Building on the success of its inaugural public programming in Chelsea, Vanderbilt University today announced the next chapter of its faculty lecture series at Vanderbilt University – New York City. This fall, the university will invite New Yorkers and the Vanderbilt community to explore the intersections of music and spirituality and the mutual influence of technology and education through two public events: “Divine Rhythms: Jazz and the Sacred” on September 25 and “AI and the Future of the American University” on November 13.
“With Vanderbilt University – New York City, we are creating a dynamic space for scholarship, dialogue, and connection, bringing the university’s bold intellectual spirit into conversation with one of the world’s most vibrant cities,” said C. Cybele Raver, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs. “The enthusiastic response to our inaugural public programming affirms our commitment to building meaningful partnerships and fostering the kind of engaged inquiry that defines Vanderbilt at its best.”
The Spring 2025 Vanderbilt in the City: Conversations on America series welcomed standing-room-only crowds, reflecting a deep public appetite for thoughtful, expansive discussions and the excitement of the Chelsea neighborhood to welcome the university to the historic General Theological Seminary campus.
“Each Vanderbilt in the City event continues to prove how much the public yearns for thoughtful exchange,” said Major Jackson, Gertrude Conaway Vanderbilt Professor of English and faculty co-lead of this series. “These events create a powerful space for public scholarship and civic conversations,” added Jonathan Metzl, Frederick B. Rentschler II Professor of Sociology and Psychiatry and co-lead of the series. “We’re thrilled to continue convening faculty whose work speaks directly to the pressing questions of our time.”
Attendance is open to the public; registration is required. You can learn more and register here.
Fall 2025 Faculty Event Series
Divine Rhythms: Jazz and the Sacred
Join us for an evening of conversation and music as artists, theologians, and musicians explore the influence of spirituality on the development of jazz and the meaning of sacred elements within the jazz tradition.
-
- Date: Thursday, September 25, 2025
- Reception: 6–7 p.m. ET
- Event: 7–8:30 p.m. ET
- Location: The Refectory at Vanderbilt University–New York City
Main entrance: 440 W. 21st St. (between 9th and 10th Avenues) - Opening Remarks: C. Cybele Raver, Provost and Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs, Vanderbilt University
- Panelists:
- Robbie Fry, Principal Senior Lecturer of Musicology and Ethnomusicology, Blair School of Music, Vanderbilt University
- Eric Thomas, Assistant Professor of Bible, General Theological Seminary
- Buck McDaniel, Artist-in-Residence at The General Theological Seminary; Director of Music at the Church of Our Saviour, Murray Hill and Chapel of the Sacred Hearts, Kips Bay
- Moderator: Yolanda Pierce, Dean of the Divinity School; University Distinguished Professor of Religion & Literature; University Distinguished Professor of African American & Diaspora Studies, Vanderbilt University
- Performance: Live jazz ensemble featuring students from Vanderbilt’s Blair School of Music
AI and the Future of the American University
This event will feature a moderated panel conversation on artificial intelligence and the future of American higher education, hosted in collaboration with the New York Academy of Sciences. More details, including additional panelists, timing and registration, will be shared closer to the event date.
- Date: Thursday, November 13, 2025
- Reception: 6–7 p.m. ET
- Event: 7-8:30 p.m. ET
- Location: The Refectory at Vanderbilt University–New York City
Main entrance: 440 W. 21st St. (between 9th and 10th avenues) - Panelists:
- Nicholas Dirks, President and Chief Executive Officer, The New York Academy of Sciences
- Julie Samuels, President and Chief Executive Officer, Tech:NYC; Vanderbilt Law School Alumna 2005
- Nabiha Syed, Executive Director, Mozilla Foundation
- Matthew Johnson-Roberson, Inaugural Dean of the College of Connected Computing, Vanderbilt University
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 will strengthen Vanderbilt’s engagement with alumni, employers and prospective students in the region. Situated within Chelsea’s vibrant cultural and technology-driven landscape, the 3.5-acre campus 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.
We invite the Vanderbilt, Chelsea, and greater New York communities to join us for these special evenings of dialogue, discovery and performance. If you’re interested in attending, please register here.
For more information and to view upcoming events, visit the Vanderbilt in New York City events page.
