Vanderbilt faculty gathered for the fall faculty assembly on Aug. 30.
Faculty Senate Chair Bruce Barry introduced Interim Chancellor Nick Zeppos, who presented awards to a number of faculty members for outstanding work in their respective fields and announced plans for the year.
Zeppos addressed his transition into the chancellorship, calling it “exciting and unexpected.”
He also urged faculty to continue their leadership and promote the university.
“This is a great opportunity for (faculty) leadership,” he said. “What we do will define us as a faculty and as a university. … We must use this year to leap boldly forward.”
Zeppos also announced plans to advance Vanderbilt academically.
He proposed the Vanderbilt Institute for Advanced Study, which would allow broader faculty discussion and collaboration on research, and announced the creation of a new program in Islamic and Middle Eastern studies.
Additionally, Zeppos proposed having a plan in place by the end of the year for the demolition of Kissam Quad in order to construct two new buildings as part of the residential college system.
He called the plans for the year “a bold, ambitious and full agenda,” but also said he expected the faculty would have it no other way.
