Vanderbilt Community Relations

The American Council on Education and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching have announced the institutions that earned the Carnegie Elective Classification for Community Engagement for 2026, and Vanderbilt University is among them. This is Vanderbilt’s first time receiving the classification. This designation honors institutions that are deeply committed to working alongside their communities. It recognizes colleges and universities that build strong, mutually beneficial partnerships; connect community engagement to teaching and learning; and apply their knowledge and resources to help address real-world challenges.  Read More

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Vanderbilt invites the community to a new season of discovery, connection and fun with a dynamic lineup of winter courses and programs to keep your mind active and your spirit warm.  Whether you’re diving into science, literature or music, or exploring global perspectives through courses on Japan, Sicily and the Abrahamic faiths, you’ll find something to spark your curiosity. This winter also features returning favorites like Tai Chi and Gentle Yoga, new opportunities to learn Mahjong, and creative arts offerings from landscape painting to the always-popular Steel Drum Band and Chorale.  Read More

Vanderbilt hosted the 11th annual Blue Ribbon Teacher Awards in collaboration with the Nashville Public Education Foundation on Oct. 30. Twenty-five Metro Nashville Public Schools educators—including several Peabody College alumni—were recognized for excellence in student success, opportunity, instruction and leadership. Honorees received a $2,000 cash prize, professional headshots, a trophy and two round-trip Southwest Airlines vouchers. Read More

With just a few clicks, Vanderbilt students, faculty and staff can connect with volunteer opportunities across Nashville, thanks to the university’s new Get Connected platform.  Read More

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Vanderbilt is offering an inspiring lineup of fall courses and activities that reflect the spirit of lifelong learning and connection. Whether you’re diving into science, literature, music or exploring global perspectives through the highly requested new course on India, you’ll find something to spark your curiosity.  Read More

The Division of Government and Community Relations has announced the opening of applications for the Community Engagement Collaboration Fund. The fund aims to foster capacity for deeper collaboration among university partners and local community organizations.   Read More

Nashville is a city bustling with activity during the sweltering summer months. From cultural celebrations to arts exhibitions to live dance and music offerings, there is something in store for everyone. Vanderbilt University is proud to support numerous nonprofit and community organizations that provide activities and events throughout the season. Read More

Summer is just around the corner, and Vanderbilt University is offering a wide-ranging variety of summer camps and programs for kids. From athletics to academics and arts, there is something for everyone to enjoy and learn—all within Vanderbilt's supportive and enriching environment.  Read More

From the meditative practice of Tai Chi, to the exploration of the iconic movies that shaped the boomer generation, to the creative art of watercolor painting, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Vanderbilt is offering an exciting lineup of spring courses to invite the 50-plus community to rediscover the joy of learning.  Read More

From integrating literacy into music education to empowering teens to lead a more balanced digital life, seven innovative projects have been awarded funding through the fall 2024 cycle of the Community Engagement Collaboration Fund. Faculty and staff from 11 of Vanderbilt’s schools, departments and centers have joined forces with local nonprofits, schools and other community stakeholders to bring these initiatives to life.   Read More

This winter, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute is offering an exciting lineup of courses to invite the 50+ community to rediscover the joy of learning. For added convenience during the unpredictable weather of winter, many classes are available through Zoom, allowing students to join from the comfort of home. Registration for winter classes is open Nov. 18–Jan. 3. Classes begin on Jan. 12. Read More

On Thursday, Oct. 17, Vanderbilt University hosted the annual Blue Ribbon Teacher Awards, presented by the Nashville Public Education Foundation. These awards celebrate teachers who excel in equity, instruction and leadership within Metro Nashville Public Schools. Read More

In a city known for its music scene and rapidly changing skyline, the complex and often overlooked history of Nashville’s civil rights struggles has long remained in the shadows. Betsy Phillips, a local author and staff member at Vanderbilt University Press, is on a mission to change that narrative with her new book, Dynamite Nashville: Unmasking the FBI, the KKK, and the Bombers Beyond Their Control.  Read More

The Division of Government and Community Relations has announced the opening of applications for the Community Engagement Collaboration Fund. The fund aims to foster new avenues for radical collaboration among university partners and local community organizations. Read More

Summer in Nashville is the perfect time to explore the city’s dynamic cultural scene. Vanderbilt University is proud to support numerous nonprofit and community organizations that provide activities and events throughout the season. From lively music festivals to bustling art markets, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.  Read More

Academic, public, school and specialty librarians and library staff representing 13 states gathered at Vanderbilt University for the fifth Southern Library Support Staff Conference hosted by the Jean and Alexander Heard Libraries May 29–31. Read More

From figuring out how AI can help train emergency dispatchers to recognizing the historical contribution of an oft-displaced Nashville neighborhood established by Black Civil War veterans, nine community-driven proposals will come to fruition through the inaugural round of Community Engagement Collaboration grants, awarded by the Vanderbilt Division of Government and Community Relations.   Read More

The coalition is focused on enhancing urban higher education and community engagement. This exciting collaboration provides faculty and staff with access to valuable resources and opportunities to connect with colleagues from other urban institutions. Read More

The Division of Government and Community Relations is launching a funding opportunity for faculty and staff who are partnering with local organizations. The Community Engagement Collaboration Fund aims to help Vanderbilt and the greater Nashville community work better together.  Read More

Vanderbilt recently supported the Nashville International Center for Empowerment’s "Nicest Night in Nashville," an event celebrating immigrant and refugee communities while raising funds for housing, employment, education and other resources for newly arrived individuals and families. Read More