A Fall School Update from Dean Pam Jeffries
August 2025
Dear Friends,
In May, 413 new graduates of the Vanderbilt School of Nursing received their degrees and became our newest alumni with the promise of advancing their careers and caring for their communities. As I conveyed to them at Investiture, they are our answer to society’s health care challenges. Each of them exudes excellence, accomplishment and work ethic. They are equipped to ask the difficult questions, identify problems, find solutions, discover knowledge and lead discussions that will revolutionize health care delivery. They are ready to make a difference.
Across our history, we have championed the very best in our profession and led through innovation in patient care, nurse education, research and system improvement. I am grateful to have you as a member of this community and am pleased to share a few updates that exemplify our tradition of excellence.
Endowed Scholarships
Scholarships are one of the most effective ways to attract outstanding students. At VUSN, we are growing our endowed funds available for scholarships, thereby creating opportunities for both current and future generations of students. Almost 85 percent of VUSN students receive some form of financial assistance and the school is dedicated to providing opportunity to future nurse leaders.
Faculty Support/Endowed Chairs
The recognition and honor an endowed chair confers upon the faculty member holding it are vital incentives in a dynamic market where the best faculty are in great demand.
On any given day, the vast majority of the school's faculty can be found in their offices and classrooms, available to students and energetically involved in the life of the school. Endowed chairs enable us to retain such exceptional professors and to attract talented new faculty which places the School of Nursing at a decided advantage.
The Annual Fund
Annual fund gifts are unrestricted contributions of any size, to the School of Nursing, that are made on a yearly basis. Each academic year, VUSN has new needs that require support. Endowment gifts are earmarked for a specific use, while Annual Fund gifts provide funds that can be used by the dean and administrators to address the most immediate needs and opportunities. Annual fund gifts sustain the VUSN we know and love on a day-to-day basis and provide the foundation for future success. Gifts of all sizes combine to make a large impacts and allow us to do things such as:
- Diversify our student body by providing scholarship support for promising students to fulfill their lifelong dreams of a nursing career.
- Create new knowledge utilizing innovative technologies and scientific discovery through funding for research and scientific leaders.
- Expand opportunities for students by investment in enhanced learning opportunities and the overall student experience.
Reunion Giving
Each fall, the School of Nursing participates in Vanderbilt’s Reunion Weekend by inviting Nursing alumni back to the school to celebrate the 5th, 10th, 15th, 20th, 25th, 30th, 35th, 40th, 45th and 50th anniversary of their graduation from VUSN. Alumni celebrating their Reunion often choose to make a special gift to show their appreciation for the important role Vanderbilt has played in their lives and careers. When you give back in honor of your Reunion, you’re adding to the cumulative generosity of generations of Vanderbilt School of Nursing alumni. Learn more about Reunion giving and how to get involved.
The Julia Hereford Society
The Julia Hereford Society recognizes financial support of Vanderbilt School of Nursing by those who make annual gifts of $2,500 and up. To learn more about JHS click here.
For more information on making a gift to Vanderbilt School of Nursing, please contact VUSNgiving@vanderbilt.edu or a member of the Development and Alumni Relations staff.
Vanderbilt is a special place for my family. My grandparents met at Vanderbilt and my grandmother earned her master’s degree in nursing in the 1930s. I give to the School of Nursing in honor of my grandparents who donated throughout their lives to Vanderbilt and for the incredible education I received as a psychiatric nurse practitioner in 2018.
Ways to Give
Meet the Team
-
Ashley Sain
Associate Dean of Development and Alumni Relations
School of Nursing -
Veronica Vincente Ford
Associate Director of Development, School of Nursing Development & Alumni Relations
-
Betsey Usher
Senior Director Alumni Relations
School of Nursing
Development and Alumni Relations -
Andrea Zink
Director of Annual Giving, Development and Alumni Relations
School of Nursing
Development & Alumni Relations -
Anja Fairholm
Associate Director of Annual Giving and Stewardship
School of Nursing
Development & Alumni Relations -
Alexys Ahn
DAR Coordinator
School of Nursing
Development & Alumni Relations -
Soma Khoshnaw
DAR Coordinator