By Lacie Blankenship
The Vanderbilt Executive MBA (EMBA) program is thrilled to announce Diana Pelham, VP of Leadership Giving at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center (TPAC), as the 2024 EMBA Nonprofit Management Scholarship recipient.
What is the Vanderbilt EMBA Nonprofit Management Scholarship?
Valued at over $140,000, the Nonprofit EMBA Scholarship is awarded annually to an executive or senior staff member from any qualified 501(c)3 organization who has demonstrated a commitment to serving in the nonprofit sector. Vanderbilt offers this scholarship in partnership with the Center for Nonprofit Management (CNM) to cover the costs and tuition of an admitted EMBA candidate selected by a committee.
“Strong nonprofits build strong communities,” says Juli Bennett, Executive Director of the Vanderbilt EMBA Programs. “Since 2006, Vanderbilt has been committed to giving back to our nonprofit community by developing strong leaders through our full-tuition nonprofit scholarship.”
Diana Pelham, 2024 EMBA Nonprofit Management Scholarship Recipient
Diana Pelham
Diana Pelham, VP of Leadership Giving at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center (TPAC), demonstrates a steadfast commitment to a career rooted in community service. Pelham has worked at TPAC for nearly 6 years in total. She began her tenure with the organization as Director of Corporate Relations and Philanthropic Gifts before progressing to Senior Director of Leadership Giving. She has served the organization as VP of Leadership Giving for almost 2 years, helping to strategically advance TPAC’s goals of fostering a shared understanding among people of different life experiences through the arts.
“I love that I get to wake up and be part of an organization that transforms the lives of so many across the state of Tennessee,” says Pelham. “From creating jobs and empowering lifelong learning, to making the arts accessible to all, TPAC and the power of the performing arts is so fulfilling.”
Before joining TPAC, Pelham served the Greater Nashville Area as District Development Director of the YMCA of Middle Tennessee. Before her time with the YMCA, Pelham served McMinnville, Tennessee, teaching English at Warren County High School.
“We are proud to offer Diana Pelham the 2024 EMBA Nonprofit Management Scholarship,” says Bennett. “Pelham’s enthusiasm for lifelong learning and uniting people through the performing arts is inspiring. Her heart for service is contagious, and we look forward to having her join us in the fall.”
“I am so humbled and grateful to receive the EMBA Nonprofit Management Scholarship,” says Pelham. “I am looking forward to seizing this opportunity to refine my skills and learn new strategies that will help me better serve TPAC.”
