This story by Darren Marcy was first published by the White River Valley Herald on Feb. 8.
A professor at Vermont Law and Graduate School in South Royalton is being remembered for his dedication to his work in the energy and environment fields as well as to his students.
Kevin Jones, who joined VLGS in 2010 and was the director of the Institute for Energy and the Environment at the college, suffered a medical event while teaching a class and died.
Jessie Forand, a public relations manager for Junapr, a firm that handles press relations for VLGS, confirmed the death and said the VLGS community is saddened by the loss.
“The students, faculty and staff are mourning him, celebrating his life, and working to heal together,” Forand said. “They are also keeping his family in their thoughts during this terribly difficult time.”
In a message shared on social media and the VLGS blog, Rod Smolla, president of Vermont Law and Graduate School, shared the news of Jones’ death and extolled his professional achievements, but said, “above all else, he was devoted to his students and their success.”
Smolla said Jones was a “passionate and positive leader who spent countless hours educating the next generation of clean energy experts.”
“From launching VLGS’s Energy Clinic to establishing the Global Sustainability Field Study course to take students to Cuba, Kevin sought ways to provide unique learning opportunities,” Smolla wrote. Before coming to VLGS in 2010, Jones was the director of power market policy for the Long Island Power Authority and was the director of energy policy for New York City.
But at VLGS, Jones shared his passion and guided students down that same path.
“His legacy will carry on through the many students he guided and mentored, as well as all of us who were lucky enough to call him a colleague and friend,” Smolla wrote.
Tributes have been pouring in on a special page set up on the VLGS webpage from former students and colleagues.
“I remember the day … you convinced this once aspiring law student that I had a bright future in energy law,” wrote Michael Crouse, staff attorney at the New Hampshire Office of the Consumer Advocate. “I am but one example of how you have improved the lives of those around you with your infectious enthusiasm, enduring patience, and commitment to your students.”
Katie Thomas Carol wrote that her life was forever changed for the better when Jones became her mentor.
“He helped me navigate law school, the Energy Institute, and grow into a better writer and advocate,” Carol wrote. “He helped me secure my first job. And then my second. He was always someone I could go to for advice and he would give me the truth. … I vow to always fight for the underdogs, work to save the planet and Cuba, pet the dogs, ski often, and slow down to enjoy the finer things in life in his honor.”
Additional tributes and photos, as well as Pres. Smolla’s full remarks can be found on the Vermont Law and Graduate School website..
VLGS has made mental health services available to students, faculty, and staff. Anybody needing assistance should reach out to a member of the administration or directly to the college’s mental health clinician, Nancy Stone, who can be reached at nstone@vermontlaw.edu or 802-831-1216.
Additionally, anybody who needs more emergent care can reach out to the Clara Martin Center’s 24-hour support line at 800-639-6360.
