Author: Seth Robertson
John Lachs, longtime Vanderbilt philosophy professor, to retire in August
Apr. 2, 2021—Centennial Professor of Philosophy John Lachs will retire and receive emeritus status on Aug. 15, after more than 50 years of teaching at Vanderbilt University. Lachs’ thought-provoking lectures have been perennial favorites among not only students, but also many alumni, who eagerly have signed up for his numerous appearances at Reunion and Vanderbilt chapter events.
André Christie-Mizell named vice provost for graduate education and dean of Vanderbilt’s Graduate School
Dec. 9, 2020—Esteemed sociologist and child and adolescent psychologist C. André Christie-Mizell has been named vice provost for graduate education and dean of the Graduate School at Vanderbilt University, effective Jan. 1, 2021, pending Board of Trust approval.
Trailblazing alumna Dorothy Phillips discusses her career as a chemist, importance of diversity in the physical sciences
Oct. 2, 2020—Dorothy J. Wingfield Phillips, BA’67, the first African American woman to receive an undergraduate degree from Vanderbilt and a member of the inaugural class of Vanderbilt Trailblazers, recently was interviewed by the American Chemical Society about her career as a chemist and the importance of making the physical sciences more inclusive for women and underrepresented minorities.
Cheek to step down as director of Bass Military Scholars Program
Sep. 11, 2020—Gary H. Cheek, a retired U.S. Army lieutenant general who has served as the inaugural director of Vanderbilt University’s Bass Military Scholars Program since 2019, has announced that he will be stepping down in 2021.
Ethnic fears eroding democratic attitudes among Republicans, new research finds
Sep. 4, 2020—Ethnocentric concerns about the growing political power and social influence of immigrants, African Americans and Latinos are undermining Republicans’ commitment to long-held democratic norms, according to new research by Vanderbilt University political science professor Larry Bartels.
Nine students selected as newest cohort of Bass Military Scholars
Aug. 27, 2020—Among the nine new Bass Scholars, who are pursuing graduate and professional degrees across several Vanderbilt schools, are a former Army Ranger who served in combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, a Naval Academy graduate who flew jet fighter combat missions from an aircraft carrier, and two of the first female officers to serve in previously all-male Army field artillery units.
Historian Jon Meacham speaks to the ‘soul of America’ during prime-time televised remarks
Aug. 22, 2020—Jon Meacham, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author and Carolyn T. and Robert M. Rogers Professor of the American Presidency, implored Americans to embrace “the best parts of our soul” and let history “be our guide” during a nationally televised speech Aug. 20.
Turning Heads: The Vanderbilt Brain Institute has emerged as a hub of discovery as neuroscience’s influence expands
Aug. 5, 2020—The VBI recently marked its 20th anniversary, a span that has seen the institute’s wide-ranging missions—including administering the university’s Neuroscience Graduate Program, as well as postdoctoral training and community outreach—steadily coalesce under a single umbrella.
Former Vanderbilt alumni trustee John Loomis has died
Apr. 9, 2020—John R. Loomis, a former alumni trustee on the Vanderbilt University Board of Trust, philanthropist and investment adviser, died March 31 from long-term health issues. The Larchmont, New York, resident was 90.
Residential College Magic: Residential colleges provide undergraduates close-knit, diverse communities with faculty mentors
Feb. 21, 2020—Before the Class of 2012 moved onto The Martha Rivers Ingram Commons in 2008, there never had been anything on campus like these intentionally designed communities where undergraduates with different backgrounds are paired together and live alongside faculty.
Fellowship program established by bestselling author James Patterson to bring distinguished visiting scholars to Vanderbilt
Oct. 28, 2019—Philanthropic support from bestselling author and Vanderbilt University alumnus James Patterson, MA’70, has established new fellowships that will bring distinguished visiting scholars to the university. The Patterson Fellowships will allow visiting scholars to stay for up to a week at Vanderbilt’s Residential Colleges, where they will discuss their work and interact regularly with students.
Bass Military Scholars honored, first John S. Beasley II Scholarship recipient announced at campus reception
Oct. 3, 2019—The inaugural cohort of the Bass Military Scholars Program, comprising seven U.S. military veterans who are pursuing professional degrees across several of Vanderbilt University’s schools, were honored at a reception in Alumni Hall on Sept. 19.