CORRECTION: The article previously incorrectly stated that there are six new faculty heads this semester. It was updated on Aug. 26, 2024, to include information on the new faculty head of Stambaugh House Jessica Oster.
Vanderbilt is welcoming seven new faculty members to serve as faculty heads of house in the university’s residential system for the 2024-25 school year. Appointed by Dean of Residential Colleges and Residential Education Melissa Gresalfi, these faculty members live with their families within the residential system and work to foster community among students in these buildings.
These new faculty heads live amongst the students in their respective residence halls — Oliver C. Carmichael College, Nicholas S. Zeppos College, Warren College, Stambaugh House, Gillette House, West House and North House. According to the Vanderbilt Residential Colleges website, heads of house seek to enhance student experiences by planning house programming events and bridging the gap between students and faculty.
New faculty heads in West End neighborhood
There are three new faculty heads of college in the West End neighborhood. Dr. Emily Pendergrass, associate professor of the practice of literacy and reading education, moved from West House to serve as the inaugural head of Carmichael. Dr. Jeong Oh Kim, senior lecturer in the English department, now serves as the faculty head of Zeppos. Dr. Robin Jones, associate professor of hearing and speech sciences, now serves as faculty head of Warren College.
Kim said he is excited about joining the residential college team and he hopes that Zeppos will be the pinnacle of Vanderbilt’s residential college experience.
“I am excited as a new faculty head of Zeppos at the start of a journey whose conclusion is certain and radiant,” Kim said in a statement to The Hustler. “I believe that our Zeppos will stand as the be-all and end-all of Vanderbilt’s residential college education.”
Jones expressed similar sentiments, noting that he and his family feel more connected to the Vanderbilt community since moving in over the summer. He said they could not wait for students to return so they could get the full residential college experience. Also joining Warren College is Pawley, the family’s Bernedoodle puppy.
“Myself and my family are very excited to get into residential college life,” Jones said. “We are hopeful that being a part of this program will provide opportunities to build connections with students.”
New faculty heads on Commons
Stambaugh House, Gillette House, North House and West House also have new faculty heads of house. Jessica Oster, earth and environmental science professor is the new faculty head of Stambaugh House. Brittany Chase, lecturer of musicology and ethnomusicology, joined Gillette House. Andrew Finch, professor of human and organizational development, and Huili Hong, professor of the practice in teaching and learning, will live in North House and West House, respectively.
Finch said he feels his past experience working with first-year students will help him facilitate discussions regarding community and well-being.
“I work a lot with students and help teach about interaction, wellness [and] healthy development,” Finch said. “I think all of those things are important for students and important for young people in general. So yes, I do feel like both what I’ve done teaching, but also just the department that I’m in and the content that I teach will all be really beneficial [to North residents].”
Finch expressed hope that students will benefit from the ability to establish connections with faculty beyond academics.
“It is good that students get the opportunity to know faculty members outside of the classroom,” Finch said. “I am excited to work with students in that capacity and am hopeful that students get a chance to interact with a faculty member outside of classroom teaching.”
