Community Relations

Vanderbilt University invites faculty, students, staff and community collaborators to submit proposals for the inaugural Bridging Campus and Community: Community Engagement Symposium on April 23, 2026. The poster-style event will highlight collaborations that connect teaching, research, creative work and service with communities locally, across Middle Tennessee and beyond. Proposals are due March 20. Read More

Winter Storm Fern has caused widespread power outages and hazardous conditions across Metro Nashville and surrounding communities. Local agencies and nonprofit partners continue to focus on restoring power, providing safe warming locations and transportation, delivering meals and essential supplies, and coordinating recovery planning. Read More

Over the past year, Vanderbilt faculty, staff and students have teamed up with local partners to host arts workshops, support caregivers, reduce food insecurity and divert surplus meals to organizations citywide among many other collaborative service projects. These partnerships span campuses, clinics and community centers, with each effort rooted in relationship-building and shared commitment to our city. Read More

Vanderbilt has launched Vanderbilt in the Nashville Community, a new webpage highlighting the university’s collaborations and offering a starting point for engagement. The page offers resources, stories and tools that make Vanderbilt’s community work visible and accessible to all. Read More

Striving to be a good neighbor while enhancing student life is a priority for Vanderbilt. With the expansion of residential colleges underway, the university is committed to supporting students and neighbors as some transition to off-campus living. Read More

When teachers have the right tools and students feel supported, classrooms can thrive. That’s the goal of Vanderbilt’s work with PENCIL, a local nonprofit that links public schools with community partners and volunteers. Read More

This September, Vanderbilt University partners with Nashville’s leading arts and cultural institutions to launch a new season of community programs—offering conversations, performances and panels that highlight history, creativity and connection. Read More

Nashville is a city bustling with activity during the sweltering summer months. From cultural celebrations to arts exhibitions to live dance and music offerings, there is something in store for everyone. Vanderbilt University is proud to support numerous nonprofit and community organizations that provide activities and events throughout the season. Read More

“Creating cuisines is about building community through agriculture and bridging the local with the global,” said Ted Fischer, Cornelius Vanderbilt Professor of Anthropology, during the opening session of “Food for Thought”—a free program presented by Vanderbilt University and the Frist Art Museum. Read More

From garden tours to musical bingo, spring in Nashville is full of opportunities to come together. Vanderbilt University is proud to partner with local nonprofits and cultural organizations to offer events that welcome students, faculty, staff—and the broader Nashville community. Read More