Emilie Townes
Vanderbilt University Special Collections acquires new Lawson photographs
Oct. 27, 2020—Rare photographs of the Rev. James M. Lawson Jr., a pivotal figure in the history of the civil rights movement and Vanderbilt University, have been acquired by the Jean and Alexander Heard Libraries.
Lawson, Young and others join symposium honoring legacy of Kelly Miller Smith
Oct. 23, 2020—A virtual symposium with noted speakers and artists will reflect on the civil rights legacy of Kelly Miller Smith Sr., Vanderbilt’s first African American administrator, and its meaning today. The symposium is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 28.
Michael Eric Dyson, distinguished scholar of race and religion, to join Vanderbilt faculty next year
Sep. 28, 2020—Michael Eric Dyson, a globally renowned scholar of race, religion and contemporary culture, will join Vanderbilt as Centennial Chair and University Distinguished Professor of African American and Diaspora Studies in the College of Arts and Science and University Distinguished Professor of Ethics and Society in the Divinity School on Jan. 1, 2021.
Vanderbilt Divinity School conference to address impact of COVID-19
Jul. 31, 2020—The Public Theology and Racial Justice Collaborative will host "Medical Apartheid Revisited: Pandemic, Politics and Priorities," an online social justice conference Aug. 5-7, to explore increasing racial and ethnic health disparities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Wente maintains Vanderbilt’s momentum during unprecedented year
Jun. 29, 2020—Susan R. Wente is being thanked across campus for her exceptional leadership during an unprecedented year, as her tenure as interim chancellor concludes and she returns full-time as provost July 1.
Luce Foundation grant bolsters Divinity School’s relief efforts after tornado, COVID-19
Jun. 10, 2020—A rapid response grant by the Henry Luce Foundation will continue the intensive humanitarian efforts of Vanderbilt Divinity School after tornadoes wreaked havoc across Tennessee, followed by COVID-19.
Vanderbilt University names new dean of Blair School of Music following international search
Mar. 24, 2020—Vanderbilt University has tapped Lorenzo Candelaria, dean and professor of music at Purchase College, State University of New York, as the next dean of Vanderbilt’s Blair School of Music following an extensive international search.
Vanderbilt Divinity and VA partner on doctor of ministry for chaplains
Mar. 6, 2020—A new partnership between the Divinity School and Mental Health and Chaplaincy, a national program of the Veterans Health Administration, will relaunch a doctor of ministry program at Vanderbilt.
Vanderbilt to host ‘Stirring the Waters Across America’ Feb. 28
Jan. 31, 2020—“Stirring the Waters Across America,” a multimedia production highlighting the Civil Rights Movement through captivating music, spoken word and dance, is scheduled from 7 to 9 p.m. Feb. 28 in Langford Auditorium.
Luce Foundation renews funding for Vanderbilt Divinity anti-racism initiative
Jan. 23, 2020—A Vanderbilt Divinity School collaboration committed to harnessing the power of public theology to combat racism will expand its reach, thanks to renewed support from the Henry Luce Foundation.
2020 MLK Commemorative Series explores the ability of storytelling to connect
Jan. 22, 2020—Vanderbilt students, faculty, staff and postdoctoral fellows honored the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. through programs, lectures, interactive teach-ins, community service projects and more as part of the university’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Series.
Monáe, Salaam emphasize the interconnectedness of storytelling and truth in MLK Commemorative Series keynote
Jan. 20, 2020—During the keynote event of the 2020 MLK Commemorative Series, Janelle Monáe and Yusef Salaam discussed how stories have the power to bring truth to light, amplify inclusive narratives and shape the future.