May 31, 2002
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Susan Barge, former associate dean of undergraduate admissions at Vanderbilt University, has been appointed to the new position of assistant vice chancellor for academic affairs.
As part of her new responsibilities, which became effective May 20, Barge said she will work closely with faculty, staff and students to coordinate the implementation of the landmark residential college project at Vanderbilt. She will also serve as the spokesperson to the media regarding the project, plans for which continue to evolve. Barge said she hopes to create a residential college that is distinct to the Vanderbilt community.
‘The level of involvement among students, faculty and staff will keep us focused on our unique strengths while we create a residential college system that will enrich the Vanderbilt experience for everyone,’ she said.
The conversion of Vanderbilt to a residential college will create individual living and learning communities as subsets to the University as a whole. The system, which will continue to take shape through dialogue with students, faculty and staff, will encourage greater interaction among students and faculty, and promote a learning environment both inside and out of the classroom setting. Officials said phase one of the project could begin as soon as 2006.
‘Susan is the ideal individual for this important job,’ said Nicholas Zeppos, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs. ‘Through her work in admissions, she has a keen understanding of what draws students to Vanderbilt. And, she’s a Vanderbilt graduate herself. That perception will be vital to developing a residential college system.’
After earning a bachelor of arts in psychology from the College of Arts and Science in 1981, Barge joined the Vanderbilt staff in 1984 as an admissions counselor. She later received a master’s degree in education from Tennessee State University. Barge left Vanderbilt in 1991 to serve as director of alumni affairs and later director of development at University School of Nashville. She returned in 1998 as associate dean of undergraduate admissions.
Contact: Elizabeth Latt, (615) 322-NEWS elizabeth.p.latt@vanderbilt.edu