Civic Engagement at Vanderbilt
The Division of Government and Community Relations has led several initiatives aimed at promoting civic engagement among faculty, staff and students.
ON THE HILL is a biannual report produced by the Division of Government and Community Relations summarizing activity at all three levels of government, as outlined by the Vanderbilt Federal Relations, State Government Relations and Local Government Relations teams.
Local Update
Vanderbilt, mayor’s office announce Nashville Innovation Alliance
In June, Vanderbilt University and the Nashville mayor’s office launched the Nashville Innovation Alliance, an initiative aimed at strengthening the region’s innovation ecosystem and driving economic growth and inclusive prosperity. Led by Mayor Freddie O’Connell and Vanderbilt Chancellor Daniel Diermeier, the alliance seeks to enhance collaboration between public, private, civic and educational institutions.
The alliance’s key priorities include fostering talent development, bolstering investor networks, promoting access to research and creating dedicated spaces and programs for innovation.
In July, the alliance launched its Innovation Ecosystem Forum, bringing together local and global leaders to explore strategies for building a thriving innovation hub. Leaders from Barcelona, Berlin and New York City shared how collaboration, quality of life and leveraging local identity have driven their success.Looking ahead, the alliance will focus on building a strategy that aligns with Nashville’s unique strengths and addresses pressing challenges. By harnessing the city's creative and entrepreneurial spirit, the Nashville Innovation Alliance aims to chart a bold path forward for the city’s future.
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Vanderbilt embraces campus benefits of Nashville’s transformative transportation program
What does a better-connected Nashville look like? For Vanderbilt University, it means a campus that is seamlessly linked to the city through frequent, reliable public transit, safer sidewalks and smarter traffic signals—all of which are on the horizon with the approval of the “Choose How You Move” transportation referendum.
On Nov. 5, voters in Davidson County approved the $3.1 billion transit plan; 66 percent of ballots cast were in favor of the city’s transportation system overhaul. Approval of the referendum triggers a half-cent increase in the sales tax rate, which will generate revenue specifically for transportation initiatives. The increase, which brings Davidson County’s tax rate in line with surrounding counties’, will take effect Feb. 1.
How Nashville's transit overhaul will impact Vanderbilt
Vanderbilt stands to benefit from enhancements along West End Avenue and 21st Avenue that will make it easier for students, faculty and staff to navigate the city without relying on personal vehicles.
Michael Briggs, director of mobility in Vanderbilt’s Office of Transportation and Mobility, is a Vanderbilt-appointed adviser to Mayor Freddie O’Connell and was a key figure in the development and implementation of this initiative. “West End and 21st Avenue have been identified as ‘all-access corridors’ that will see more frequent and reliable transit service,” Briggs said.
Briggs also emphasized the value of the transit benefits already available to the Vanderbilt community through the QuickTicket app.
Vanderbilt dedicates historical marker honoring legendary Pearl High coach Cornelius Ridley
“Coach Ridley was not just a winner, not just a teacher and mentor, but a transcendent figure in our city’s history,” said Vanderbilt Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Candice Storey Lee during the dedication of a new historical marker honoring Cornelius Ridley, the legendary Pearl High School basketball coach.
Nearly 100 community members, including councilmembers Terry Vo, Tom Cash and Jacob Kupin, gathered outside of MLK Academic Magnet School, formerly Pearl High School, to celebrate Ridley’s lasting legacy. Funded by Vanderbilt Athletics, the Metro Historical Commission marker was the latest expression of Vanderbilt’s support for the North Nashville neighborhood surrounding Pearl High. Alumni Perry Wallace and Walter Murray, valedictorian and salutatorian of the segregated high school’s class of 1966, went on to have pioneering careers as students at Vanderbilt.
Metro Council honors Vanderbilt Football for historic win over Alabama
Metro Council passed a resolution honoring Vanderbilt University's historic victory over the #1 ranked University of Alabama football team on Oct. 5, 2024. The resolution highlights the Commodores' remarkable performance, strong leadership and dedication, which not only inspired the Vanderbilt community but also brought immense pride to the city of Nashville.
The Council commends the players, coaches, and Vanderbilt officials for their extraordinary efforts and for showcasing Nashville as a city of champions. Copies of the resolution will be presented to the team and university officials in recognition of this momentous achievement.
Vanderbilt alumni on the Metropolitan Nashville and Davidson County Council
Vanderbilt University alumni are making an impact at the local level as members of the Metropolitan Nashville and Davidson County Council. Representing the Commodore community are Sandy Ewing, (District 34) PhD’12, and Kyonzté Toombs (District 2), BA’01, JD’04.
Ewing earned her PhD in sustainability and environmental management from Vanderbilt and has built a career advancing sustainability initiatives. Toombs holds both a bachelor’s degree in African American studies and a juris doctor from Vanderbilt, reflecting her dedication to public service and leadership in the Nashville community.
These alumni exemplify Vanderbilt’s commitment to shaping local policy and fostering community engagement.
To learn more about the Metropolitan Nashville and Davidson County Council, visit the council website.
GCR team takes the WeGo route connecting Vanderbilt to Nashville’s cultural scene
As Nashville continues to grow and evolve, the need for convenient and environmentally friendly transportation options has become increasingly important. Recognizing this need, Vanderbilt University created MoveVU, a bold transportation and mobility plan designed to rethink how the Vanderbilt community gets around.
Through a partnership with WeGo Public Transit, Vanderbilt offers free access to local buses, regional routes and the WeGo Star commuter train for all full-time and part-time students, faculty, staff and postdocs.
The Division of Government and Community Relations recently took advantage of this partnership on a journey to the National Museum of African American Music, an esteemed university partner and cultural gem in the heart of downtown Nashville. Boarding a WeGo bus at 21st Avenue and West End, the GCR team experienced firsthand how public transportation can connect the university community to Nashville’s cultural landmarks.
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This monthly newsletter highlights Vanderbilt’s impact in the local community, the state of Tennessee, and beyond through stories about our work in government and community relations.
Vanderbilt Local Government Relations Team
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Eben Cathey
Senior Director, Local Government Relations
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Lynn Maddox
Neighborhood and County Liaison
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Donovan Sheffield
Local Government Relations Coordinator
State Update
Vanderbilt, Tennessee’s largest employers gather in D.C. for Tennessee Chamber event
As part of Vanderbilt's ongoing efforts to strengthen connections with policymakers and business leaders, Nathan Green, vice chancellor for government and community relations, and Daniel Culbreath, assistant vice chancellor for state government relations, represented the university at the Tennessee Chamber’s Washington D.C. Fly In event in September.
The Washington D.C. Fly In brings together more than 40 members and partners of the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce and Industry. This annual trip is an important opportunity for industry leaders to engage directly with federal lawmakers, emphasizing the significance of their work for businesses in Tennessee.
Election results
House races
All 99 seats in the Tennessee House of Representatives were up for grabs this year, with both parties optimistic about making gains to their numbers. Going into Election Day, at least nine new members were guaranteed to join the House due to retirements or primary election defeats. However, none of those seats changed parties from their predecessors, resulting in no change to the makeup of the House.
Senate races
Half of the 33 seats in the State Senate were on the ballot this election cycle, with three new members guaranteed due to retirements and primary losses. The political makeup of the Senate remains unchanged from the last two years with GOP maintaining control by a margin of 27-6.
Vanderbilt alumni in the 114th General Assembly
Vanderbilt alumni will play a prominent role in shaping Tennessee’s future as members of the upcoming 114th General Assembly. Among the state lawmakers representing the Commodore community are Sen. Heidi Campbell (D-Nashville, MBA’03), Sen. Charlane Oliver (D-Nashville, BS’05), Rep. Rush Bricken (R-Tullahoma, MBA’86) and Rep. Harold Love, Jr. (D-Nashville, MTS’12).
These alumni bring expertise in areas ranging from public policy and business to community leadership, contributing to bipartisan efforts that impact education, health care and economic growth. Vanderbilt is proud to see its graduates serving in such critical roles, continuing their commitment to public service and leadership in the Volunteer State.
To learn more about your state legislators or to contact them directly, visit Find My Legislator.
Leadership elections
The 114th General Assembly will convene in Nashville on Jan. 14, 2025. Before legislators are officially sworn in, they participate in caucus elections within their respective parties to determine leadership for the upcoming session.
State Senate
- Republican Caucus: In November, Tennessee Senate Republicans voted to retain their current leadership team. Lt. Gov. Randy McNally of Oak Ridge will serve a fifth two-year term as Senate speaker, while Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson of Franklin and Republican Caucus Chairman Ken Yager of Kingston will each continue for a third term in their roles.
- Democratic Caucus: The Tennessee Senate Democratic Caucus also retained its current leadership for the upcoming session. Senator Raumesh Akbari of Memphis will serve a second term as Senate Minority Leader, Senator London Lamar of Memphis will continue as Caucus Chairwoman for a second term and Senator Charlane Oliver of Nashville will remain as Vice-Chairwoman.
State House of Representatives
- Republican Caucus: In the House, Republicans confirmed their leadership unopposed. Speaker Cameron Sexton of Crossville will return for another two-year term, having first been elected speaker in 2019 following Glen Casada’s resignation. Majority Leader William Lamberth of Portland and Republican Caucus Chair Jeremy Faison of Cosby will also retain their roles.
- Democratic Caucus: On the Democratic side, House Democrats reelected their top officers. House Democratic Caucus Leader Karen Camper of Memphis defeated Rep. G.A. Hardaway of Memphis to secure a fourth term as leader entering her 17th year in the House. Democratic Caucus Chairman John Ray Clemmons of Nashville won reelection, defeating Rep. Justin J. Pearson of Memphis to continue as caucus chair.
As the General Assembly prepares to tackle key issues facing Tennessee, these leadership decisions set the stage for both parties’ priorities in the months ahead.
Legislative landscape for the upcoming session
When the General Assembly returns in January, there are several policy areas that are expected to dominate the agenda for the year. First, it is anticipated that there will be another effort to provide vouchers for K-12 students across the state to attend private schools. The first bill filed by legislators after the election in November was on this topic. There has been some discussion in political circles that there will be a special session called at the beginning of the year to focus exclusively on vouchers before the legislature begins their regular session.
In addition, there will be efforts early in session to work quickly to pass much-needed financial assistance to areas of east Tennessee that were impacted by the hurricane this fall. As the budget situation in the state continues to improve, there will also be discussions on cutting taxes, with a bill already being filed to eliminate the state’s 4% tax on food.
The State Government Relations team will closely review bills filed in the upcoming session and will continue working with legislators to advance Vanderbilt's priorities.
Tennessee law enforcement and Vanderbilt researchers collaborate on opioid crisis, cannabis education
Tennessee faces a persistent opioid epidemic, with an estimated 70,000 residents affected and the state ranking among the highest for prescription drug misuse. As the crisis evolves, researchers are increasingly turning to neuroscience to better understand the roots of addiction and develop safer, non-addictive pain treatments that could help prevent future overdose deaths.
In December, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Director David Rausch and senior officials visited Vanderbilt’s Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery to learn more about how cutting-edge research is combatting the opioid crisis. Coordinated by Vanderbilt’s State Government Relations team, the meeting focused on how the center’s innovative work in drug discovery and addiction neuroscience could support the TBI’s efforts to reduce opioid misuse and improve public safety across the state. With opioid-related deaths continuing to rise statewide, the partnership underscores the importance of combining scientific research with law enforcement strategies to tackle the crisis.
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Vanderbilt State Government Relations Team
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Daniel Culbreath
Assistant Vice Chancellor for State Government Relations
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Julie Harding
Government Relations Program Coordinator
Federal Update
Legislative landscape: Appropriations and policy developments
Fiscal Year 2025 appropriations process
The federal government’s 2025 fiscal year began on Oct. 1, 2024, but Congress has not yet finalized their funding plans. Instead, they passed a continuing resolution, extending FY 2024 funding levels until Dec. 20. At this time, Congress is unlikely to complete their work by that deadline, requiring another extension into 2025.
Building on advocacy efforts earlier this year, the Office of Federal Relations worked closely with key members of the Tennessee congressional delegation to ensure Vanderbilt’s priorities were well represented in draft spending proposals earlier this year. Key initiatives included:
- Education research funding
Coordinating Camilla Benbow’s testimony, as dean of Peabody College and co-chair of the LEARN Coalition, to advocate for FY 2025 funding for the Institute of Education Sciences, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development and National Institute of Mental Health. - Nursing workforce development
Supporting Pamela Jeffries, dean of the School of Nursing, in presenting testimony on behalf of the Deans’ Nursing Policy Coalition, advocating for FY 2025 funding for Title VIII Nursing Workforce Development Programs, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Nursing Research and academic nursing programs. - Biomedical research investments
Arranging for Krish Roy, dean of the Vanderbilt School of Engineering, to participate in a leadership roundtable with NIH Director Dr. Monica M. Bertagnolli, where he addressed critical issues in biomedical research funding and efforts to secure sustained federal investments in this vital area.
As a reference point, the following table summarizes the proposed funding levels from the White House, House of Representatives and Senate for some of Vanderbilt’s priorities.
Avoiding harmful provisions in defense bill
Earlier this month, Congress passed the National Defense Authorization Act for the 64th consecutive year; this bill includes Department of Defense provisions that impact the Defense Science and Technology program. This is considered a must-pass bill and therefore is often a way policymakers will try to enact their non-defense-related priorities.
This year, the OFR team worked with other higher education advocates to prevent harmful provisions related to immigration, Department of Education reporting requirements, antisemitism, intellectual property and Department of Homeland Security funding from being included in the final package. While these measures were ultimately excluded from the final bill, we caution that these proposals are not gone. The federal relations team will continue to work with our partners to prevent harmful proposals from becoming law in the future.
Higher education under scrutiny
House Republicans have continued to scrutinize prominent colleges and universities over handling of campus protests and encampments related to antisemitism and civil discourse. This has included multiple committees holding oversight hearings, launching investigations, issuing subpoenas, advancing legislation and releasing reports. Numerous bills seeking to address antisemitism on campuses through a variety of means were introduced, but are not expected to make it through Congress. Throughout the year, OFR has maintained close relationships with the Tennessee delegation, updating them and answering questions on Vanderbilt’s commitment to civil discourse, institutional neutrality and free expression.
Positioning Vanderbilt as thought leader on national security and emerging technologies
Over the course of the year, the Office of Federal Relations facilitates opportunities for Vanderbilt experts in national security and emerging technologies to share their perspectives on related policies:
- Cybersecurity: OFR worked with Vanderbilt IT staff to develop recommendations for the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s notice of proposed rulemaking for cyber incident reporting requirements. Vanderbilt's comments, signed by Vice Chancellor Brett Sweet, expressed concerns and offered some concrete suggestions for improving the regulations.
- National Security: Congressional staff connected with Chairman Mark Green’s, R-Tenn., Homeland Security Committee are leading a new congressional staff association on artificial intelligence (CSA.ai). Facilitated by OFR, Vanderbilt experts retired Gen. Paul Nakasone and Jesse Spencer-Smith were invited by the CSA.ai to speak at their inaugural Monthly Speaker Series to discuss policy issues related to AI. Learn More
Showcasing Vanderbilt to policymakers
The Office of Federal Relations continues to find opportunities to welcome members of Congress and their staff to campus to get a first-hand look at Vanderbilt’s cutting-edge research and hear from students, faculty and administrators on pressing federal policy issues.
- Bipartisan Roundtable: OFR facilitated a roundtable hosted by Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., and Gov. Spencer Cox, R-Utah, brought together Vanderbilt faculty, researchers and Nashville community leaders to discuss the role of institutions and policies in enhancing quality of life. The event was part of a series of discussions on restoring the common good through bipartisan collaboration, reflecting Vanderbilt’s commitment to fostering dialogue across diverse perspectives.
- National Security Research and Collaboration: Vanderbilt hosted Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., and her staff on multiple occasions to highlight the university’s role in advancing national security.
- Blackburn’s senior staff visited Vanderbilt’s LASIR lab to observe live demonstrations of Pathfinder research projects, which showcased innovations in national security technology created in partnership with soldiers. They also met with researchers from the Institute for Space & Defense Electronics and the Vanderbilt Institute of Nanoscale Science and Engineering to learn about their DOD-funded work.
- Blackburn’s team visited to learn about Vanderbilt’s new Institute of National Security, and Tonia Rex presented her Pathfinder project. Sandeep Neema and Gabor Karsai provided insights on the Dependable AI for National Security project in collaboration with Oak Ridge National Lab.
- OFR arranged for Blackburn to meet with Gen. Paul Nakasone and his leadership team to discuss Vanderbilt’s Institute of National Security, providing an in-depth look at Vanderbilt’s approach to national security challenges and areas for collaboration.
- Cybersecurity Workforce Development: Rep. Mark Green, R-Tenn., and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency Director Jen Easterly visited Vanderbilt to discuss cybersecurity workforce needs with university leaders. A roundtable with IT leaders from other Nashville-area universities discussed CISA’s regulatory proposal for critical infrastructure. Learn More
Vanderbilt’s presence in the 119th Congress
Vanderbilt University alumni will continue to shape national policy as members of the 119th United States Congress. Representing a range of states, these Commodores include Sen. Bill Hagerty, R-Tenn. (BA’81, JD’84), Sen. John Kennedy, R-La. (BA’73), Rep. Steve Cohen, D-Tenn. (BA’71), Rep. French Hill, R-Ark. (BS’79), Rep. Jen Kiggans, R-Va. (MSN’12), Rep. John Rose, R-Tenn. (JD’93).
These alumni are contributing to critical conversations on issues such as economic development, health care, education and national security, showcasing the breadth of Vanderbilt’s impact in Washington, D.C. Their leadership reflects the university’s commitment to preparing graduates for meaningful careers in public service.
To find and contact your representatives in Congress, visit the House of Representatives and Senate websites.
Engaging with students, faculty and staff
Vanderbilt graduate students, postdocs explore intersection of STEM and public policy in Washington, D.C
To learn about ways to contribute to public policy, 18 Vanderbilt graduate students and postdoctoral researchers traveled to Washington, D.C., in October to participate in Vanderbilt’s Federal STEM Policy and Advocacy Seminar. This two-day event is designed to provide STEM professionals with an inside look at the federal policymaking process, the importance of advocacy in advancing science and research priorities and to explore careers in science policy. Learn More
Welcoming students to the OFR team
- Jason Vadnos, a sophomore at Peabody, Open Dialogue Student Ambassador, and an Advocacy, Debate, and Dialogue research assistant, joined OFR as a summer intern.
- Shunnar Virani, a senior majoring in Electrical and Computer Engineering and Law, History, and Society, with minors in Computer Science, Digital Fabrication and European Studies, joined OFR as a fall student worker.
More information on student opportunities is available on the OFR website.
Campus events
- The Federal Relations team continues to hold Office Hours periodically when the D.C.-based staff are on campus. The goal is to provide another connection point between the office and the Vanderbilt community to discuss federal policy issues and answer questions in an informal setting.
- At OFR's Federal Forum in December, the team unpacked the results of the 2024 elections and provided look ahead at what Republican control of the federal government could mean for research universities.
Welcome Gwen Zwirko
Gwen Zwirko joined OFR as the new D.C.-based office manager in August. She is responsible for meeting the administrative needs of the office and managing special projects. We’re delighted to have her as a member of the team.
Learn More
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DCbrief is the Office of Federal Relations’ e-newsletter that provides timely, concise summaries of news items to inform Vanderbilt faculty and staff of federal policy developments that impact the university and the higher education community. DCbrief is a near-daily publication when Congress is in session.
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Vanderbilt Federal Relations Team
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Christina West
Associate Vice Chancellor for Federal Relations
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Heather Bloemhard
Director of Federal Relations
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Julie Harding
Government Relations Program Coordinator
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Gwen Zwirko
Office Manager
Encouraging Civic Engagement
Vanderbilt’s Division of Government and Community Relations spearheaded the Vanderbilt, Let’s Vote campaign this fall, collaborating with campus offices and organizations to engage students, faculty and staff in voter registration. This effort reflects Vanderbilt’s commitment to fostering a culture of civic participation across the university community.
Ballotpalooza
As part of the initiative, GCR collaborated with student-led organization VandyVotes for Ballotpalooza, a voter registration festival held on Alumni Lawn on National Voter Registration Day, Sept. 17. The event drew over 300 attendees and featured on-campus organizations and local civic groups that provided resources and guidance on voter registration. District 18 Council Member Tom Cash also attended, advocating for increased youth voter turnout in Tennessee. This was one of many activities during the campaign aimed at increasing awareness and accessibility around voting.
Over the course of the Vanderbilt, Let’s Vote campaign, TurboVote helped 957 members of the Vanderbilt community register to vote and provided election-related updates to 525 individuals, ensuring they were prepared to participate in upcoming elections. This resource will remain available to simplify voter registration and keep the university community informed of election deadlines and requirements.
Even though the presidential election has concluded, every election—whether for city council, state legislature, or school board—matters. Vanderbilt remains committed to fostering an informed and active campus community through ongoing voter engagement initiatives.