The Vanderbilt Story

Like the vineyards that produce the classic vintages she adores, Amy Christine Ellis’ palate has been carefully cultivated for years. Recently, she was named a master of wine by the Institute of Masters of Wine—one of only 312 people to hold that title worldwide, and one of only 10 women… Read More

A disappointing court decision led attorney Piper Hendricks to an unusual change of career—documentary filmmaking—with a little help from a nun. “I was working in international human rights litigation,” recalls Hendricks, “and was handling cases against corporations, including one against [a tire manufacturer] for using child labor in Liberia. It… Read More

StyleBlueprint.com profiles 2012 Vanderbilt University Distinguished Alumna Nora Tyson, BA’79, and her rise to vice admiral and deputy commander of United States Fleet Forces Command. Read More

Steven Smartt, BME’71, MME’72—associate dean for academic services in the Graduate School, assistant provost for research, and assistant professor of the practice of education—leads a parallel life. A trumpet player since elementary school, the Nashville native earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music education from Peabody College. He… Read More

By Andrea McDermott Sanders, MEd’06 “We are looking for a student to tutor our son. …” So began an email blast that went out to all Peabody graduate students Sept. 13, 2004. Dr. Anderson Spickard, MD’89, a physician in Vanderbilt University’s internal medicine and public health department, and his… Read More

Leadership is as much art as science. Its components can be studied, but to see it in practice is to develop an appreciation for the intangibles that turn those components into success. In training not just executives but leaders, Vanderbilt’s Owen Graduate School of Management has long provided both practical and… Read More

When it comes to his love for auto racing, Travis Geisler is always willing to go the extra mile—thousands of them, really, if one considers his college years. While at Vanderbilt he made the 1,200-mile round trip between Nashville and his hometown of Pittsburgh nearly every weekend just to compete… Read More

Francis Guess doesn’t shy from uncomfortable topics. The businessman, civil rights leader, philanthropist, public servant and community leader talks frankly about what it was like to be a Vietnam veteran assigned to work on the Army’s civil disturbance plans for his community, attending Vanderbilt in the 1970s when most students… Read More

When the Clinic at Mercury Courts opened in the summer of 2012, the staff expected to be inundated with patient visits. Designed to provide medical care for people and families transitioning from homelessness and other poverty situations, the clinic on Murfreesboro Road is located within a 5-mile radius of 12… Read More

In the latest VUCast: Watch a senior erase stereotypes among young students in the Middle East; see how a senior is telling stories to change perceptions about disabilities; and learn how you can click your way to Commencement. All this and more in the latest VUCast, Vanderbilt's online newscast. Watch now. Read More

Meet Vanderbilt Human And Organizational Development major Lisa Koenig.  She wakes up in the middle of the night to help change kids’ lives In one of the most controversial parts of the Middle East. [vucastblurb]… Read More

Meet Vanderbilt Arts and Science major Harvey Burrell. Harvey’s creative story-telling and desire to elevate the image of people with physical disabilities turned his college experience into an epic cross-country adventure and an inspirational documentary called “Endless Abilities.” [vucastblurb]… Read More

Watch the inspiring story of two members of the Class of 2014 and the science program that changed their lives. VUCast followed Cody Stothers and Domonique Bragg through the twists and turns each faced from high school to seniors at Vanderbilt. Read More

See the ancient discoveries these kids are digging up; learn about major progress in Parkinson’s research; and a throwback video! See Johnny Cash’s connection to Vanderbilt. All this and more in the latest VUCast, Vanderbilt’s online newscast. Watch now. Read More

In many ways Willie Geist was born to be on television. The co-host of NBC’s Today show and MSNBC’s Morning Joe is blessed with the good looks and self-assurance that one might associate with, say, a football or basketball team captain—which he was, incidentally, for both sports at his high… Read More

My dad used to tell me I took things for granted, especially on my birthday or Christmas. I always thought he was just a party pooper. But of course, you should never ignore what a wise Chinese man has to say. The conversation would go somewhat like this: “Thanks for… Read More

The last ten years mark a tremendous period of growth in Vanderbilt’s history. Applications for undergraduate admission have increased by nearly 20,000, while the admission rate has dropped from 40 to 13 percent. Provost Richard McCarty shared these facts and much more with Nashville-area alumni,… Read More

While many freshmen students are still deciding which major to pursue, Ryan Sullivan had already made one big decision affecting his Vanderbilt career before setting foot on campus in August: he joined the Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program on scholarship. Read More

In the latest VUCast: See how an international student is showcasing the United States in a beautiful way; discover how a "thinking cap" could help you learn; and watch a unique forest grow in just one weekend. All this and more in the latest VUCast, Vanderbilt's online newscast. Watch now. Read More

Vanderbilt's Blair School of Music is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2014. Watch Dean Mark Wait discuss Blair School history, what makes the ideal Blair student, the school's amazing alumni and the future of this unique institution. Read More