The last ten years mark a tremendous period of growth in Vanderbilt’s history. Applications for undergraduate admission have increased by nearly 20,000, while the admission rate has dropped from 40 to 13 percent.
Provost Richard McCarty shared these facts and much more with Nashville-area alumni, parents and friends during the University Update event on April 9.
He explained that the strategies of today—new buildings designed to enhance the campus learning environment, innovative research that returns mobility to paraplegics, leadership in new technology development, and a resolute commitment to affordability for undergraduates—lay the foundation for Vanderbilt’s future. That vision will be further defined as the university completes its current strategic planning process.
The update gave the audience an increased sense of pride and clarity for Vanderbilt’s future. It was also the last chapter event McCarty will attend before he steps down as provost in June. He will spend the following academic year on sabbatical before returning to the faculty for the 2015–2016 academic year. Alumni thanked him for his many contributions and enjoyed spending a few minutes with him during the reception prior to his remarks.