MIDDLEBURY, Vt. (WCAX) - Vermont State Police are taking on a bigger role in the search for missing Middlebury College.

Lia Smith, a 21-year-old senior from California, was last seen on campus Friday and was reported missing on Sunday.

State police had previously said they were prepared to assist Middlebury Police if needed. The expanded involvement comes as local search efforts continue to be unsuccessful.

Middlebury Police have searched on foot and used drones to look for Smith, but those searches have been unsuccessful so far.

The first full-scale search involving the state police team is set to launch Thursday.

The Middlebury Police Department is also receiving help from the New York State Police and the FBI.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Middlebury Police Depa

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