About A&S
The College of Arts and Science is the largest, oldest, and most academically diverse school at Vanderbilt University. Founded in 1875, the college houses 36 different academic departments, offers more than 100 majors and minors, and supports 20 graduate programs. With approximately 250 staff, 750 faculty, and 4,000 students, the college is a thriving community of curious educators and learners who want to make a positive impact on the world.
Our Mission
The College of Arts and Science is a collaborative, diverse, and interdisciplinary college with a deep commitment to learning, discovery, and service to solve the most pressing problems facing society.
We achieve this by:
- Providing world-class teaching to talented and curious students.
- Conducting cutting-edge research, discovery, and creative expression that advances our understanding of the world around us.
- Crossing traditional boundaries across the arts and the sciences to make a meaningful and positive impact on society.
The College of Arts and Science is led by the dean. The Dean’s Office leadership team consists of the dean, vice dean and senior associate deans, and several staff members representing different work areas. In addition, the Office of Academic Services is managed by several assistant deans.
The Dean’s Office also has five Senior Administrative Officers (SAOs) who represent every unit in the college. To find your SAO, look at the “Dean’s Office Lead” column in the Staff Directory.
A&S is home to 36 academic units across the divisions of humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Each academic unit is run by a department chair or program director. Faculty members all have a "home" unit but can be affiliated with multiple units (or other schools across the university). Staff members either support one specific unit or support all the units within a specific building.
Vanderbilt is a leading global research university. Vanderbilt is governed by a Board of Trust and led by a chancellor. The university’s leadership team consists of a provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs and several other vice chancellors representing various work units. The deans of the schools report to the provost.
There are 11 schools and colleges at Vanderbilt:
- College of Arts and Science
- Blair School of Music
- Peabody College of Education and Human Development
- School of Engineering
- College of Connected Computing
- Graduate School
- Divinity School
- Law School
- Owen Graduate School of Management
- School of Medicine
- School of Nursing
Learn more about Vanderbilt University.
New Staff
We are delighted that you’ve joined our collaborative, dynamic, and dedicated community.
Staff Toolbox
Resources and supports for functional work areas across the College of Arts and Science.
Professional Development
Vanderbilt University offers a wide range of workshops, trainings, resources, and self-led courses to support staff members’ professional development, promote learning and growth, and foster connections across campus. Visit the Futures Learning Hub in Oracle to access training related to leadership and management, technology, wellness, project management, Vanderbilt systems and processes, and more.
Staff Awards
The College of Arts & Science gives out Staff Excellence Awards annually to recognize those who have provided outstanding service to faculty and students or who have significantly advanced the mission of the college.