The University of Vermont community and the town of Richmond are mourning the loss of Francis Churchill, a beloved colleague, mentor, and friend who dedicated more than three decades of service to ensuring the safety and well-being of others. Churchill, Director of Environmental Health and Safety at UVM, passed away recently, leaving behind an enduring legacy of compassion, integrity, and leadership.
Francis Churchill, Longtime UVM Director of Environmental Health and Safety, Dies at 57
Born and raised in Vermont, Francis’s life was deeply rooted in the community he loved. After earning his degree in Biology from UVM in 1990, he began his career immediately in environmental and laboratory safety. By 1993, he had joined the university as a hazardous waste specialist—marking the beginning of a lifelong commitment to protecting people, the planet, and the institution he cherished.
For more than 30 years, Francis worked out of his familiar office on Spear Street, where each spring he watched an osprey return to rebuild her nest in the trees nearby—a seasonal ritual that reflected his own steady presence at UVM.
He raised his two daughters in his childhood home in Richmond, which he purchased from his mother a few years after starting at the university. Friends recall that he remained deeply connected to his hometown and the tight-knit circle of parents with whom he shared the journey of raising children.
Colleagues describe Francis as a calm, steady force whose kindness was matched only by his curiosity. Whether attending a high-level biohazard safety meeting or donning a hazmat suit to clean up a spill, he approached every task with the same quiet enthusiasm and humility. “There’s always something interesting going on and it’s always different,” he once said—a reflection of both his professional versatility and his deep appreciation for the work.
Over the years, Francis built lasting relationships with faculty, staff, and students, using those connections to strengthen campus-wide safety practices. His influence became especially significant during the COVID-19 pandemic, when he co-led the UVM Health, Safety, and Resumption of Operations Committee. His pragmatic problem-solving and ability to bring people together were instrumental in helping the university navigate unprecedented challenges. The nationally recognized safety protocols implemented under his guidance reflected his approach: collaborative, thoughtful, and deeply human.
Promoted to Director of Environmental Health and Safety, Francis championed the creation of innovative programs—including the university’s safety officer initiative—that continue to shape UVM’s safety culture today.
In 2023, his decades of service and leadership were recognized when he received the Our Common Ground Staff Award, one of the university’s highest honors. Yet, true to character, Francis deflected attention from himself, preferring to focus on the next project or the people around him.
“Francis treated everyone with fairness and respect, creating an inclusive and supportive environment,” a colleague said. “His ability to listen and empathize earned him the admiration and loyalty of his team.”
Through his work and his friendships, Francis Churchill exemplified what it means to serve with heart. His gentle guidance, steady leadership, and unwavering dedication to the safety and wellbeing of others leave an indelible mark on UVM and the broader Vermont community.
He is survived by his two daughters, extended family, and countless colleagues and friends who will remember him not only for what he accomplished—but for how he made them feel: valued, heard, and safe.
Funeral arrangements and memorial details will be announced by the family at a later date.
