housing units, addressing housing shortages.
• Holy Names University (California): Repurposed for senior living communities.
• Chatfield College (Ohio): Community efforts to sustain educational access post-closure.
• Marlboro College (Vermont): Merged campus reborn as Emerson College outpost.

Faith-based repurposing, like Bhakta's proposal, aligns with trends toward retreats and mission centers.

Challenges and Strategies for Campus Revival

Deferred maintenance, zoning issues, and market mismatches hinder repurposing. Rural sites demand $1M+ annual upkeep, deterring buyers. Strategies include:

• Public-private partnerships for hybrid education-housing.
• Nonprofit acquisitions for retreats or K-12 extensions.
• State incentives for workforce training hubs.

Higher ed leaders can explore career advice on navigating these transitions.

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Local and National Implications

For Poultney, the donation promises sustained activity via the community school and potential Catholic programs, mitigating closure's economic void. Nationally, it spotlights faith-based solutions amid secular declines, potentially inspiring donors. As closures accelerate—projected 25% risk for 560 institutions—repurposing preserves infrastructure for future learning.

Looking Ahead: Opportunities in Repurposed Campuses

Bhakta's gift could pioneer a trend, blending philanthropy with higher ed resilience. Stakeholders should monitor the RFP outcome, as it may catalyze similar initiatives. For professionals, this era demands adaptability—consider university jobs in emerging mission-driven institutions. With strategic vision, closed campuses can evolve into beacons of education and community service.

Explore higher ed jobs, rate your professors, and career advice at AcademicJobs.com to stay ahead in this dynamic landscape.