Author: Kara Furlong
MSNBC’s ‘Morning Joe’ features The Vanderbilt Project on Unity and American Democracy
Feb. 5, 2021—The co-chairs of The Vanderbilt Project on Unity and American Democracy appeared on MSNBC’s "Morning Joe" Feb. 4 to discuss the university’s nonpartisan initiative that aims to elevate research and evidence-based reasoning in the national discourse.
New bike lanes seek to enhance safety, transportation options on campus
Jan. 27, 2021—New bicycle lanes on Jess Neely Drive and Vanderbilt Place are aimed at improving safety and rider experience on campus, and supporting Vanderbilt’s goal of increasing bike commuting and enhancing bike path infrastructure at the university.
University leaders reflect on life of community activist Kwame Lillard, frequent contributor to Vanderbilt’s MLK Series
Jan. 14, 2021—Vanderbilt leaders are reflecting on the life and legacy of veteran civil rights activist Kwame Lillard, who died Dec. 20 in Nashville. As recently as January 2020, Lillard shared his firsthand experiences in the civil rights movement with Vanderbilt students as part of the university’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Series.
Virtual events mark Martin Luther King Jr. Day at Vanderbilt; paid staff holiday observed Jan. 18
Jan. 14, 2021—A series of virtual events for the Vanderbilt community will celebrate the life and legacy of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday, Jan. 18. Beginning this year, MLK Day is a paid staff holiday, aligning with VU’s efforts to strengthen equity, diversity and inclusion.
Purcell to step down as director of LGBTQI Life; Nelson named interim director
Dec. 18, 2020—Chris Purcell, director of Vanderbilt’s Office of LGBTQI Life since 2013, will leave the position Dec. 31 to become assistant dean of students at Chatham University in Pittsburgh. Rob Nelson, assistant director of LGBTQI Life, will serve as the interim director while a national search is conducted to fill the role, William H. Robinson, vice provost for academic advancement and executive director of the Provost’s Office for Inclusive Excellence, has announced.
Provost’s Office for Inclusive Excellence and identity centers’ fall programming supports VU community
Dec. 16, 2020—Vanderbilt’s Provost’s Office for Inclusive Excellence and identity centers coordinated a number of initiatives and events during the fall 2020 semester to support the university community—in particular, those members with systemically nondominant identities—amid the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing social and political unrest in the country.
Deans’ Diversity Designates to serve as liaisons to Provost’s Office for Inclusive Excellence
Dec. 4, 2020—The deans of Vanderbilt’s 10 colleges and schools each have named liaisons to work directly with the Provost’s Office for Inclusive Excellence. These Deans’ Diversity Designates will serve as advocates for inclusive excellence as well as equity-, diversity- and inclusion-related initiatives at their respective schools and in their specific areas across the Vanderbilt campus.
Anchor Down. Step Up. merchandise store reopens, new items available
Nov. 17, 2020—By popular demand, the Anchor Down. Step Up. Pop-up Store is open again for a limited time and features three new items.
University to salute character and resilience of Vanderbilt veterans
Nov. 9, 2020—Vanderbilt University is honoring the service of military veterans and celebrating their unique contributions to campus culture through a series of videos, social media posts, photo exhibitions and more to commemorate Veterans Day. Watch a video message from Chancellor Daniel Diermeier saluting Vanderbilt's veterans.
Vanderbilt, let’s vote on Nov. 3
Nov. 1, 2020—On Election Day, employees who are registered to vote may be absent from work for a reasonable paid period of time, not to exceed three hours, to exercise their right to vote.
Ellis named director of Provost’s Office for Inclusive Excellence
Oct. 21, 2020—Franklin Ellis Jr. has been named director of the Provost’s Office for Inclusive Excellence (OIE), Vice Provost for Academic Advancement and Executive Director of OIE William H. Robinson has announced.
VandyRide to provide free shuttle to polling place for early voting
Oct. 21, 2020—VandyRide will provide a free shuttle to the Green Hills Public Library on Saturday, Oct. 24, for any student—undergraduate, graduate or professional—who wishes to participate in early voting.