In a series on the Vanderbilt Instagram account, students can get to know some of the dedicated staff who play a crucial role in creating a welcoming and supportive environment for them. This installment features Harrison McClary, Vanderbilt University photographer. Harrison started working for Vanderbilt on Move-In Day 2022 and has been capturing campus ever since.
Stay tuned for more Q&A sessions with staff members at Vanderbilt, whose daily efforts help shape positive experiences for the entire university community.
What do you think is the best photo you’ve ever taken at Vanderbilt?
Favorite photo I’ve made here at Vanderbilt … It’s really hard to say just one. I’ve shot so many different things. I would say favorite events would definitely be Move-In Day—that’s always so much fun. The energy and the excitement of the new students on campus is always a lot of fun to be around.
First year students arrive for Move In at the Martha River Ingram Commons. (Harrison McClary/Vanderbilt University)
First year students arrive for Move In at the Martha River Ingram Commons. (Harrison McClary/Vanderbilt University)
Provost Cybele Raver welcomes first year students during Move In at the Martha River Ingram Commons. (Harrison McClary/Vanderbilt University)
What is your favorite thing to do in nature?
I like to hike. We go to the mountains and hike the waterfalls a lot. I also like to go kayaking.
Is there anything VU students seem to have in common based on how they photograph?
Yeah, they all know how to do the “Anchor Down.”
First year students arrive for Move In at the Martha River Ingram Commons. (Harrison McClary/Vanderbilt University)
First year students arrive for Move In at the Martha River Ingram Commons. (Harrison McClary/Vanderbilt University)
First year students arrive for Move In at the Martha River Ingram Commons. (Harrison McClary/Vanderbilt University)
First year students arrive for Move In at the Martha River Ingram Commons. (Harrison McClary/Vanderbilt University)
What is your favorite emotion to capture on campus?
Happiness—people smiling and having a good time. That always makes good photos.
Students enjoying a nice fall day. (Harrison McClary/Vanderbilt University)
Students enjoying a nice fall day. (Harrison McClary/Vanderbilt University)
What is your favorite photo you have ever taken?
The photos I shot of Sid Bream sliding in to win the NLCS in 1991 in Atlanta was one of my favorite things I shot because that led to my first World Series that I ever covered, which was a lot of fun.
Photo by Harrison McClary
What is your favorite part of your job?
The best part of my job is I get to go everywhere, I get to see everything. I have met so many people on this campus, not just faculty and staff, but students. I’ve got quite a few students that I walk across campus and they say hello to me. It’s really fun. I love the interaction with them. And the great thing about my job is going into a lot of the labs and a lot of the other research things that we do, so I learn a little bit about everything. It’s a lot of fun.
Chancellor Daniel Diermeier gives a medal to Class of 2025 Outstanding Senior winner Luis Enrique Otero Devoz, Nov. 9, 2024. (Harrison McClary/Vanderbilt)
Students enjoying a nice fall day. Photo: Harrison McClary/Vanderbilt University
Vanderbilt Veteran’s Day Breakfast 2024 (Harrison McClary/Vanderbilt) Photo: Harrison McClary/Vanderbilt University
The ‘First Family of Black Country’ mural by Nashville artist Elisheba Israel Mrozik was unveiled at a Juneteenth celebration on June 19. (Harrison McClary/Vanderbilt University)
Melissa K. Rose, Dean Blair School of Music (Harrison McClary/Vanderbilt)
Garland Hall topping out ceremony with Dean McNamara and Vice Chancellor Kopstain. Harrison McClary/Vanderbilt University
2024 Graduate School Convocation Harrison McClary/Vanderbilt University
Mr. C outside Jackalope Brewing Company in the Wedgewood-Houston neighborhood of Nashville (Harrison McClary/Vanderbilt)
Brittany Chase, lecturer in ethnomusicology and assistant dean for nondegree programs at Vanderbilt Blair School of Music, with her dog Dexter (Harrison McClary/Vanderbilt)
Vanderbilt football players discussing the merits of their arguments. (Harrison McClary/Vanderbilt University)
Graduates and families celebrate at the Graduates Day celebration. (Harrison McClary/Vanderbilt)
Maj. Gen. Lorna Mahlock, commander of the Cyber National reviews evolving cybersecurity threats against the U.S. (Harrison McClary/Vanderbilt University)
Vivek Kumar performs with the BhangraDores in November 2023. (Harrison McClary/Vanderbilt)
Students and their families participated in the football tailgate on Oct. 14 as part of Family Weekend 2023. (Harrison McClary/Vanderbilt)
Friday afternoon events included a block party with food trucks at Vanderbilt’s newly redesigned West End Neighborhood. (Harrison McClary/Vanderbilt University)
Students enjoying a nice fall day. Photo: Harrison McClary/Vanderbilt University
