. . . Manah Pratt
whose responsibilities include the legal review of Vanderbilt's real estate and construction contracts and serving as assistant secretary of the University and University compliance officer.
Which of the three prongs of your job do you enjoy the most?
I like the diversity of all three. If one gets out of sync, I can turn to one of the others. Also, I meet an incredible number of people from all across the University. The compliance piece especially runs the gamut in terms of who I get to deal with at Vanderbilt.
How did you come to be a lawyer?
I had just finished a master's of literary studies at the University of Iowa and knew that I didn't want to be an English professor. As an undergraduate, you love literature and as a graduate student you have to figure out why you are supposed to hate everything. So I started looking for a joint program. I earned a J.D. and a Ph.D. in sociology from Vanderbilt.
Why work in higher education rather than at a private practice?
I actually started out in private practice, but then I had my son and wanted a lifestyle more conducive to being a mother.
Do you have any hobbies?
Anything my kids want to do. I play tennis. And I play the piano, though that's a want-to-be hobby.
Rumor has it you're a pretty good tennis player.
I played on the professional circuit for two years after I graduated from high school. Then I quit the circuit to go to college.
Have you had your "15-minutes of fame"?
Being Awadagin Pratt's sister. He was invited to the White House when President Clinton was there, so I got to go twice when Awadagin played at official dinners.
What was your favorite band when you were in high school?
I really loved Elton John. Especially "Sad Songs (Say So Much)" and "I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues."
Name your guilty pleasure.
A great buffet.
Name your public passion.
Championing the importance of education.
Most humbling moment?
My father's death from cancer.
Kindest thing a stranger has ever done for you?
The Vanderbilt nurses took very good care of me after I had my son.
The first thing I do when I wake up is ...
say my prayers.
My fridge is always stocked with ...
probably lamb shanks!
What is your favorite word?
Awesomeness.
Whitney Weeks
Vanderbilt
Homepage
| Media Relations | News
Service
Around Campus | Faculty
& Staff Notes | Calendar
| Bulletin Board
| Jobs | Archive