Vanderbilt Student Affairs has appointed new leaders. ReChard Peel is now director of the Bishop Joseph Johnson Black Cultural Center, and Hannah Jones will lead the K.C. Potter Center.
Both will work to advance Student Affairs mission to enhance students’ feelings of belonging on campus, oversee culturally relevant and timely programming for the campus community and continue to position the centers as intentional and innovative places at Vanderbilt.
“The appointments of ReChard and Hannah will support Vanderbilt’s commitment to building a sense of belonging for members of our community,” Vice Provost for Student Affairs and Dean of Students G.L. Black said. “Their knowledge and experience contribute to our goal of fostering a strong sense of community among students and our entire campus.”
“The Bishop Joseph Johnson Black Cultural Center has a rich legacy at Vanderbilt and in Nashville,” Peel said. “It has been a hub and place of belonging for so many alumni, students, staff and faculty for many years, so I am excited to build on that history and continue to create an environment that fosters community, enhances student experiences and propels this institution forward.”
Peel began his journey at Vanderbilt in 2017 as a program coordinator in the Student Center for Social Justice and Identity. He most recently served as assistant director of the BCC, leading the BCC AmbassaDores and collaborating with more than 20 campus partners. He holds degrees in African American studies and higher education leadership from Purdue University and Grand Valley State University, and he recently earned his Ph.D. from Indiana State University.
Jones joins the K.C. Potter Center for LGBTQI Life from Corning Community College, bringing an extensive background in youth development, sexuality and social justice education.
“I am very excited to begin working with the K.C. Potter Center and larger Vanderbilt teams to help grow the center for the larger queer community,” Jones said. “We look forward to sustaining and building more programming for students with their input and needs come this fall.”
Jones received her master’s in social justice and education from St. John’s University and a Ph.D. in social justice education from Lancaster University. She combines her professional and educational skills with her passion for the LGBTQIA+ community.
The appointment of these leaders aligns with the university’s “You at VU” campaign and underscores Vanderbilt’s commitment to building a sense of belonging on campus.