Posted by derricic on Tuesday, April 21, 2026 in Current Students.

When I was accepted into the Community Development and Action Program at Vanderbilt, it was an easy yes. I knew that this program would be exactly what I needed to grow not only professionally, but personally as well. What I didn’t know is what exactly would set this program apart from others around the country. There are a lot of aspects of the Community Development and Action Program that make this a truly special program, but my three favorite parts are the diversity of students, the professors, and the Nashville location.
The first thing I noticed was how the people in my cohort had different interests, cultures, homes, stories, and more. We each bring different perspectives to the program. I’m not only learning from the lessons and readings that we engage with for classes, but I am learning from my classmates’ personal stories, experiences, and ideas. Not only that, but our passions range from immigration to organizational development, from culturally responsive program evaluation to loss of housing. We all have our own, unique niche which makes for a very robust learning environment.
The next thing I noticed was how the professors were readily available to answer questions and provide mentorship. Every professor I have had the pleasure of interacting with truly wants to see myself and my classmates succeed, and they are willing to do anything they can to help. I had one professor reach out to me with a connection after explaining what I wanted my future career to look like. I had another professor who has provided mentorship as I start thinking about gathering research for my thesis. And I am not the only person who has had these experiences. The professors in the Human and Organizational Development department are truly here to help students grow professionally, academically, and personally.
Finally, the Nashville location provides for not only some great live music, but also a wide range of organizations to get involved with. Interested in food security? Second Harvest Food Bank, Nashville Food Project, and The Store are some great places to get involved. Wanting to implement the arts? I suggest the Frist Art Museum and Musicians on Call. Passionate about Animal Welfare? Look into Nashville Humane Association, Pawster, Wags and Walks, and Metro Nashville Animal Care and Control. No matter what your interest, there are hundreds of nonprofits, organizations, and businesses that offer volunteer opportunities, internships, full-time work, and more.
Personally, I wouldn’t have chosen any other program to continue my education. I have no doubt that the Community Development and Action program will help me achieve my professional goals, and that is all thanks to my classmates, my professors, and the Nashville community.