Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, has established a new office of Inclusion Initiatives and Cultural Competence within the Office of the Dean of Students. The organization will have oversight of the Women’s Center, the Office of LGBTQI Life, international student services, the Office of the University Chaplain and Religious Life, and all student organizations previously under the auspices of the Office of Intercultural Affairs. This includes Vanderbilt’s Black Cultural Center.
The new office will be under the direction of Tina Smith, who has been promoted from assistant dean of students to associate dean. Dr. Smith holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of North Alabama. She earned a doctorate in higher education administration and supervision at Tennessee State University.
Mark Bandas, associate provost and dean of students, said that “Tina Smith and her team will focus on creating intentional programming and trainings for students, faculty, and staff. We especially want our students to gain the ability to initiate constructive conversations around all forms of differences so they have the tools they need to effect positive change in an increasing diverse world.”
