Dear Colleagues,

It is with great sadness that I share the news that one of our students, Ruonan Yao, has passed away.

Ruonan, a rising second-year graduate student in Peabody College, was pursuing her Masters in Human Development Counseling. The Dean of Students office is reaching out to those members of our community who were close to Ruonan and is sharing the following message with all students. As you will read below, Ruonan was passionate about her work with students in the Nashville community.

If you know of students who would benefit from the university’s support services, please encourage them to reach out.

I also remind you that faculty and staff can use the Employee Assistance Program by calling Work/Life Connections-EAP at 615-936-1327 for a confidential appointment.

Sincerely,

Vanessa B. Beasley
Vice Provost for Academic Affairs and Dean of Residential Faculty

Dear Vanderbilt Students,

It is with sorrow that I write to share the tragic news of the death of Ruonan Yao, a rising second-year graduate student in Peabody College pursuing her Masters in Human Development Counseling. Ruonan, who was in the hospital after being struck by a vehicle while crossing West End Avenue Tuesday afternoon, passed away this morning.

Ruonan was preparing to be a school counselor and was passionate about her work with students in the Nashville community. She frequently volunteered with students in Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools. On campus, Ruonan was involved in the Vanderbilt Undergraduate Chinese Association, Peabody MAZE Chapter, and the Iris Journal of Scholarship.

Originally from Guangzhou, China, Ruonan had recently moved to Nashville to pursue her degree at Vanderbilt after working as an English teacher in China. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Sun Yat-Sen University. Ruonan was a valued member of the Vanderbilt community and beyond. We extend our deepest condolences to Ruonan’s family, friends, classmates and faculty. Our entire community mourns her loss. Please know that support services are available to help you during this difficult time. We encourage you to reach out if you need assistance:

• Call the University Counseling Center at 615-322-2571 to speak with an on-call mental health provider. Counselors are available for support via phone and Telehealth.
• Call or schedule a virtual appointment online with Student Care Coordination, 615-343-WELL (9355), studentcare@vanderbilt.edu
• Center for Student Wellbeing 615-32(2-0480)
• Office of Religious Life 615-32(2-2457)
• University’s Griefnet service 615-32(2-2457): Available for support virtually or by telephone.

This is a very difficult time for Ruonan’s family and friends, and for our community. Please know that we are here to assist you in any way possible.

Mark Bandas
Associate Provost & Dean of Students