Deans Melissa Rose and Pamela Jeffries reappointed to extended terms beginning July 2026

Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs C. Cybele Raver recently announced the extension of Melissa Rose's term as dean of the Blair School of Music and the reappointment of Pamela Jeffries as dean of the Vanderbilt School of Nursing.

Both renewals illustrate the university's regard for shared governance, commitment to rigorous internal and external review, data-driven decision making and vision for long-term strategic growth in the schools and colleges. Rose, who was named dean of the Blair School of Music in January 2024, will have her appointment extended an additional year through June 2027. Jeffries will be reappointed for an additional five-year term, from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2031. She became the ninth dean of Vanderbilt University School of Nursing in July 2021.

"Dean Rose and Dean Jeffries exemplify the thoughtful, forward-looking leadership that strengthens our academic community and fuels Vanderbilt's momentum," Raver said. "Melissa has guided Blair with clarity and deep care for its mission, while Pamela has advanced a bold strategy for the School of Nursing-expanding research, empowering faculty and elevating the school's national impact. Their renewed terms reflect our strong confidence in their vision and in the vital role each school plays in Vanderbilt's long-term success."

A RESUME OF INSTITUTIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS

Rose's extended appointment is a recognition of her steady, thoughtful leadership, which has positioned Blair School of Music on a strong foundation for its next era of excellence. Her deep knowledge of the school's strengths and opportunities, along with her interpersonal relational style and student-first position within the university's singular undergraduate-only school, helped guide Blair's close-knit community through a season of transition.

Jeffries has taken tremendous strides to transform the operational culture of the School of Nursing and align it with the university's "dare to grow" ethos, devoting her efforts to empowering faculty growth and collaboration, expanding the school's research portfolio and diversifying its academic offerings. Her next term will focus on driving strategic growth of the research enterprise, further streamlining processes, program offerings and operations.

A WEALTH OF EXPERIENCE

Before becoming dean of the Blair School of Music, Rose was a senior associate dean of academic affairs and professor of piano. She is an accomplished pianist who has collaborated with instrumentalists and singers in concerts throughout the United States and at venues in Argentina, Malta, Santorini and Russia. Rose earned the M.M. in piano performance from the Yale School of Music and the D.M.A. in collaborative piano from the University of Michigan.

Jeffries is an internationally recognized leader and researcher in nursing and health care education, with a reputation for innovation in teaching strategies, experiential learning, new pedagogies and the use of technology.

Before being named VUSN dean, she served as the second dean of the George Washington University School of Nursing and held a series of progressively responsible leadership roles at Johns Hopkins University. Jeffries earned a bachelor of science in nursing from Ball State University and a master of science in nursing and a doctorate in nursing from Indiana University.