I hope you all saw last month’s announcement in MyVU about the university’s investment in staff by embarking on a search for an inaugural Vice Chancellor for People, Culture and Belonging.
This new leadership position aims to prioritize the well-being and professional development of all staff members and to cultivate an environment where every member of the Vanderbilt community feels that they belong. This new structure considers feedback we received from staff through the Future of Work initiative and demonstrates the magnitude of the university’s commitment to enhancing and improving the staff experience and attracting and retaining talented individuals.
As part of this restructuring, several work units that used to be housed in the Division of Administration, including Human Resources, Equal Access, Payroll and Employee Records and the Office of Health and Wellness, will transition on Jan. 1, 2024, from the Division of Administration to report directly to the new vice chancellor. While I have enjoyed and will miss working with all these areas, I am excited that the university is making this significant investment in the staff experience, and I am completely supportive of the transition.
Also, in alignment with the value Vanderbilt places on its staff, I encourage you to take advantage of the rest of the summer to prioritize rest, rejuvenation, and wellness.
Whether it’s spending time with loved ones, pursuing personal interests and hobbies, or simply taking time for self-care, I support you taking the time to recharge—and know that I am doing the same. When we are rested and rejuvenated, we are more productive, creative, and focused. Take advantage of this time to prioritize your own well-being and come back to work feeling refreshed and ready to take on new challenges.
