Rich Germano, a veteran Vanderbilt administrator whose experience spans roles in information technology, business services, human resources operations and payroll for the university, has been named assistant provost and senior director of University Enrollment Affairs. In his new role, Germano reports to Vice Provost for University Enrollment Affairs and Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid Douglas L. Christiansen and serves as one of his principal advisers.
“Rich brings an extraordinary wealth of experience in strategic planning and performance, customer service and overall quality of service from his long tenure at Vanderbilt,” Christiansen said. “I’m thrilled that he’s joined the University Enrollment Affairs team and will apply his dedication, deep institutional knowledge and acumen for relationship-building to helping us achieve our goals of attracting the very best students from around the country and the globe and engaging them with Vanderbilt for life.”
Germano is charged with developing strong professional relationships and collaborating with key personnel in all areas of the university, including those reporting directly to Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs C. Cybele Raver, to successfully execute and implement the strategic priorities and goals of University Enrollment Affairs and the university. He also will collaborate with the provost’s Office of Finance on departmental budgets and HR functions.
Germano will work with other campus entities to develop and execute plans related to the Vanderbilt Regional Hubs initiative in major cities across the United States. Through these hubs, current and prospective students, parents, alumni and friends of the university will connect with Vanderbilt through professional opportunities and custom programming designed to establish and strengthen ties between Vanderbilt and the hubs’ distinct cities.
Germano has worked at Vanderbilt University for nearly 20 years, serving in broad leadership roles in VUIT, Business Services, HR Operations and Payroll. He helped lead the cross-institutional IT assessment that consolidated key IT organizations into one IT team for Vanderbilt University and Medical Center, named VUIT. This IT consolidation put VUMC and the university in a better position for the legal and technology separation in 2016. In addition, Germano provided strategy and leadership for the last five years for all 18 technology programs and people programs to separate and right-place technology and teams within both legal entities.
Before joining Vanderbilt, Germano was a senior vice president and senior relationship executive for IT at Bank of America, where he supported IT delivery and needs for the wealth management and investment banking divisions.
“I’m very excited to join my colleagues in University Enrollment Affairs at this most auspicious moment in Vanderbilt’s history,” Germano said, “and I welcome all the new challenges and opportunities this role will bring.”
Archer to retire in spring 2023
Germano is assuming the role held by Executive Administrator and Director of University Enrollment Affairs Susie Coleman Archer, who will retire from Vanderbilt this spring after 31 years of service to the university.
“It’s difficult to adequately express the magnitude of Susie’s many, invaluable contributions to University Enrollment Affairs and to the university as a whole,” Christiansen said. “She has played an indispensable part in advancing our goals and positioning us for continued success.
“Susie’s numerous talents, abundant professionalism and generous spirit embody what makes Vanderbilt such a special community,” he said. “On behalf of the university, I offer Susie my heartfelt thanks for her dedicated service over the years and warmest congratulations on her well-earned retirement.”