Vanderbilt University is pleased to announce the appointment of Lisa Adams as the new Director of the University Counseling Center. Adams, who previously served as the director of counseling and psychological services at Duke University, brings extensive experience and proven leadership to Vanderbilt.
Adams obtained her Ph.D. in counselor education from Auburn University and is a licensed clinical mental health counselor. With more than 24 years of experience, she brings a wealth of knowledge on leading college counseling centers. In 2023, Adams received the Director of the Year award presented by the American College Health Association.
“Dr. Adams’ significant leadership experience and understanding of clinical systems will allow us to continue enhancing the University Counseling Center to meet student needs and support clinicians during a time in which college campuses are experiencing unprecedented mental health concerns,” said Neil Jamerson, associate dean of students for community standards and support.
As director of the University Counseling Center, Adams provides strategic leadership for counseling and psychiatric staff and services and oversees the facilitation of the institution’s clinical referral partnership with VUMC and other community partners. Adams now serves on the Student Care Network leadership team, the Student Affairs Senior Staff Team and the Campus Assessment, Response and Evaluation Team.
G.L. Black, vice provost for student affairs and dean of students, said, “I am excited to welcome Dr. Adams to Vanderbilt. Our Student Care Network is a leader in providing holistic health and wellness resources to students, and the UCC is a critical component of that network. I look forward to working with Dr. Adams to continue providing students with the support they need to flourish on our campus.”
Adams succeeds Todd Weinman, who retired from Vanderbilt on July 5 after serving as the director of the University Counseling Center for five years.
