This semester's administration news stories have been marked by innovation and overturn. Five positions have been permanently filled after national searches, four of which were internal appointments, and a new debt-free financial aid initiative promises to ameliorate the effects of a devastating national recession.

"It has been a semester of community, change and challenge for America and Vanderbilt," said Chancellor Nicholas Zeppos.

The debt-free initiative, which was announced by The Vanderbilt Hustler and a Vanderbilt press release on Oct. 1, will replace all need-based student loans with grant and scholarship assistance. The initiative begins next semester with the class of 2009, and all other students will be able to benefit from the package next year.

"This new expanded financial aid program propels Vanderbilt to the next level of success," said Dean of Admissions Douglas Christiansen. "Clearly with the economic conditions it has become increasingly more important as we think about access for all students."

"Our commitment is simple - we seek the most accomplished students in the country to attend Vanderbilt and we make admissions decisions without considering financial need," said Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Richard McCarty.

On Monday, Zeppos announced that the financial aid program has received a major boost with a $20 million gift from an anonymous donor.

The four internal appointments were filled after national searches, and in the past three weeks, Zeppos has approved three major appointments. On Tuesday, Carolyn Dever, a former faculty member in the English department who has also been both the associate dean of graduate education and the executive dean of Arts and Science, was appointed the dean of Arts and Science.

"Carolyn was the top choice of the search committee following an exhaustive national search," said McCarty.

Former Associate Vice Chancellor for Public Affairs Beth Fortune was appointed vice chancellor for public affairs, a position that became vacant when Michael Schoenfeld left for Duke University in June.

Susie Stalcup, the chief fundraising officer for Columbia University Medical Center, was appointed vice chancellor for development and alumni relations.

Additionally, former Associate Vice Chancellor for Research Jeff Balser was appointed the 11th dean of the School of Medicine on Oct. 10.