Student Life

Students who thrive at Peabody are committed, altruistic, and passionate about a wide range of interests.

“Professors really encourage you to get involved outside academics, to learn skills that you can apply to your academics and professional life,” says Sarah Shufelt ’06. She entered in early childhood education, but after taking a special education course and working as a counselor for children with Down Syndrome, Sarah added SPED as a second major. She is now pursuing a master’s degree in reading education at Peabody. Working with Dale Farran, her undergraduate advisor, she is implementing a pre-school literacy program in rural Tennessee, collecting and running data and interacting with teachers.

Help fitting in

At orientation, PALS are students who help break the ice and show you how you can get involved. Beyond those first days, PALS follow up with small groups of freshmen—having coffee together, e-mailing or calling to see how you’re doing.

On a larger scale, organizations like the Interhall council assist first-year students in easing through the transition to life at Peabody and Vanderbilt. You’ll feel welcome, and we’ll do our best to help you find your niche.

Our curriculum encourages you to learn through experience as well as in the classroom. For example, Mawghan McCabe loves to ride horses. On her HOD internship, she began a children’s program at Hunter’s Farm, then started a riding team at Vanderbilt.