Vanderbilt's Live. Learn. Lead. Symposium has been permanently renamed the Chris Krause Leadership Symposium, recognizing the multifaceted support of Chris Krause, BS'88. A passionate advocate for leadership development, Krause has been an invaluable thought partner and philanthropic supporter, helping shape Vanderbilt's broader work to develop leaders across campus.
Centered around the theme "Dare to…," the 2026 Chris Krause Leadership Symposium, held February 26, brought together a series of leadership-focused campus events, guest lectures, conversations and workshops designed to empower students to see leadership as an active, intentional choice. The day's activities opened with a welcome address from Chancellor Daniel Diermeier, who highlighted leadership's powerful role in shaping both individual paths and the larger Vanderbilt community.
"Leadership requires action. It demands that we bring our talents to bear on difficult problems even when-especially when-outcomes are uncertain," Chancellor Diermeier said. "In Live Learn Lead, you are practicing that courage-not least of which is the courage to engage across differences in academic interests, opinions, and life experience."
Attendees heard from other dynamic speakers, including Francesca Schuler, executive director of Dialogue Vanderbilt, and an alumni panel of leaders across industries. The event also featured a fireside chat with E. Bronson Ingram Chair in Football Clark Lea, in conversation with Chris Krause about how they apply their philosophies of leadership in their lives and work.
"In Live Learn Lead, you are practicing that courage-not least of which is the courage to engage across differences in academic interests, opinions, and life experience."
Among those in attendance were 30 business leaders from the Nashville chapter of the Young Presidents' Organization (YPO), a global network of chief executives. Their presence reflected the symposium's growing reach beyond campus-and the chapter's philanthropic support of the Live. Learn. Lead. Academy, which continues to expand opportunities for student leadership development.
Krause's own journey at Vanderbilt was shaped by experiences that helped him grow as a leader. He earned a full athletic scholarship and had the opportunity to compete in the SEC as a member of the Vanderbilt football team, which enabled him to attend the university and major in Human and Organizational Development at Peabody College-an experience that profoundly influenced both his career path and the legacy he is now building. During his time on the team, he experienced firsthand how the rigid structure of student-athlete life can make it difficult to pursue extracurricular interests. This inspired his commitment to helping student-athletes connect with leadership development and career opportunities beyond their sport.
"Vanderbilt gave me the tools to go out and build something," Krause said. "Part of my passion was figuring out how I could help more student-athletes get the same kinds of opportunities as I did."
He carries that commitment into his work as the founder of NCSA Athletic Recruiting. He has also brought that perspective back to Vanderbilt as a thought partner in shaping innovative leadership programs for students. Krause envisioned what he described as a "leadership superhighway"-a framework that would connect students across the university through interdisciplinary learning.
Following graduation, Krause's continued involvement with Vanderbilt led to meetings with university leaders, including Chancellor Diermeier; Candice Storey Lee, vice chancellor for athletics and university affairs and athletic director; and Jill Stratton, assistant provost for academic support and community engagement. Together they saw the potential to expand the idea across the university - including ROTC, engineering, education and other programs-creating a shared pathway for leadership development. Supported by a Sesquicentennial Grant, the first symposium launched in 2024, and that inaugural event laid the groundwork for the Live. Learn. Lead. Academy, which began in the 2024-2025 academic year.
"Vanderbilt gave me the tools to go out and build something. Part of my passion was figuring out how I could help more student-athletes get the same kinds of opportunities as I did."
Now in its second year, the Academy continues to grow thanks to the support and advocacy of alumni like Krause, who provide mentorship and leadership insights to 15 students in the 2025-26 cohort.
Krause's investment in the Academy has also extended into a unique collaborative project: he and members of the cohort are co-authoring the Academy's first book, BILT to Win: How Leadership Becomes Legacy, a collection of leadership stories set to be published this fall.
The Symposium itself is brought to life by the LLL Academy's student cohort. Students help plan and facilitate the event-working with campus leaders and alumni who serve as speakers while developing their own skills and confidence.
Anastaczja Cumberbatch, class of 2027, and member of the LLL Academy 2025-26 Cohort, reflected on the experience:
"In a world where it seems as though everyone is chasing a leadership position, the academy provides a space for self-discovery: what is a leader and how do I use my strengths to better myself and the world around me? I, like many of my cohort, have learned that 'leader' is not a role one simply takes on, but a learning experience that shapes you into the greatest version of yourself-though this growth only comes through true introspection. This year's symposium was the culmination of the lessons we have had the privilege of learning, and I cannot wait to see what these leaders continue to do in the future."
Introducing keynote speaker Coach Lea, whose leadership delivered an undefeated home record at FirstBank Stadium last season and earned back-to-back SEC Coach of the Year honors, Candice Lee noted that leadership takes many forms.
"One of the things that I love about Vanderbilt is that we recognize success and leadership in every area," Lee said. While the head football coach may not be the same on paper as a tenured professor doing incredible research, he is an educator and an incredible leader. With this event today, we can talk about how sports provide a great example of what transformational leadership looks like."
Coach Lea shared his path to becoming Vanderbilt's head coach, the mentors who shaped him and the practices he relies on to lead effectively. One of those practices is showing up every day with his "skis up," advice his father gave him when he was learning to waterski.
"My dad told me, 'Make sure that your skis are pointed up. Because if they aren't, you're going to go face-first into the wake of the boat. If you have your skis up, you get up to the surface. It's still hard, but you're engaged in the activity. This goes back to leadership and how you learn as a leader. I think to myself all the time, I have to have my skis up. What that means to me is I need to stay in my habits and routines."
The fireside chat concluded with a glimpse into how Coach Lea wraps up football practices. Symposium attendees waited until the count of three, put their fists in the air and shouted along with Lea, Krause, Lee and Stratton, "Vandy, built to win!"
-Addy Crosby
