Analyzed are certain societal factors--political, demographic, financial, public relations, student profiles, and mission statements as they have influenced the growth of Castleton State College since becoming a member of the Vermont State College system in 1961. Data for the study were gathered from a literature review of one of the daily newspapers in the area, an analysis of relevant institutional materials, and interviews with several key Castleton faculty. Appendices contain letters, notes, interview questions, an institutional goals inventory, and a service delivery plan for Castleton State College. It is concluded that there is a lack of support for Castleton State College by either the governor or some other administrative organization for capital outlay projected from 1979-1988 for the Vermont State Colleges. It is reported that Castleton, with the greatest student population, is planned to receive the least aid of all the campus-based state colleges. It is recommended that the Vermont State Colleges Board of Trustees, the Governor's office, state legislators, and the general public must be made aware of the uniqueness of Castleton State College in its role of providing higher education for the state and, in particular, for southern Vermont. A bibliography is provided. (LC)