>

Association of Vanderbilt Black Alumni (AVBA)

AVBA Logo

Welcome to AVBA!

Current AVBA membership as of July 2025: 8,307 

The Association of Vanderbilt Black Alumni (AVBA) was created by Vanderbilt University alumni to connect the Black Vanderbilt community, as well as those who are dedicated to creating a supportive and responsive environment for the Black Vanderbilt community (Black students, faculty and staff), with each other and the university. AVBA promotes Vanderbilt University’s long-standing tradition of scholastic and professional excellence. Are you a member or supporter of the Black or African American community? Join AVBA today and be a part of our inclusive association!

Volunteering

Volunteers are vital to the success of AVBA. These opportunities allow for engagement with fellow alumni, current students and the broader Vanderbilt community. Thank you for your consideration!

  • AVBA Mentor - The AVBA Mentoring program is a meaningful volunteer opportunity for Vanderbilt alumni to engage with current students. Mentors are asked to connect with their mentees monthly throughout the program. To learn more and sign up please visit our mentorship page.
  • AVBA Regional Host - Do you enjoy engaging with Vanderbilt alumni in your area? AVBA is recruiting enthusiastic volunteers to be designated contacts for alumni in base cities to collaborate on regional programming and events. Please email avba@vanderbilt.edu if you are interested. 
  • AVBA Volunteer - AVBA Volunteers play an important role in connecting with the university, planning and encouraging attendance at events and driving support of Vanderbilt during key campaigns. It's a great way to stay involved and connected with other alumni. If you are interested in getting involved, please complete the Volunteer Interest Form.
  • AVBA Office Hours - Would you like to share your story, expertise, and insights with students at Vanderbilt? Consider hosting an AVBA Office Hours session in partnership with the Black Cultural Center! Please fill out our interest form if you would like to host a session. The BCC will reach out to schedule your office hours slot based on the availability provided. 
  • AVBA Leadership - The AVBA Board is made up of a President and chairs of the standing committees. See the members of the AVBA Board listed below and reach out to us at avba@vanderbilt.edu if you have any questions.

Leadership

  • Doug Murrell, BS’95

    Doug Murrell, BS’95

    President

    • Twin Cities, MN
  • Jami Cox, BA'18

    Jami Cox, BA'18

    Scholarship and Philanthropy Co-Chair

    • Chicago, IL
  • Jillian Fuller, BA’20

    Jillian Fuller, BA’20

    Outreach and Communications Co-Chair

    • Chicago, IL
  • Jesse Giles, BA’03

    Jesse Giles, BA’03

    Programming Co-Chair

    • Teaneck, NJ
  • Chris Gilmore, JD’11

    Chris Gilmore, JD’11

    Programming Co-Chair

    • Atlanta, GA
  • Donald Horace, BA’91

    Donald Horace, BA’91

    University Initiatives Chair

    • Decatur, GA
  • Nicholas Martin, BA’11

    Nicholas Martin, BA’11

    Programming Co-Chair

    • Chicago, IL
  • Angela Savage, BA’94, MBA’99

    Angela Savage, BA’94, MBA’99

    Outreach and Communications Co-Chair

    • Fayetteville, GA

Event Highlights

NPHC Anniversaries

During Reunion/Homecoming Weekend, three National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) organizations celebrated milestone anniversaries. The Vanderbilt NPHC is the governing council for the eight historically African American fraternities and sororities represented at Vanderbilt University. 


Congratulations!

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated,

celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Kappa Theta Chapter.

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated,

celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Mu Rho Chapter.

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated,

celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Omega Pi Chapter.

HAGOOD Art Exhibit at The Curb Center with AVBA

The Curb Center’s Fall 2025 exhibit, HAGOOD, found visual artist Lanecia Rouse collaborating with her sister and poet Ciona Rouse to explore their matrilineal line, reflecting the griefs, the artistry, the care and the resiliency that bind the artists' family line and defines their experience as Black women in the southern United States. AVBA held a closing reception of the exhibit on-campus on Thursday, Dec. 4, joined by the artists! 

Fiscal Year 2023-2024 AVBA Board Received the 2024 Vanderbilt Way Award

AVBA +Diermeier
AVBA award

This 2024 Vanderbilt Way Award honored the fiscal year 2023-2024 board members of the Association of Vanderbilt Black Alumni—Myria Carpenter, BS’97; Chiedza Chauruka, BE’18; Bethany Copperidge, BA’09; Danielle Lewis, MEd’18; Doug Murrell, BS’95; Chris Nickson, BS’08; and Rodney Williams, BS’01, MEd’02, for their outstanding recent volunteer service and embodiment of Vanderbilt’s motto, Crescere Aude, Latin for “dare to grow”. 

As AVBA celebrated its 40th anniversary and history of pioneering programs and initiatives, the fiscal year 2023-2024 AVBA board members continued to grow AVBA programming with new avenues for intersectional conversations and student connection. The Vanderbilt Way award recognizes these members for “always growing together to fulfill our highest potential, in service to society and our vibrant global Vanderbilt community”. 

Create a Page in the AVBA Digital Book

See what your fellow AVBA Commodores are up to in the AVBA virtual yearbook ! Create your page, upload a photo and browse the profiles of friends.

Connect on Social Media

Share VU memories on social media and get information on current events.

VUconnect

Add the Association of Vanderbilt Black Alumni to your VUconnect profile. You can select the AVBA group when you are updating your information.

Quick Links