Vanderbilt announced earlier this month that Scott Tierno, executive director of Executive Ceremonies & Celebrations for Southern New Hampshire University, will be the new director of the Office of Commencement and Special Events.

The news ends the university’s national search for a new director that began in August 2018.  He will be taking over the role from Jayne Morris, the office’s interim director.

“We appreciate the time and effort it took the Provost’s search team to get Scott to Vanderbilt.  He’s a down-to-earth leader, but well-respected in our field. We’ve spent some time together, and collectively believe he’ll be a great fit and a huge asset to our office. We’re excited about him coming on board,” said Morris.

His main role is to direct the logistics and production teams that manage the University’s three day commencement ceremonies that happen in May. He hopes to make sure that everyone is involved in the planning of this event, he said.

“Commencement is meant to be a community event where we honor our scholars and celebrate with our families, friends, and all members of the institution. It really takes the entire campus community to make this event a successful culmination of years of hard work,” said Tierno.

Apart from leading commencement planning, he will also lead the office in assisting the Office of the Provost in event planning and providing event consultation to the university community.

“Receiving the offer to be a part of Vandy is a once in a lifetime opportunity,” Tierno said. “I really was so overjoyed with being offered the opportunity to be a part of the community and to work with the students, faculty, and staff and leading the creation of this time-honored event.”