Vanderbilt University has named Elizabeth Zechmeister vice provost for graduate education and growth initiatives, dean of the Graduate School and the director of the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs, effective July 1. Zechmeister succeeds C. André Christie-Mizell, whose five-year term as dean concludes June 30 after a period of devoted leadership and service to graduate education at Vanderbilt.
“André Christie-Mizell has provided deeply insightful and compassionate leadership for Vanderbilt’s Graduate School,” Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs C. Cybele Raver said. “He has been a steadfast advocate for graduate students and postdoctoral scholars who has expanded professional development opportunities and fostered a strong sense of community across the university. André’s leadership will have a lasting impact on graduate education at Vanderbilt, and we are deeply grateful for his service and dedication.”
HONORING CHRISTIE-MIZELL’S LEADERSHIP
For five years, Christie-Mizell has served as dean of the Graduate School; he has led the school through a period of growth and change while advocating for graduate students and postdoctoral scholars across the university.
Christie-Mizell worked closely with faculty, staff and students to strengthen graduate education and expand support for student success and professional development.
“Serving as vice provost for graduate education and dean of the Graduate School-as well as vice provost and director of the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs-has been a great honor,” Christie-Mizell said. “I have had the privilege of working alongside extraordinary students, faculty and staff who are deeply committed to scholarship, discovery and community. I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together to strengthen support for graduate students and postdoctoral scholars and to foster an environment where students can thrive academically and personally. I am grateful to Vanderbilt’s leadership and to the Graduate School community for their partnership, and I look forward to seeing Vanderbilt build on this strong foundation under Liz Zechmeister’s leadership.”
Christie-Mizell, who also is Centennial Professor of Sociology, will return to the faculty.
GRADUATE SCHOOL AND GROWTH INITIATIVES
As dean, Zechmeister will work closely with Graduate School staff, faculty partners and university leadership to advance Vanderbilt’s graduate education mission and support the evolving needs of graduate students and postdoctoral scholars. She will also help lead graduate and professional-level strategic growth efforts while strengthening opportunities and support for current students.
A CAREER DEDICATED TO STUDENT SUCCESS
Zechmeister has a long record of leadership focused on student success, mentorship and graduate education. A faculty member at Vanderbilt since 2008, Zechmeister is currently senior associate provost for research and development and previously was interim chief research officer and associate provost in the Office of the Vice Provost for Research and Innovation. She is also the Cornelius Vanderbilt Professor of Political Science and an internationally recognized scholar whose career has combined academic excellence, mentorship and student-centered leadership.
She is widely recognized for her contributions to teaching and mentorship and for expanding opportunities for students pursuing advanced study. Her work has earned multiple university honors, including the Vanderbilt Career Catalyst Award in 2024, the Vanderbilt Margaret Cuninggim Women’s Center Mentoring Award in 2022 and the Vanderbilt Award for Excellence in Graduate Teaching in 2015. She built and directed the LAPOP Undergraduate Fellow Program, which provides Vanderbilt students with research and professional development opportunities, and she co-founded and led an NSF-funded summer training program designed to strengthen pathways into graduate education.
“Graduate education plays a vital role in advancing Vanderbilt’s mission of discovery, scholarship and impact,” Zechmeister said. “I am honored to serve as vice provost and dean of the Graduate School and to build on the strong foundation established by André Christie-Mizell’s thoughtful leadership. Vanderbilt’s graduate students and postdoctoral scholars are extraordinary members of our academic community, and I look forward to working alongside faculty, staff and university leadership to continue strengthening opportunities for mentorship, professional development and academic success across the university.”
