E. Jacob Cummings "Jake" (he/him/his), Director: Jake is responsible for guiding the Equal Opportunity and Access (EOA) Office at Vanderbilt. The EOA Office resolves various equity and access-related inquires and also supports Vanderbilt's inclusive learning environment through prevention, education, and outreach efforts. The office further oversees the religious accommodation process, as well as medical accommodations for employees. Jake graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a B.A. in Public Relations and Business Communications and earned his J.D. from Drake University. He previously served as Associate Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity at Iowa State University. Jake enjoys spending time with his children, family, and loved ones whenever he can. 

Catherine Buttrey (she/her/hers), Assistant Director: Catherine is responsible for making recommendations to address and prevent discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in the working and learning environments at Vanderbilt University. She studied Philosophy and Gender Studies at the University of South Alabama and earned her J.D. from Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law. Previously, she served as Vanderbilt’s Assistant Director of Student Access. Catherine is a musical theatre enthusiast, an avid foodie, and a dedicated Nashville SC fan.

Jonathan Santana (he/him/his), Reasonable Accommodation Manager : Jonathan is responsible for managing medical accommodations for staff and faculty for the Equal Opportunity and Access (EOA) Office at Vanderbilt. In addition, he is responsible for managing religious accommodations (campus-wide). The EOA Office resolves various equity and access-related inquires and also supports Vanderbilt's inclusive learning environment through prevention, education, and outreach efforts. Jonathan obtained his masters degree in Human Resource Management (MS) from Capella University. He holds a Bachelors of Applied Psychology from East Stroudsburg University. He also holds a SHRM-SCP certification from the Society for Human Resource Management. Prior to working at Vanderbilt, Jonathan worked as a Senior Accommodation Consultant with Amazon.com. Jonathan enjoys playing sports, especially baseball and soccer. He also enjoys going on family trips with his wife, son, and golden doodle. Jonathan is originally from northeast Pennsylvania, but recently moved to Nashville with his family in 2020.

Urbina Ulloa “Bina” (she/her/hers), EOA Specialist: Bina investigates allegations of discrimination and harassment on the basis of a protected class in support of the Equal Opportunity and Access (EOA) Office at Vanderbilt. She may work independently or in collaboration with another investigator to interview witnesses, gather and secure relevant evidence, prepare investigation reports, and will communicate with involved parties throughout the investigation. Bina graduated from Methodist University with a B.S. in Political Science and earned her Juris Doctor from Campbell Law School. She previously interned at the Legal Aid of North Carolina and served in the U.S. Army, Special Operations Command. Her favorite pastimes include gardening, hiking, and family movie night.

Dana Padget (she/her/hers), EOA Specialist: Dana investigates allegations of discrimination and harassment on the basis of a protected class in support of the Equal Opportunity and Access (EOA) Office at Vanderbilt. She may work independently or in collaboration with another investigator to interview witnesses, gather and secure relevant evidence, prepare investigation reports, and will communicate with involved parties throughout the investigation. Dana graduated from Northern Arizona University with a B.A. in Philosophy, Politics, and Law and earned her J.D. from the University of San Diego. Dana enjoys visiting National Parks, spending time with her two cats, and is an avid Padres baseball fan.

Kristi Penton (she/her/hers), Office Manager: Kristi is typically the first point of contact for the office. She conducts initial interviews regarding potential violations of Vanderbilt’s EEO/AA and Anti-Harassment policies or other issues of unlawful discrimination and coordinates calendars of the Director and Assistant Director. Prior to joining EOA, she worked for Metro Davidson County Schools.