Development and Alumni Relations

The Development and Alumni Relations team forges relationships with the goal of supporting world-class education and discovery on campus and beyond. Being part of DAR means you will have opportunities to live Vanderbilt University’s motto, Dare to Grow, as we impact and set bold ambitions for the future.

Our philanthropic partners drive access and innovation by supporting scholarships, faculty, residential colleges, athletics, pathbreaking research, and so much more. Our community also gives back through gifts of time and expertise-serving as volunteers, mentors and beyond, to ensure all Commodores have the tools they need to flourish.

Inspired by our university motto, Dare to Grow, we are excited to expand our team, enhance our impact and set even bolder ambitions for the future.

John M Lutz John M Lutz
Vice Chancellor, Development and Alumni Relations

Join Our Team

There are many ways you can build a career with impact at Vanderbilt. Development and Alumni Relations continues to add new roles as we Dare to Grow, together

Impact Spotlights

Bold Gift Fuels Future of Vanderbilt Basketball

An anonymous alumnus will match qualifying gifts and pledges from alumni, up to $20 million, to support the basketball operations center and practice facility.

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Ingram Scholars Program Celebrates 30 Years

The transformative Ingram Scholarship provides recipients with full tuition, all required fees and the value of on-campus housing each year. 

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Levy Gift Supports Undergraduate Internships

A $5 million gift from the Levys will provide internship stipends for deserving undergraduate students and seek additional giving through a challenge match.

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Staff Spotlight

Name and Title:
Nicky Disbrow,
Executive Director,
School of Medicine/Basic Sciences

Hometown:
Dayton, OH

Why Vanderbilt?
Vanderbilt offered me the opportunity to grow my career in higher education fundraising at a world-class institution that continues to excel in every way.

Tell us about your Vanderbilt/DAR journey?
I started at Vanderbilt five years ago on the same team I’m currently on (School of Medicine/Basic Sciences) in a development officer role that focused on leadership annual giving. I’ve been grateful to receive various promotions and take on new responsibilities that have led me to my current position where I’m now leading the School of Medicine/Basic Sciences fundraising team.

What do you love most about your job?
It’s incredibly rewarding to build relationships and help people make an impact and difference in an area they’re passionate about through philanthropy. The people I get to work with, from alumni to DAR colleagues to faculty, all make this job even better.

What do you like about Vanderbilt’s campus or working at Vanderbilt?
I find it very unique that Vanderbilt’s campus is also an arboretum that’s home to many different types of trees, in addition to the beautiful plants and flowers. Because of this, campus feels like a special, secluded area nestled right in the heart of the city.

What do you like to do in Nashville?
Nashville always has new restaurants, coffee shops, and cocktail bars opening around town, and I like trying out all of these new places. I also enjoy going on walks and hikes with my husband and our 9-year-old Australian Shepherd at different parks and areas in and around Nashville.