Media Advisory: Chancellor Zeppos, senior administrators celebrate the end of coal power, demolition of iconic smokestack April 9

smokestack on skyline
The landmark Vanderbilt smokestack (Vanderbilt University)

Two and a half years ago, Vanderbilt embarked on the long road to end its power plant’s century-long reliance on coal and convert to all-natural gas. In November the plant burned off its last lump of coal, and has now entered the final phase of this historic transition with the removal of its coal infrastructure.

On the eve of the demolition of the plant’s iconic smokestack, Chancellor Nicholas S. Zeppos will speak at a celebration of the conversion on Thursday, April 9, at 4:10 p.m. Other speakers include Provost Susan R. Wente, Vice Chancellor for Administration Eric Kopstain, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Plant Operations Mark Petty and Vanderbilt Student Government President Tanner Owen. The celebration will take place on the patio outside Sarratt Cinema. In case of rain, the event will be moved indoors to the Sarratt Cinema.

Media wishing to attend should contact Liz Entman at 615-322-NEWS or liz.entman@vanderbilt.edu. A mult box will be available.

  • What: Celebrating the “End of Coal” with the Chancellor
  • Where: Sarratt Cinema patio [map]
  • When: Thursday, April 9, at 4:10 p.m.