By Lacie Blankenship
As 2024 comes to a close, we reflect on another incredible year for Vanderbilt Business. From groundbreaking research and transformative programs to stories of student and alumni success, this year has been filled with so much to celebrate. Vanderbilt Business news stories resonated not only with our community but also across the world, with various features in leading publications like Axios and The New York Times. Join us as we revisit only a select few of the many great news stories to come out of Vanderbilt Business this year, and help us ring in the new year!
Top News Stories out of Vanderbilt Business
What is Happening to U.S. Higher Education?
Jen Riley, Senior Lecturer of Marketing
The top article out of the Vanderbilt Business Newsroom in 2024 tackles a burning question–What is Happening to U.S. Higher Education? This piece delves into new research from Professor Jen Riley, examining how power shifts, competition, and evolving technology are reshaping U.S. higher education. The article also touches on growing skepticism about the value of a college degree, fueled by rising costs, student debt, and alternative options.
Read the full article here.
Managers, You Might be Preventing Neurodivergent Professionals from Reaching their Potential
Ranking closely with the U.S. higher education article, Managers, You Might be Preventing Neurodivergent Professionals from Reaching their Potential, captured a lot of attention. This article highlights how managers may unknowingly limit the potential of neurodivergent professionals with expert insight from Professor Tim Vogus. The article discusses common barriers for neurodivergent professionals, such as communication and task management challenges, and offers actionable strategies for creating more inclusive environments that drive results.
Read the full article here.
Dean Steenburgh & Maria Renz pictured at the 2024 Vanderbilt Business Commencement
Maria Renz: From Design Undergrad to Google GM & VP of Commerce, 2024 Commencement Speaker
Maria Renz’s journey from a design undergraduate to Vice President of Commerce at Google is a story of transformation and success. Renz, who delivered the keynote address at the 2024 Commencement ceremony, shared insights on her diverse experiences in business and technology that shaped her leadership style.
Read the full article about Maria Renz here.
Read about 2024 Commencement here.
Vanderbilt Business Welcomed 6 New Full-Time Faculty Members in Fall 2024
Vanderbilt Business proudly welcomed a group of 6 exceptional scholars as new full-time faculty members this fall: Professors Bin Li, Anna Helmke, Richard Florida, Gary Kimball, and Antoine Feylessoufi. The new faculty members bring expertise in Accounting, Finance, Management, and Operations.
Read the full article here.
Management Hall, Vanderbilt University
Vanderbilt Business Reveals 2024 MBA Employment Outcomes
In November, Vanderbilt Business revealed the strong employment outcomes for the MBA Class of 2024. Graduates secured positions across multiple industries, with an average starting base salary of $150,246. This year’s results highlight the continued strength of the program and its ability to prepare students for leadership roles in a competitive job market.
Read the full article here.
Distinguished Speakers: Reese Witherspoon & Shawn Johnson
Among the many distinguished speakers that Vanderbilt Business hosted in 2024, our community had the opportunity to hear from both Reese Witherspoon and Shawn Johnson East and Andrew East (MBA’15). Witherspoon visited Management Hall in April, when she discussed Nashville, networking, and intentional storytelling. The Easts visited Management Hall in October, and shared lessons from their professional journeys and their guiding principles for creating a business enterprise.
Read the full Reese Witherspoon article here.
Shawn Johnson East and Andrew East have a conversation with Professor Mario Avila
Read the full Shawn Johnson East and Andrew East article here.
How I Got the Job: Business Services & Industrials Analyst, Lazard
Comeragh Sheehan, a 2024 graduate of the Vanderbilt MS Finance program, shared his journey to becoming a Business Services & Industrials Analyst at Lazard in an article published in April of 2024. Sheehan discussed his academic experiences, networking efforts, and internship opportunities that helped him land his role.
Read the full article here.
Cosmo Week, a Tradition Rooted in Culture Sharing
The 6th annual Cosmo Week at Vanderbilt Business was held this fall. Cosmo Week is a beloved tradition hosted by students to recognize and honor the diverse cultures within the Owen community. The event brings together students, faculty, staff, and alumni from all backgrounds to share their unique experiences, foods, and traditions.
Cosmo Week Closing Bell, Fall 2024
Read the full article here.
Using AI: Where to start?
We explored how organizations can begin integrating AI into their operations with Professor Jesse Blocher. Blocher discussed what to expect from Vanderbilt University’s new College of Connected Computing, his thoughts on how to interact with AI, and how businesses are already using AI in their day-to-day to improve efficiency and employee satisfaction.
Read the full article here.
Faculty in the News
Dean Steenburgh featured in the Nashville Business Journal “The Boss” series. Read the article.
Professor Erik Olson, 2024 P&Q Best 40-Under-40 MBA Professor
Professor Erik Olson named a 2024 Best 40-Under-40 MBA Professor from Poets and Quants. Read the article.
Professor Megan Lawrence featured in Inc. discussing numerical targets for entrepreneurs with respect to interest rates. Read the article.
Professor Jessica A. Kennedy featured in Axios discussing the gender pay gap for MBAs, and gender disparities in the tendency to negotiate pay. Read the article.
Professor Xi Kang was featured by the World Economic Forum discussing AI agents and other AI technologies. Read the article.
Professor Michael Burcham featured in the Nashville Post for his recent induction in the Entrepreneurs’ Hall of Fame. Read the article.
Professor Freeman Wu featured in The Washington Post for his research on social media influencers disabling their comments. Read the article.
Chancellor’s Cup presentation to Michael Lapre at the start of the Owen faculty and staff meeting. (Vanderbilt University)
Professor Kelly Goldsmith featured in The New York Times discussing the rising cost of Girl Scout fees. Read the article.
Vanderbilt News
Palm Beach unanimously approves land deal for Vanderbilt’s new business and tech campus. Read the article.
Professor Michael Lapré awarded with the 2024 Chancellor’s Cup. Read the article.
Happy New Year!
Looking ahead to 2025 and with a renewed mission statement in place, Vanderbilt Business is excited to continue building on the momentum of the past year. We remain deeply grateful to our faculty, staff, students, and alumni. Together, we look forward to advancing our impact, collaborating, innovating, and shaping the future of business education and leadership.
