Program Overview
The Live. Learn. Lead. Academy is a year-long, hands-on leadership program designed to empower undergraduate students by immersing them in leadership experiences within the Vanderbilt University and Nashville communities. Those selected for the program can use this opportunity for Immersion Vanderbilt, either as an immersive experience or a culminating project (or both).
The Academy features a small cohort model, bringing together students from across Vanderbilt's undergraduate schools/colleges to foster collaboration, enhance leadership practices, and build strong community networks. Students will engage in self-reflection and continuous learning to develop essential skills and insights for future success in their careers and communities.
Inspired by the hugely successful 2024 Live. Learn. Lead Symposium, which focused on conflict resolution, work-life balance, mentorship, and networking, this new leadership academy is open to all Vanderbilt undergraduate sophomores, juniors, and seniors.
Meet the Academy Director
Dr. Jill Stratton, Assistant Provost for Academic Support and Community Engagement at Vanderbilt University, leads the academy. With over 30 years in higher education, Dr. Stratton specializes in strengths-based leadership, student development, career joy, and creative flow. She has extensively presented at conferences, schools, colleges, and community organizations.
Application
Any Vanderbilt undergraduate in their sophomore, junior, or senior year is eligible to apply for the Live. Learn. Lead. Academy.
The application period for the inaugural cohort of academic year 2024-25 is currently CLOSED.
Events and Programming
The Academy aims to provide a well-rounded experience for students to learn and practice effective leadership. To do this, we plan to offer a key number of special events and programming for academy students throughout the year:
- Monthly cohort dinners
- Monthly leadership roundtables
- Leadership interviews with university and community leaders
- Community service and engagement
- Weekly group reflections on readings/texts/podcasts
- Semester Author Events and Book Signings
- Leadership Symposium
- Opportunities to attend external leadership conferences
Timeline and Commitment
The Live. Learn. Lead. Academy is a year-long program and commitment. Students will be a part of a small cohort of undergraduates to facilitate and maintain a highly-engaging environment.
Selected students are expected to commit to all program events and expectations, which may range between two to four hours per week.
Program Partners
The Live. Learn. Lead. Academy is housed in and supported by the Vanderbilt Office of Undergraduate Education. In addition, we excited to collaborate with various university and community partners to offer our students a comprehensive, rewarding experience.
University partners include, but are not limited to:
- Athletics
- Human and Organizational Development (HOD) Department
- Immersion Vanderbilt
- Institute for National Security
- Office of Government and Community Relations
- Residential Colleges
- ROTC
- Student Affairs
- The Calipari Lab
- The Women's Center
- The Wond'ry
- University Libraries
- Vanderbilt Center for Languages
- Vanderbilt Dining
Community partners include, but are not limited to:
- The American Cancer Society
- Various arts organizations
- Corporate entities
Past Live. Learn. Lead. Events
Learn more about some of our previous Live. Learn. Lead. Events:
Contact Us
For further questions about the Live. Learn. Lead. Academy, please contact Macy Su, Academic & Educational Support Program Coordinator at macy.s.su@vanderbilt.edu