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Vanderbilt Graduate School
January 12, 2026
Dear Graduate School Alumni,
Happy New Year! I hope you had a restful holiday. I am pleased to share a few exciting updates on Graduate School leadership.
Larry Kerr, Ph.D., began his term as the new Chair of the Graduate Research and Education (GRE) Advisory Council. In his role, Dr. Kerr will help to create a meaningful and engaging experience for all Council members. I encourage you to learn more about him in the feature below.
We are also excited to welcome Julián Hillyer, Ph.D., and Andrea Page Mc-Caw, Ph.D., as Associate Deans for Academic Affairs. Their experiences as faculty in the College of Arts and Science and the School of Medicine/Basic Sciences, respectively, will help ensure robust support for graduate students and programs across the curriculum.
Finally, Christina Keeton, Ph.D., joined the Graduate School team as Associate Director of Graduate Career Success. Dr. Keeton will provide essential support to departments/programs, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows to enable scholars to build skills, cultivate confidence, and design successful careers. 

Sincerely,
C. André Christie-Mizell
Vice Provost for Graduate Education
Dean of the Graduate School
Centennial Professor of Sociology
Director, Office of Postdoctoral Affairs

Graduate Research and Education (GRE) Advisory Council News
Welcome to Dr. Larry Kerr, the new Chair of the GRE Advisory Council.
Larry Kerr, Ph.D., is PhRMA’s deputy vice president for global health and multilateral affairs. Previously, he worked in the U.S. government for over twenty years, focusing on pandemic preparedness and response in the White House Homeland and National Security Councils, the Office of Science and Technology Policy, and the Department of Health and Human Services’ National Institutes of Health and Office of Global Affairs. He earned his doctorate from Vanderbilt University and has taught at Vanderbilt University and Georgetown University Schools of Medicine.

What's New at The Graduate School
Welcome our new Graduate School Leadership Members!
The Graduate School is pleased to welcome Julián Hillyer and Andrea Page-McCaw, Associate Deans for Academic Affairs, and Christina Keeton, Associate Director of Graduate Career Success.
Congratulations to our Senior Program Coordinator, Susan Hilderbrand!
Susan Hilderbrand received the Professional Excellence Award at the Fall Staff Assembly! This award recognizes a staff member who goes beyond specific job duties to support Vanderbilt’s mission and success by demonstrating excellence, positively influencing the work environment, fostering cooperation, achieving goals and overcoming obstacles. Read More. 
Lacy-Fischer Interdisciplinary Research Grants Support Innovative Graduate Student Projects
In 2024, eleven teams of graduate students received Lacy-Fischer Interdisciplinary Research Grants to support projects ranging from advanced optical technologies and gravitational wave detection to medical innovations and autonomous vehicle safety. Read More.
Join our Graduate School Alumni Group on LinkedIn!
We have established a group for alumni to connect, and share accomplishments and events. All Graduate School alumni are invited to join!

Oak Leaf Membership
Oak Leaf recognizes the enduring impact of donor generosity at Vanderbilt. This special community of more than 17,000 supporters represents a growing tradition of giving that helps move the university forward. Support from donors powers the full Vanderbilt experience, advancing academic excellence, expanding access and opportunity for students, and driving discoveries that improve lives. Read More.

Convocation: Welcoming our Students!
The Graduate School welcomes over 300 graduate students each fall semester during Welcome Week. Take a look at our past Convocation celebration!

Alumni Spotlights
We shine a light on our incredible alumni making a difference in their communities or professions. From career milestones to personal achievements, our alumni continue to inspire. Learn more about Dr. Daneell Moore, Ph.D. '07.
Daneell Moore earned her Ph.D. in 2007 in Teaching & Learning, focusing on Language, Literacy, and Culture Education. Her research and training primarily centered on preparing future teachers, with an emphasis on literacy. Read More.
Instagram Takeover/Q&A Interest Form
Interested in doing a takeover or Q&A profile on The Graduate School Instagram? Fill out the interest form!

Vanderbilt News
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  • Vanderbilt University expands national footprint with New York City campus to open in fall 2026

  • Annual Postdoc Symposium provides career guidance, shows breadth of research at Vanderbilt

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  • Vanderbilt to build new residential college on The Ingram Commons

  • Rising to meet our moment: Vanderbilt celebrates 150th anniversary of its opening

  • Jeremi London provides expertise for new PBS show educating kids about Earth science and meteorology

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