James Patterson

In August 2023, the university launched Dialogue Vanderbilt, its core initiative to bridge divides, reestablish a vibrant culture of civil discourse and free expression, and showcase experts from on campus and around the world, leading the charge to build more engaged citizens and communities.  Read More

James Patterson has published over 400 titles and sold more than 425 million copies of his books, but he first gained the confidence to pursue a career in writing while working toward a graduate degree at Vanderbilt. Patterson, who earned his master’s in English from the university in 1970, discussed his writing process, prolific career, the value of collaboration, and his support for librarians and reading in a wide-ranging conversation moderated by former NBC News anchor John M. Seigenthaler. Read More

Bestselling author and Vanderbilt alum James Patterson will discuss his prolific writing career, support for literacy initiatives and the power of books and reading in a wide-ranging conversation at Vanderbilt University on Thursday, April 11 at 6:30 p.m. Co-sponsored by the Jean and Alexander Heard Libraries, Dialogue Vanderbilt and the Vanderbilt Project on Unity and American Democracy in collaboration with Parnassus Books, 'An Evening with James Patterson' will be moderated by former NBC News anchor and correspondent John M. Seigenthaler. The event is open to the public, but registration is required to attend. Read More

Prolific bestselling novelist James Patterson, MA’70, and country music legend Dolly Parton have collaborated on a novel, Run, Rose, Run, to be published March 7 by Little, Brown and Co. Read More

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. Read More

Best-selling young adult fiction writer Sharon M. Draper visited the Wyatt Center at Vanderbilt’s Peabody College to motivate and inspire Nashville middle schoolers. Read More

Children's author Christopher Paul Curtis addressed MNPS middle school students at Vanderbilt’s Wyatt Center May 19. Read More

Metro Nashville Public Schools fifth- through eighth-graders gathered at Vanderbilt to hear acclaimed children's and young adult author Jacqueline Woodson, thanks to a gift by best-selling novelist James Patterson. Read More

Mayor Karl Dean discussed the joys of reading with Metro Nashville Public School students at the March 14 meeting of Patterson RAPS (Read and Play Saturdays). The program, funded by a gift from best-selling author James Patterson, aims to instill a love of reading in participants. Read More

Best-selling author James Patterson addressed a gathering of about 100 Nashville middle school students April 8, sharing with them his journey from childhood to successful writer. Read More

Best-selling author James Patterson will speak to a gathering of about 100 middle-school students from Isaiah T. Creswell Middle Arts Magnet School on the power of reading Tuesday, April 8 at Vanderbilt. Read More

Saturday mornings are all about reading for the 25 middle school students enrolled in Patterson RAPS, a free program for Metro Nashville Public School students who live in the communities surrounding Vanderbilt. Read More

Middle school students are experiencing the joy of reading thanks to best-selling author and Vanderbilt alumnus James Patterson, who recognized the need for engaging literature for the younger set. Read More

James Patterson, MA’70, breathes rare air. His books line the walls in airport shops. They’re tucked into beach bags amid the towels and sunscreen. They’re on sidewalk kiosks and bedside tables around the world. In 2010 he sold more books than John Grisham, Stephen King and Danielle Steele combined. Read More