Vanderbilt University has announced that it will host its first public programming in New York City: “Vanderbilt in the City: Conversations on America,” beginning March 6. The three-event series, planned for Vanderbilt University–New York City, 440 W. 21st St., in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood, will open the university’s doors to the New York City community. The series, which follows the university’s September announcement that it is exploring an enhanced New York City presence, will convene faculty and thought leaders for discussions that explore big questions, ideas and the ever-evolving identity of the United States.
From foreign policy to humor and health, these conversations, led by award-winning faculty, will highlight the dynamic perspectives of what it means to be an American today as our role in the world is shifting.
“Vanderbilt has long been committed to inquiry, dialogue and addressing society’s most pressing challenges,” said C. Cybele Raver, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs. “With its global influence in finance, media, technology and the arts, New York is the ideal setting for these conversations. We look forward to welcoming the Vanderbilt, Chelsea and greater New York communities to join us in advancing our tradition of open discourse.”
This series advances Vanderbilt’s long-held commitment to free expression, built on the pillars of open forums, institutional neutrality and civil discourse. In fall 2023, the university launched its Dialogue Vanderbilt initiative to bridge divides and showcase experts from on campus and around the world—leading the charge to build more engaged citizens and communities. Vanderbilt faculty have been deeply engaged in these efforts, and this series has been led by Jonathan Metzl, Frederick B. Rentschler II Professor of Sociology and Psychiatry and director of the Department of Medicine, Health and Society; and Major Jackson, Gertrude Conaway Vanderbilt Professor of English. On March 6, Provost Raver will welcome guests to this inaugural event with opening remarks.
“As we do in Nashville, we are thrilled to offer vibrant programming to the Vanderbilt and New York City communities,” said Provost Raver. “In the ever-evolving state of the country and the world, Vanderbilt embraces its role as a convener and knowledge hub to facilitate discussion and exchange on relevant, timely and, at times, difficult topics.”
With more than 7,800 alumni in New York and 740 New Yorkers enrolled at Vanderbilt, the New York region is home to the university’s largest alumni community outside of Tennessee. As part of the university’s work to bring the world to Vanderbilt and Vanderbilt to the world, Vanderbilt University–New York City will serve as a venue for immersive experiences for students and as a regional hub for the university’s NYC-based staff, strengthening Vanderbilt’s engagement with alumni, employers and prospective students in the region. The site will also be a central convening location for faculty as they collaborate with their peers at other institutions and conduct research projects in the region.
Situated within Chelsea’s vibrant cultural and technology-driven landscape, the property spans nearly a full city block and consists of 13 buildings and approximately 150,000 square feet. Vanderbilt is working closely with government, business and community leaders as regulatory review and approval processes for this enhanced presence move forward.
Attendance is open to the public; registration is required. Learn more here.
Event Details
America and the World
This panel, featuring the Financial Times’ Rana Foroohar and Vanderbilt expert on international politics Professor Brett Benson, will explore shifts in foreign policy and international alliances and their impact on the future of multilateralism, global security and America’s role in addressing challenges like climate change and emerging technologies. Jad Abumrad, public radio icon and Vanderbilt faculty member, will moderate the discussion.
- Date: Thursday, March 6
- Time:
- Reception: 6–7 p.m. ET
- Event: 7–8:30 p.m. ET
- Location: The Refectory at Vanderbilt University–New York City. Main entrance at 440 W. 21st St. (between Ninth and 10th avenues)
- Opening Remarks: C. Cybele Raver, provost and vice chancellor of academic affairs, Vanderbilt University
- Panelists:
- Rana Foroohar, global business columnist and associate editor at the Financial Times and global economic analyst for CNN
- Brett Benson, associate professor of political science and Asian studies, Vanderbilt University
- Moderator: Jad Abumrad, public radio icon, podcast pioneer and Vanderbilt University Distinguished Research Professor of Communication of Science and Technology
Register to attend here.
American Humor
Award-winning authors and Vanderbilt faculty members Lorrie Moore and Major Jackson will explore the power of humor and storytelling to bridge divides in a “fireside chat.” Moore will read from I Am Homeless if This Is Not My Home, and Jackson will read from Razzle Dazzle: New & Selected Poems. Afterward, they will discuss humor’s role in society and writing’s cultural power and political impact.
- Date: Thursday, April 10
- Time:
- Reception: 6–7 p.m. ET
- Event: 7–8:30 p.m. ET
- Location: The Refectory at Vanderbilt University–New York City. Main entrance at 440 W. 21st St. (between Ninth and 10th avenues)
- Panelists:
- Lorrie Moore, Gertrude Conaway Vanderbilt Professor of English, Vanderbilt University
- Major Jackson, Gertrude Conaway Vanderbilt Professor of English, Vanderbilt University
Save the date; registration information available online soon.
Health in America: Challenges and Opportunities
This panel, moderated by Jonathan Metzl, director of Vanderbilt University’s Department of Medicine, Health, and Society, will explore pressing public health issues, the role of federal agencies and emerging priorities for health policy. Experts from NYU, Wake Forest, Vanderbilt and the American Journal of Public Health will discuss such topics as health equity, science-based policymaking and the rise of “healthism” and self-directed health—examining their implications for the future of U.S. health policy.
- Date: Thursday, May 1
- Time: 7–8:30 p.m. ET
- Location: Vanderbilt University–New York City. Main entrance at 440 W. 21st St. (between Ninth and 10th avenues)
- Panelists:
- Eric Klinenberg, professor of sociology, Helen Gould Shepard Professor in the Social Sciences and director of the Institute for Public Knowledge, New York University
- Melissa Harris-Perry, Maya Angelou Presidential Chair in the Department of Politics and International Affairs, the Department of Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, and the Program in Environment and Sustainability, Wake Forest University
- Alfredo Morabia, M.D., professor of clinical epidemiology in the Department of Epidemiology at the Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, and editor-in-chief of the American Journal of Public Health
- Moderator: Jonathan Metzl, Frederick B. Rentschler II Professor of Sociology and Psychiatry and director of the Department of Medicine, Health, and Society, Vanderbilt University
Save the date; registration information available online soon.
