An audience of more than 500 staff members attended the 2026 Spring Staff Assembly to reflect on the year's milestones and celebrate their colleagues achievements.
Chancellor Daniel Diermeier opened the May 13 assembly with a reflection on the team's resilience and care for the Vanderbilt community, noting the valiant efforts made to keep students, faculty, staff and neighbors warm and safe during Winter Storm Fern.
"Each day, the work of Vanderbilt staff touches every corner of our campus and every member of our community. It advances our research, drives our innovation and creates the conditions that allow our mission to thrive," Diermeier said. "That challenging time tells a larger story about who we are and why we are thriving as higher education faces challenges unlike any before."
Watch the full 2026 Spring Staff Assembly. >>
Diermeier also emphasized Vanderbilt's strength during tumultuous times, noting that demand for the university was at an all-time high, as evidenced by a 12 percent increase in undergraduate admissions and a regular decision rate at a very selective 2.8 percent. He also lauded the success of the Dare to Grow campaign, which surpassed $3.9 billion-well beyond its original goal and well ahead of schedule.
"At a time when many of our peers are pulling back, we are moving forward," Diermeier said at the Langford Auditorium event. "From our College of Connected Computing to our planned innovation district here in Nashville, to the development of new campuses in New York City, West Palm Beach, San Francisco and our quantum campus in Chattanooga-we are not only investing in our future, we are defining what the great university of the 21st century will be."
UNIVERSITY STAFF ADVISORY COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS
The Spring Staff Assembly included remarks by Jennifer Bennett, president of the University Staff Advisory Council. Bennett took a moment to introduce USAC to the audience and then congratulated the staff on their dedication and work ethic throughout the year.
"As partners to faculty, support to students and administrators, and creative stewards of this campus, you're also its heart," Bennett said.
Bennett explained the vital role USAC plays at Vanderbilt-as a strategic partner asking questions and raising insights that benefit staff, acting as a voice for perspectives that might otherwise not be heard and creating space for honest, constructive dialogue.
"USAC exists for you, the staff. Get to know your representatives. Find out how to be a part of USAC. Reach out, speak up and share both your concerns and your wins," Bennett said. "We're here to listen, support and celebrate with you."
PEOPLE, CULTURE AND BELONGING UPDATE
Vice Chancellor for People, Culture and Belonging Sydney Savion walked the staff through the Talent Marketplace and how it helps to cultivate talent, curate readiness and shape careers. Each staff member in attendance was given seeds that served as a metaphor for their potential growth.
"I grew up on a farm. You learn early: A seed does not look like much. Small. Quiet. Easy to overlook," Savion said. "But with the right soil and some care, it becomes something you never would have expected. That is how I see the talent in this room. It is already here. The Talent Marketplace, together with Futures Learning, performance management and Staff Ventures, helps us see it, name it and grow it."
STAFF AWARDS
The assembly culminated with the presentation of staff awards by Diermeier and Savion.
Early Impact Award
The Early Impact Award recognizes staff members who have worked at Vanderbilt for a minimum of one year and less than five years and who have exhibited excellent performance that shows promise for future growth. Sarah Beck, an associate project manager with the College of Connected Computing, received the award.
In an environment defined by constant change, she has solved problems big and small-from navigating a complex H-1B visa process to making sure new faculty have what they need to succeed on day one. When a student event needed a raffle wheel, she quickly taught herself to use AI tools and built one overnight. She never stops at "I don't know," but instead finds answers and connects people.
By embracing technology, finding creative solutions and bringing people together, Sarah embodies the mission of the College of Connected Computing-and is helping to shape its future.
Mentorship Excellence Award
The Mentorship Excellence Award goes to a full-time staff member who inspires colleagues and promotes professional development by being a role model. Two people were honored with the Mentorship Excellence Award this year: James "Mike" McDonner, assistant director of energy management for Vanderbilt University Maintenance and Operations, and Rosalind "Roz" Johnson, graduate education program manager for Vanderbilt's neuroscience and human genetics programs.
Mike leads teams responsible for chilled water distribution, building automation systems, building systems controls, and fire and life safety. His hands-on approach to mentorship goes far beyond day-to-day responsibilities. Whether it's a five-minute "quick fix" or an hourlong conversation, he treats every interaction as an investment in growth. And when challenges arise, he stays on site, working alongside his team until the problem is solved. From the nomination: "He's the example of the leader I strive to be."
Roz is the person people turn to for answers, guidance and support. She has the wisdom and perspective to help others move forward with confidence and supports students from their first days on campus through graduation-tracking milestones, offering reassurance and advocating for their success. She also brings that same care to mentoring staff and faculty, sharing her deep institutional knowledge and helping others grow in their roles. From the nomination: "She makes people feel seen, capable and cared for. That is the mark of a true mentor."
One Vanderbilt Excellence Award
The One Vanderbilt Excellence Award recognizes a staff team, department and/or group that has demonstrated collaborative excellence on behalf of the university community. This year, the award went to two honorees: the Campus Dining Support team and the Environmental Health, Safety and Sustainability Lab Moves Anchor team.
The Campus Dining Support team members recognized are:
- Maria Portelli
- Brian Cochrane
- Aaron Dilts
- Jeff Weissinger
- Emily Svennevik
- Doug Best
- Jay Spiegel
Earlier this year, Vanderbilt-and the entire Nashville area-experienced a historic ice storm. Anticipating the storm, the Campus Dining Support team stocked supplies and prepared for disruptions. When conditions worsened, they were ready. In the first three days alone, they served more than 25,000 meals-coordinating staff, housing and transportation while maintaining full service, despite no deliveries for nearly a week. Their efforts allowed students, faculty and essential personnel to focus on their work without worrying about food. Even as they managed concerns for their own families, they stayed on campus to care for others.
The Environmental Health, Safety and Sustainability Lab Moves Anchor team members recognized are:
- Ed Krise
- Jamie Bunch
- Jeremy Crantek
- Katrina Ngo
- Sergey Avanesyan
Over the past year, the Anchor team has taken on one of the most complex challenges in a research university: safely relocating laboratories. Their work has gone far beyond moving equipment-it requires coordinating hazardous materials, ensuring regulatory compliance and managing highly specialized instruments, while minimizing disruption to ongoing research. In the past year alone, they supported 48 major lab relocations and onboardings, all with zero safety incidents.
Working behind the scenes, they absorb the complexity of moving so researchers can focus on science-strengthening Vanderbilt's research enterprise and building relationships across campus that will endure beyond any single move.
Excellence in Culture Award
The Excellence in Culture Award recognizes staff members who have demonstrated exceptional efforts in nurturing a sense of belonging within the Vanderbilt University community and shown dedication to creating an environment where all members feel valued, respected and empowered. Shaneithia Lewis, a sergeant with the Vanderbilt University Police Department, was this year's winner.
Lewis, whose K-9 partner is the beloved Officer Jack, created Vanderbilt's Community Canine program based on the belief that safety is built on relationships. Together, they lift spirits around campus, often helping students de-stress during exams or posing for graduation photos with Jack in his cap and gown. Through these moments, Sergeant Lewis has created experiences that make a large university feel more connected, transforming everyday interactions into relationships that build a stronger, safer community. She also has extended that impact beyond Vanderbilt by helping other schools launch K-9 programs.
Commodore Award
The Commodore Award goes to staff members who have made significant contributions to Vanderbilt's pursuit of excellence in education, research and community service. Two people were honored with the Commodore Award this year: Jennifer Strange, a teacher at the Acorn School, and Suli Mao, lab manager for the Tyska Lab in the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology.
Since 2005, Strange has worked with Vanderbilt's youngest learners to help shape the very beginning of their educational journeys, approaching each child with creativity, patience and a genuine belief in their potential. The result is a classroom where every child feels seen, valued and excited to learn.
She mentors fellow educators, contributes to her field and enables Vanderbilt faculty and staff to focus on their work, knowing their children are in the very best hands. Years after leaving her classroom, her students still light up when they see her-evidence of the lasting love of learning she inspires.
Mao's work touches nearly every part of the lab's efforts to study how intestinal cells function, from developing techniques and managing complex systems to supporting grant applications. She is a master problem-solver who finds a way forward through even the toughest challenges.
What truly sets her apart, however, is her impact on people. She works side by side with students and trainees, sharing her expertise, setting high standards and helping shape the next generation of scientists. Mao is the heart and soul of her lab, and her dedication and innovation have helped drive Vanderbilt's research mission for 25 years.
Chancellor's Award for Exemplary Service
The Chancellor's Award for Exemplary Service honors an individual who has met unexpected challenges and opportunities with innovation, persistence and courage that go beyond the outstanding performance of their day-to-day duties, demonstrating the highest dedication to the university's mission and values. This year, the Chancellor's Award for Exemplary Service was awarded to John Williamson, Vanderbilt's head bowling coach.
Williamson, who was hired in 2004 to launch our bowling program, had never coached a sport. He was a great recreational bowler but had no competitive bowling experience. He set about building the team from the ground up-recruiting players from across campus with an ad in The Hustler because it was too late for off-campus recruiting. They weathered a difficult first season with only 12 wins. In 2007, their third season, his team won Vanderbilt its first national championship in any sport.
Under his leadership, the program would go on to set a high standard of excellence-winning three national titles and appearing in 20 consecutive NCAA tournaments. Just as important, Williamson has shaped generations of student-athletes who have excelled in competition, the classroom and leadership roles across campus. This spring, he will retire after 22 seasons of leading Vanderbilt's bowling team.
