The Business of VU program provides students, faculty and staff with direct access to the strategy, structure and financial framework that drive Vanderbilt University. Now entering its 10th cohort, the program continues its mission of strengthening institutional understanding, leadership readiness and cross-campus connection.
The program is designed for students and professionals who want to understand how Vanderbilt operates as a whole—how strategy is developed, how priorities are funded and how leadership decisions shape the university’s future.
Participants engage directly with Vanderbilt leadership, including vice chancellors and senior university executives, through nine focused, discussion-driven sessions.
Program Focus Areas
- University strategy and academic priorities
- The future of work and workforce planning
- Admissions, brand and institutional reputation
- Federal and local policy impact
- Financial drivers, capital strategy and endowment stewardship
- Campus operations and athletics within the broader mission
These two-hour interactive sessions are held on campus biweekly on Thursday afternoons from 3 to 5 p.m., late August to early December, and conclude with a closing celebration and certificate ceremony.
A Decade of Institutional Insight
The cohort is limited to 35 participants to ensure an immersive and engaging experience. Participants will be chosen from a diverse set of campus perspectives and a range of schools and units to ensure a broad representation across campus. Applications are considered based on level of interest, background of experience and commitment to the Vanderbilt University mission in order to build a cohort representing schools and units across campus. Applications are open to students, faculty and staff.
Apply by April 30 here: The Business of VU Application 2026. Your opportunity begins now! You can also nominate a participant here: The Business of VU Nomination Form 2026.
If you have questions or need more information, email BusinessofVU@vanderbilt.edu.
