Vanderbilt observed its strongest year ever by many measures in 2022–23. The university soared to new heights in research and fundraising, received national and international recognition and celebrated significant milestones—like its Sesquicentennial and the launch of the ambitious Dare to Grow fundraising campaign.
Read about more highlights from the year:
Vanderbilt marked the single largest fundraising year in its history. The university quickly surpassed its initial $195 million goal for fiscal year 2023 to reach the current total of more than $323 million. This represents our largest single fundraising year—and great progress toward the $3.2 billion goal of the Dare to Grow comprehensive campaign, which launched in April.
Vandy United achieved its initial $300 million goal. This includes an unprecedented philanthropic gift from Vanderbilt trustee Jennifer R. Frist, BS’93, and William R. “Billy” Frist to establish Frist Athletics Village. Vandy United now enters its Dare to Grow fundraising phase.
Vanderbilt continues to excel in groundbreaking research and discovery. The university and Vanderbilt University Medical Center climbed seven spots in the National Science Foundation’s prestigious Higher Education Research and Development survey, which measures annual R&D spending.
Vanderbilt technology transfer and commercialization had a record year. The Vanderbilt Center for Technology Transfer and Commercialization earned $96 million in licensing revenue for FY23, exceeding last year’s record income totals. That revenue total is the largest amount generated through technology licensing in any year since CTTC was established in 1991.
Immersion Vanderbilt reached a significant milestone. The 2022–23 academic year marks the first time all students in an undergraduate class completed immersion projects before graduation. The Class of 2023’s 1,556 members pursued their intellectual curiosities through experiential learning as part of Immersion Vanderbilt.
Vanderbilt was named a Fulbright Top Producing Institution for U.S. Students. The Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs selected 20 students from Vanderbilt for Fulbright awards in 2022–23, placing the university among the top institutions in the nation for applicant success. Fulbright is the U.S. government’s flagship international educational exchange program.
Vanderbilt student-athletes celebrated big wins. The bowling team won a third national championship. The men’s and women’s golf programs advanced to the NCAA Championships and the baseball, soccer and women’s tennis programs earned NCAA tournament bids. Baseball won the SEC tournament title for the fourth time in program history. And five Vanderbilt student-athletes were named first-team All-Americans, while a total of 19 individuals earned All-America honors in 2022–23.
Vanderbilt was named a best employer in Tennessee. The university received its best-ever ranking by Forbes, jumping 17 spots to No. 10 on the publication’s annual list of America’s Best Employers by State.
Vanderbilt’s financial outlook is strong. S&P Global Ratings raised its long-term rating on Vanderbilt University’s bonds to AAA, the highest rating possible. Vanderbilt joins only 10 other universities and colleges that currently have a AAA rating from S&P.
