Community Relations

For over 24 years, the Civic Design Center has stood as a beacon for community-driven urban planning projects and programs. Based in downtown Nashville, this nonprofit organization draws expertise from diverse professional and academic sources, including Vanderbilt University, to engage community members in the envisioning and shaping of the city. Since its formation in 2000, the Civic Design Center has maintained a strong bond with Vanderbilt. Read More

Vanderbilt and the Tennessee Performing Arts Center concluded their 2023-2024 InsideOut series with an impactful event showcasing The Color Purple on Apr. 12. InsideOut is a free community learning program sponsored by Vanderbilt. Throughout the series, Vanderbilt faculty and staff engaged in panel conversations with cast, crew, directors and community members to discuss the important role of the arts in shaping our communities and personal experiences. Read More

Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory welcomes astronomy enthusiasts to its 2024 season, marked this year by the unveiling of a new logo. Nestled in the scenic hills of Brentwood just a short drive from campus, the observatory invites the community to attend a series of exciting events including open house tours, telescope nights, Meet the Astronomer evenings, and concerts under the stars. Offering field trips and space science summer camps tailored for young students, Dyer aims to inspire curiosity about the cosmos. Read More

Nashville, a city with a vibrant history, is taking a deep dive into its diverse roots through a compelling event series hosted by Vanderbilt University and Nashville Public Library Special Collections. This initiative, titled "Then and Now: The History of Minority Communities in Nashville," delves into the history of various communities that contribute to the rich tapestry of Nashville. Read More

Join us this winter and spring for an exciting series of InsideOut Engagement events presented by the Vanderbilt University in collaboration with the Tennessee Performing Arts Center. Read More

In a celebration of teaching excellence, Vanderbilt University recently hosted the annual Blue Ribbon Teacher Awards in partnership with the Nashville Public Education Foundation (NPEF). The event recognized the outstanding dedication of educators in Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) who go above and beyond to ensure every student’s success. Read More

With public schools back in session in Middle Tennessee, the Vanderbilt Community Relations team is thrilled to support back-to-school efforts benefitting teachers, students, and their families. Vanderbilt is a proud sponsor of the PENCIL Foundation and Creative Girls Rock. Read More

On March 5, more than 500 college students joined Nashville Mayor John Cooper, former President Bill Clinton, Clinton Foundation Vice Chair Chelsea Clinton, and Vanderbilt Vice Chancellor of Government and Community Relations Nathan Green for the CGI U Day of Action, a mass volunteer initiative to benefit local nonprofits. Read More

For the past 20 years, Vanderbilt and the Tennessee Performing Arts Center (TPAC) have collaborated to cultivate new audiences for the arts downtown through a series of programs aimed at attracting constituents interested in exploring the arts. Read More

As an institution of higher learning with a mission to bring out the best in humanity, Vanderbilt University is committed to bettering the local community. Facilitated through the Community Relations team, Vanderbilt invests in local and regional charitable organizations and fosters community engagement among students through varied volunteer opportunities. Read More