Nick Zeppos has hit the ground running, adjusting to his new role and making plans to improve the university in his first month as “iChancellor.”

“We’re through the transition, and nothing energizes and invigorates everyone like the beginning of a new school year,” he said.

Zeppos, who retained his position as provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs, assumed the post when former Chancellor Gordon Gee resigned Aug. 1 to return to The Ohio State University as president.

Delegation has been imperative, said Zeppos, also a faculty VUceptor.

“Everyone is pulling more of a load, more people are pitching in. Everyone has been great,” he said. “It’s always been a collaborative effort between students, faculty, staff and the administration.”

Although Zeppos said he misses seeing Gee every day in Kirkland Hall, he also said the transition has gone smoothly and the semester looks promising.

“(Faculty and students both) miss Gee, but we’re moving forward quickly,” he said. “A new semester is always a challenge, but the students got moved in and are making it through the shock.”

A number of projects and plans Zeppos hopes to initiate, many announced last week at the Faculty Assembly, will propel the university forward, he said.

And he will focus first on housing and increasing financial aid for students.

“Although there are plans for the demolition of Kissam, we’re making some short-term improvements so it is livable for the students that have to be there,” Zeppos said. “I also want to make Vanderbilt more affordable and make sure students can leave without a lot of debt.”

His multi-faceted plans also include changes to academic departments and a concentration on energy and environmental issues.

Zeppos would like to see an “internationalization” of the university and an increase in “global education,” he said, achieved by creating a Middle Eastern and Islamic studies department and bringing more international scholars to Vanderbilt.

Although Zeppos said the transition has been seamless, some students have noticed Gee’s absence.

“I haven’t noticed any major changes (since Gee left), but usually around this time of the year, Gee is everywhere. I don’t even know what Zeppos looks like,” said senior Colette Hunt.

Though Zeppos often has been compared to Gee, he said, “I am who I am.”

“I just have to be true to my abilities, strengths and weaknesses and just keep doing what I’ve been doing here for the last 20 years,” he said. “(Gee) left big shoes to fill, but the people who really fill them are the community and the students.”