In his 11 years as Vanderbilt University’s eighth chancellor, Nicholas S. Zeppos left an indelible mark on the campus. In commemoration of that legacy, the Board of Trust commissioned an official portrait of Zeppos that was unveiled on May 7 before the board, university leaders, Zeppos himself and an audience of his family and friends. The portrait’s artist, Michael Shane Neal, was also present.
“The Board of Trust is proud to have commissioned this portrait of Nick Zeppos,” Board Chairman Bruce R. Evans said. “It captures more than a likeness—it reflects the spirit, intellect and humanity that defined his leadership. Nick didn’t just lead Vanderbilt, he elevated it with clarity of purpose and deep personal commitment. I’m glad we’ve taken this moment to honor him. His portrait will serve as a lasting reminder of the legacy he leaves behind and the standard he set for all of us who follow.”
Evans recounted the ways Zeppos’ leadership shaped Vanderbilt as chancellor and through the decades before that as provost and a law professor. He shared a remark from former board chair Mark Dalton exemplifying Zeppos’ larger-than-life persona: “Nick cared for all his people in the Vanderbilt community. He did it with great positive physical and intellectual energy, that big Zeppos smile and a total embrace of who we are and what Vanderbilt could become over the coming decades.”
Chancellor Daniel Diermeier also reflected on Zeppos’ enduring legacy; he highlighted several hallmark contributions from his tenure, including the university’s solid financial footing, a 93 percent growth in applications over 10 years, the development of residential colleges, the creation of Opportunity Vanderbilt and the historic transition of the university and Vanderbilt University Medical Center into two separate legal and financial entities—a complex move that set both up for long-term success.
“Chancellor Zeppos led and guided Vanderbilt into the university it is today—one of the most respected research universities in the world and a model for higher education in the 21st century,” Diermeier said. “I am inspired by his example and thrilled to honor his legacy with this portrait.”
Neal revealed the portrait at the event. The artist, who began his career when he was 21, has since completed more than 600 commissioned portraits that are on display around the world, including portraits of former President George H.W. Bush, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, seven U.S. senators, including majority leaders Robert C. Byrd and Bill Frist, actors like Morgan Freeman and Jimmy Fallon, four governors and numerous heads of universities. Neal also painted the portrait of Vanderbilt’s seventh chancellor, Gordon Gee.
“What I hoped for—and I think Shane captured brilliantly—was a window into the contemplative and interior space in which I often found peace and inspiration,” Zeppos remarked, noting how the piece reflected a departure from the traditional poses and regalia worn in portraiture.
During the event, Zeppos thanked the board and Martha Ingram for her confidence in his ability to lead the university. He also thanked his two sons, Nicholas and Ben, and his wife, Lydia, for their support during his time as chancellor.
“I love this university, and it has loved me back,” Zeppos said. “ Let it continue its pursuit of excellence, distinction and the public good.”
The university installs chancellors’ portraits in their namesake buildings when possible. In accordance with that policy, the portrait of Zeppos is in the front entry of Zeppos College.
