Ever wondered about the face behind one of Vanderbilt's most ubiquitous names? Martha Robinson Rivers Ingram is more than chairman of the university's Board of Trust, she's also recognized as one of America's top business executives and a mainstay of Nashville society.

A graduate of Vassar College in 1957, Ingram married E. Bronson Ingram, who inherited part of his father's oil-and-barge empire in 1963. She quickly became involved in her husband's business ventures, serving as director and chairman for the family companies, as well as serving on the boards for several other nationally renowned businesses.

After her husband's death in 1995, Ingram served as chairman of the Ingram Industries Board until 2008. Ingram Industries is one of America's largest privately held companies, and centers on distribution of books, computers and videotapes.

Ingram Entertainment is the nation's prime distributor of DVD hardware and software, while Ingram Micro Inc. is a global leading technology distributor.
In addition to her leadership in business, Ingram is a prodigious proponent for the arts. She contributes to increasing cultural awareness in Nashville as a member on the boards for the Tennessee Repertory Theatre, the Nashville Opera Association and the Advisory Council of the Nashville Ballet. She also chairs Blair School of Music's KeyBoard.

Ingram's achievements in business, philanthropy and the arts have garnered national attention. In 2001 The Tennessean named her "Tennessean of the Year." She was also inducted into the Junior Achievement's National Business Hall of Fame.

Ingram and family are recognized on Forbes' 400 Richest Americans. She has four children and 12 grandchildren.

This is the first in a series of profiles highlighting the members of the Vanderbilt University Board of Trust.