MyVU News

  • The Jean and Alexander Heard Library, as seen from 21st Avenue South. (Photo by Jon Erickson)

    Heard Libraries offer premium access to Overleaf Professional, collaborative tool that streamlines scientific writing

    Premium access to Overleaf Professional, an online tool designed to make scientific and technical writing simpler and more collaborative, is now available to Vanderbilt students, faculty and staff free of charge, courtesy of the Jean and Alexander Heard Libraries. Read More

    Oct 16, 2025

  • Vanderbilt University

    Seizing the moment: The story behind junior Viji Burma’s Nashville Symphony Orchestra soloist debut

    Collegiate voice students can only dream about the opportunity—someday—to be featured as a soloist with a major symphony orchestra. For Blair junior Vyjayanthi “Viji” Burma, a music education major, that dream became a reality in a whirlwind fashion last month. Read More

    Oct 13, 2025

  • Vanderbilt University

    Andy Schwartz: Leveraging AI to improve the human condition

    As far back as he can remember, Andy Schwartz has been fascinated by two things—how the brain works and how humans process natural language.   Andy Schwartz, director of the Human Language Analysis Beings lab and research associate professor in the Vanderbilt College of Connected Computing (Submitted photo)… Read More

    Oct 13, 2025

  • Vanderbilt University

    Vanderbilt researchers’ work on cover of Science

    Through a collaboration between US and Kenyan researchers and Turkana communities of northern Kenya, scientists have uncovered key genetic adaptations underlying survival in hot and dry environments, revealing how natural selection has enabled this pastoralist population to thrive in a challenging landscape. This research is featured on the cover of the Sept. 18, 2025 issue of Science. Read More

    Oct 9, 2025

  • Vanderbilt University

    Stay cyber-safe, live cyber-smart: October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month

    During Cybersecurity Awareness Month, we invite all students, faculty and staff to “Stay Cyber-Safe, Live Cyber-Smart.” By arming ourselves with knowledge and crucial cyber-tips, sharing risks openly, working together across departments and supporting one another, we build a culture of trust and protection where everyone plays a positive role in keeping Vanderbilt secure.  Read More

    Oct 9, 2025

  • Vanderbilt University

    Register now for Oct. 29 Fall Staff Assembly

    All Vanderbilt staff are invited to attend the annual Fall Staff Assembly, either at Vanderbilt’s Langford Auditorium or virtually, on Wednesday, Oct. 29. The event will celebrate university staff and their many contributions to the university’s mission. Read More

    Oct 8, 2025

  • Vanderbilt University

    History of hypnotism explored in new Heard Libraries exhibit

    Power of Suggestion: The Hypnotism Library of Dr. Albert Moll, curated by History of Medicine Collections curator Chris Ryland and archivist Jim Thweatt, is on view at Vanderbilt’s Special Collections and University Archives through mid-February 2026. The items in the exhibit are drawn from a multilingual collection offering a unique perspective on the history of hypnotism as well as its relationship to animal magnetism, psychotherapy, mesmerism, sleepwalking, criminology, and even yoga. Read More

    Oct 8, 2025

  • Immersion experience in Vietnam sparks curiosity and understanding for Vanderbilt students

    Immersion experience in Vietnam sparks curiosity and understanding for Vanderbilt students

    As Vanderbilt students Katie Wong (junior), Ren Adajar (junior) and Christin Ann Sanchez (senior) coasted through the bustle of Ho Chi Minh City on the backs of motorbikes, holding tightly onto their peer tour guides this past May, it was hard to believe that 24 hours earlier they were on campus saying goodbye to friends, professors and Nashville for the summer. The three students knew their itinerary and whom they would meet with, and thanks to their professor’s advising, they understood the learning objectives on gender equity and human rights, but they did not know how much of an impact the following few weeks would have on their lives.  Read More

    Oct 6, 2025

  • Vanderbilt University

    $121K grant from IMLS recognizes Heard Libraries’ support of staff development

    Vanderbilt’s Jean and Alexander Heard Libraries have received a prestigious National Leadership Grant from the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services. The award, valued at more than $121,000, was made through the IMLS’ Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program. Read More

    Oct 6, 2025

  • Vanderbilt University

    Character and leadership at center of Vanderbilt fireside chat with Gen. McChrystal

    Character and leadership took center stage at Vanderbilt University as retired Gen. Stanley McChrystal joined retired Gen. Paul Nakasone, founding director of the Institute of National Security, for the institute’s speaker series Monday evening. Read More

    Oct 6, 2025

  • Arts and Science building

    Expanding arts programming and opportunities through the A&S Arts Project

    The College of Arts and Science has long been an innovator and leader in the arts—from theater to studio art to cinema to architecture. Faculty and students alike create, build, and explore in visionary ways that affect the way we interpret and live in the world around us. To further develop the arts at Vanderbilt, the college has launched the Arts and Science Arts Project. The strategic initiative aims to elevate, expand, and connect art initiatives at Vanderbilt, develop new programming, and build collaborations with the arts community around Nashville and beyond. Read More

    Oct 6, 2025

  • Chief Tommye Sutton teaching

    Safety starts with preparation: Vanderbilt community encouraged to complete new active assailant response training

    With higher education leaders’ heightened attention to campus safety, Vanderbilt University Public Safety reminds all members of the Vanderbilt community about the importance of preparing for an active assailant situation. Taking time now to become familiar with Vanderbilt’s prevention strategies and response guidelines is a crucial step in keeping our campus safe. Read More

    Oct 6, 2025

  • Vanderbilt University

    Rising to meet our moment: Vanderbilt celebrates 150th anniversary of its opening

    Vanderbilt celebrated the 150th anniversary of its opening on the afternoon of Oct. 3 on Alumni Lawn. The Board of Trust, Vanderbilt leadership, deans, faculty, staff and students gathered to hear Sen. Lamar Alexander, Mayor Freddie O'Connell and Chancellor Daniel Diermeier speak on the momentous occasion before celebrating with streamers, live music and various food trucks. Read More

    Oct 6, 2025

  • Vanderbilt University

    Vehicle, pedestrian route changes start Monday, Oct. 6, near Central Neighborhood

    A series of sidewalk and roadway closures will begin on Monday, Oct. 6, in Vanderbilt’s Central Neighborhood. Whether you are walking, biking or driving, take time to chart a course that will make navigating campus a breeze.   Read More

    Oct 2, 2025

  • Vanderbilt University

    Open Enrollment: Detailed guide and health insurance premiums now available 

    Open Enrollment is your once-a-year opportunity to choose the benefits that best meet the needs of you and your family. To ensure you’re enrolled in your desired plans, all fully benefits-eligible employees must complete Open Enrollment, even if you do not plan to make changes or waive coverage. Open Enrollment will take place on My VU Benefits between 12 a.m. CT Oct. 16, and 11:59 p.m. CT Oct. 31, 2025. Read More

    Oct 2, 2025

  • Vanderbilt University

    Acclaimed author Jacqueline Woodson emphasizes the role of storytelling in building connection and fostering dialogue

    Engaging in thoughtful dialogue is not only essential in today’s society, but also is a trademark of the Vanderbilt experience, which begins with the first-year experience on The Martha Rivers Ingram Commons. On Sunday, Sept. 14, author Jacqueline Woodson spoke to a packed Langford Auditorium for the 19th Annual Lawson Lecture and offered a master class for the Class of 2029 on using storytelling to foster discourse and find connection, continuing the 2025–26 first-year programming theme of “Stories that Connect Us.”   Read More

    Oct 2, 2025

  • Vanderbilt University

    Stories from the field: Arts and Science students spend their summers interning, researching, and making a global impact

    For many, summer is a time to soak up the sunshine, venture outside, and maybe even tackle the books on that lengthy “to be read” list. For students in the College of Arts and Science, summer presents a different opportunity: a chance to apply their skills and academic knowledge to real-world challenges, setting the stage for future career success. Read More

    Sep 29, 2025

  • Vanderbilt University

    John Wikswo: Transforming small-scale science into planet-sized impact

    When an “unsolvable” problem needs solving, put John Wikswo on the team. As director of the Vanderbilt Institute for Integrative Biosystems Research and Education and University Distinguished Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, and Physics, Wikswo is tackling questions crucial to the biotech and pharmaceutical industries, now with support from Vanderbilt's Innovation Catalyst Fund. Read More

    Sep 26, 2025

  • Vanderbilt University

    Back to school with PENCIL: Vanderbilt strengthens ties to K–12 education

    When teachers have the right tools and students feel supported, classrooms can thrive. That’s the goal of Vanderbilt’s work with PENCIL, a local nonprofit that links public schools with community partners and volunteers. With 81,000 students back in Metro Nashville Public Schools classrooms, Vanderbilt Community Relations is working with PENCIL to ensure teachers have what they need and students start strong, continuing a partnership that has supported Nashville schools for years. Read More

    Sep 25, 2025

  • Vanderbilt University

    Judy Jean Chapman, former interim nursing dean, has died

    Judy Jean Chapman, professor emerita of nursing, who led the Vanderbilt University School of Nursing as interim dean in the early 1980s, died Sept. 8 in Nashville. She was 83. Read More

    Sep 25, 2025