Vanderbilt’s Office of Federal Relations advocates on federal legislation, regulations, and policies impacting the university. As a leading research institution, it is vital that Vanderbilt’s voice helps shape national policies.
We engage with the legislative and executive branches to advance Vanderbilt’s interests and collaborate with other universities and associations on key issues. This work is essential to the success of Vanderbilt’s academic mission of research, education, and service.
Director of Federal Relations
Government Relations Program Coordinator
Office Manager
At a time when universities across the country are navigating difficult questions about free expression, campus safety and antisemitism, Vanderbilt is demonstrating how higher education can embrace open inquiry while building a community where all students feel safe, respected and able to thrive.
Four Vanderbilt graduate students traveled to Washington, D.C., in April to participate in the Catalyzing Advocacy in Science and Engineering Workshop hosted by the American Association for the Advancement of Science, a program supported by Vanderbilt’s Office of Federal Relations. Through the workshop, students learned how science informs policymaking, and then applied those skills in Vanderbilt-facilitated meetings on Capitol Hill with congressional offices and staff.
In April, Vanderbilt University hosted Rep. Steve Cohen, D-Tenn., BA’71, and Rep. Matt Van Epps, R-Tenn., for campus visits. During their time on campus, the lawmakers and their staff connected with faculty, students and research programs, showcasing how federally supported work in the humanities, national security, transportation and innovation is delivering impact in Tennessee and beyond. Both engagements were coordinated by the Office of Federal Relations.
We welcome members of the Vanderbilt community to visit the office in Washington, D.C. In addition to housing the Federal Relations workplace, the office provides a home base for members of Vanderbilt University's faculty and staff who find themselves in the nation’s capital for conferences, research, and other outreach activities.
Please notify us if you plan to visit, and we can provide you with a private office or conference room and information on other services available.