2025 Fall Staff Assembly celebrates Vanderbilt’s moment in time as it sets its sights on becoming ‘the great university of the 21st century’

Vanderbilt's success doesn't stop on the football field. The 2025 Fall Staff Assembly, which was held at Langford Auditorium on Oct. 29, reflected on Vanderbilt's extraordinary achievements. From meeting its ambitious fundraising goals to raising the bar in academics, one thing was clear: This is Vanderbilt's moment. And as various speakers noted throughout the assembly, much of it would be impossible without the heroic efforts of the university's staff.

Jennifer Bennett opens the 2025 Fall Staff Assembly.
Photo: Vanderbilt University

The assembly opened with an introduction by University Staff Advisory CouncilPresident Jennifer Bennett, who invited Chancellor Daniel Diermeier on stage.

DIERMEIER: 'COURAGE AND COMMITMENT ARE REQUIRED FOR THIS MOMENT'

Diermeier opened the 2025 Fall Staff Assembly and Awards by reaffirming that the university is thriving, citing record-setting momentum in athletics, academics, research, finances and reputation amid broader skepticism about higher education. He traced the university's upward trajectory to the decision to bring students back to campus during COVID-19, which "revealed our real potential as a community."

Since then, Vanderbilt has continued on a path of excellence-from its highly competitive admissions and broader financial aid to higher research expenditures and ambitious fundraising. All this while expanding its footprint with the new College of Connected Computing, exploring possibilities for new campuses nationwide and deepening partnerships in Nashville to drive regional innovation.

Chancellor Daniel Diermeier speaks on staff's heroic efforts.
Photo: Vanderbilt University

Diermeier noted that the university has the opportunity to define, and become, the great university of the 21st century. "If this was the usual time in higher education, I might not challenge us at Vanderbilt to take that next step," Diermeier said. "But as we all know, this is not the usual time. It is an unprecedented time. Our peers are struggling on the ropes."

Looking ahead, Diermeier called for a sustainable, adaptable organizational model in which excellence is "owned and achieved by all," invoking the football program's transformation under Coach Clark Lea as a blueprint for moving from last-minute heroics to coordinated strength. Framing the mission as "scaling Mount Everest," he emphasized the courage and commitment required for this moment, but promised that those "who join and commit, will go on the professional adventure of a lifetime."

"Noble work demands and rewards our full commitment," Diermeier said. "Make no mistake about this, everybody's contribution here matters. Our greatest heights are yet to come-and I am honored, and grateful, to be a part of the journey with you."

RODRIGUEZ GIVES GRATITUDE FOR STAFF EFFORTS, 'THE HEART OF THE UNIVERSITY'

Stella Rodriguez thanks staff in a heartfelt speech.
Photo: Vanderbilt University

Stella Rodriguez, a Vanderbilt junior studying political science, psychology, and medicine, health and society, delivered a speech rooted in gratitude to the audience at the Langford Auditorium, noting that "You don't just work at Vanderbilt. You make Vanderbilt work." Reflecting on the impact staff has made on her experience, Rodriguez acknowledged the Student Organization Leadership and Service team, the Center for Student Wellbeing, Vanderbilt Campus Dining and the postal staff, among others.

"I think everyone can agree that Vanderbilt is an excellent institution. However, usually when people are discussing how great Vanderbilt is, they are gushing about our academics and our reputation," Rodriguez said. "But I want to share my truth with you today. I have always believed it is the hard work and dedication of our staff members that make this place extraordinary. I can confidently say our university would not be able to function without the work that each and every one of you do. I cannot imagine my life here without you."

SAVION: 'CELEBRATE THE CLIMB SO FAR, BUT DON'T LOSE SIGHT OF WHAT'S ON THE HORIZON'

Vice Chancellor Sydney Savion speaks on upcoming People, Culture and Belonging initiatives.
Photo: Vanderbilt University

Following Rodriguez's remarks, Vice Chancellor for People, Culture and Belonging Sydney Savion opened her remarks with a powerful analogy that asked the staff to look beyond the "orange cones," or obstacles, before them, and not lose sight of what's on the horizon. She likened Vanderbilt's path toward excellence to a climb: "It isn't easy, but it's meaningful. That steady drive to keep reaching higher-that's what defines us," Savion said. "We still have more to climb, but the view from here, from this moment, is pretty spectacular because of you."

Savion also provided an update on several People, Culture and Belonginginitiatives:

Futures learning

• Nearly 70% of staff are engaging through Anchor's Edge.

• 46,000 digital courses are being offered in 50 languages.

Skills-based job architecture

• PCB has mapped more than 800 staff roles, enabling individuals to visualize how positions connect and what skills can help them move forward.

Development and performance management

• Based on the request for more guidance, PCB is building a feedback ecosystem grounded in a shared philosophy.

• PCB has also updated policies and built an easy-to-use platform, Culture Amp, that allows staff to see their strengths and opportunities.

Talent marketplace and staff ventures

• PCB will soon launch a Talent Marketplace that will help staff find opportunities across campus.

• A new Staff Ventures initiative will invite individuals to share bold ideas to make Vanderbilt even better.

See the winners of the 2025 Fall Staff Assembly awards.

Staff enjoyed resource tables and giveaways ahead of the assembly program and a reception following.