Office of Development and Alumni Relations

Welcome back to Peabody!

Over the years, Peabody has maintained its mission through practice-oriented academic programs, a strong service ethic, and a concern for pressing social problems. That mission is to create a training ground for future leaders, cultivated by our faculty, visiting lecturers, alumni participation, and events that consider today's critical issues.

There are many ways for you to become involved with Peabody, and we welcome your suggestions. Peabody is only as strong as the community who cares for its future.

Thank you in advance for your continued interest in and support of Peabody College.

Camilla P. Benbow
Patricia and Rodes Hart Dean of Education and Human Development

Dean Benbow on Campus

Success Stories

Peabody alumni are leaders creating positive change in public and charter schools, government offices, hospitals, colleges, universities, start-ups and tech companies. We're profiling a few of our nearly 35,000 graduates who have gone from here to follow their passions and build outstanding careers.

"I would not be where I am today without every aspect of the Peabody experience."

Yudong Cao, M.Ed.
Principal Data Scientist, Capital One

Laura Moore
Laura Moore, MPP'14, Chief of Staff, Office of the CEO at Obama Foundation
Shaiza Rizavi, Peabody Alum
Shaiza Rizavi, BS'91, Partner, Managing Member at Gilder, Gagnon, Howe and Co.
Shirley Collado, Peabody Alum
Shirley Collado, BS'94, President and Chief Executive Officer, College Track; President Emerita of Ithaca College

Get Involved

There are so many ways to be part of Peabody. Supporting Peabody extends beyond financial gifts. Increase the value of a Peabody degree by networking, hiring from Peabody, and attending alumni events. 

Through Peabody Career Services, network with other alumni or recruit students starting their careers. Find fellow Commodores, submit address changes, sign up for e-mail forwarding, or use the Commodore Career Connection with VUConnect or stay up to date on alumni activities through the Alumni Association.

Students on Peabody lawn

Distinguished Alumnus/a Award

Each year, Peabody honors an outstanding alumnus or alumna with the Peabody Distinguished Alumnus/a Award. The award salutes the achievements of alumni who have made significant contributions and achievements in their chosen fields. These contributions should be exemplified by national or international recognition. Nominations are accepted on a rolling basis, and an honoree is selected by a Peabody faculty committee in December. Dean Benbow presents the award during Commencement ceremonies in May. 

For more information, please email the Peabody Development and Alumni Relations Office at peabodyalumni@vanderbilt.edu or call (615) 322-8500.

Caption: Kristen L. McMaster, BS’95, MEd’98, PhD’02, 2024 Peabody College Distinguished Alumna
Kristen L. McMaster, BS’95, MEd’98, PhD’02, 2024 Peabody College Distinguished Alumna

Support Peabody

Peabody College has long been a beacon of innovation. The Head Start Program was born because of us. Thanks to our efforts, special education became a serious discipline. Our undergraduate major in human and organizational development elevated practice-oriented education to a new level. Today, the breadth of our influence is considerable-reaching from Nashville to southern China. 

What will our next 150 years look like? How will we remain a place that trains leaders to change lives? You are one of our key partners, and we look to you to find your own role in advancing Peabody as a leader in improving the human condition.

Wyatt building

About the Office of Development and Alumni Relations

Peabody seeks to partner with our extended community to achieve the College’s most immediate goals and needs—student scholarships, internships, endowed chairs, library resources, and technology support. Our success derives not only from the hard work of faculty, staff, and students but also from the support offered by the wider Peabody family.

Development and Alumni Relations Contacts