Southern Vermont College President Karen Gross was named a senior policy advisor to the U.S. Department of Education for one year, starting Jan. 17.

SVC trustees granted Gross a one-year leave of absence from the college, during which time chief operating officer James Beckwith will be acting president.

A NEBHE delegate since 2010, Gross has authored several articles for NEJHE, including: Helicopters, Lawn Mowers or Down-to-Earth Parents? What Works Best for Higher Education, Saving Pell Grants in an Era of Cost-Cutting, and College Tries “Mini-mesters” and More to Improve Readiness.