Our First Look at E. Bronson Ingram College
This month, Vanderbilt’s newest residential college opened its doors for the first time. I recently got my first look at E. Bronson Ingram College at an open house for staff, faculty, and students — and it is a really impressive sight!
E. Bronson Ingram College is now home to approximately 340 sophomores, juniors, and seniors, in a variety of room arrangements, including four-person suites as well as traditional double and single rooms. Equipped with an on-site dining hall, study lounges, social spaces, music rooms, a community kitchen, and outdoor green spaces, Ingram College extends the living and learning environment students experience on The Martha Rivers Ingram Commons during their first year. Our newest residential college also hosts signature programs such as Bronson Breaks, a weekly social event to building relationships among residents; Special Guest Dinners, a chance to bond over a meal with special guests; and Off-Campus Expeditions, trips to explore the Nashville area.
As with The Martha Rivers Ingram Commons, E. Bronson Ingram College features faculty in residence alongside students. Sarah Igo, associate professor of history, is the inaugural faculty director of E. Bronson Ingram College. Faculty directors, like the faculty heads of house on The Commons, host signature programs, foster intellectual conversations, create an interactive atmosphere, and collaborate with resident advisers.
The grand opening of E. Bronson Ingram College this semester reflects a continued expansion of Vanderbilt’s residential offerings which have included The Martha Rivers Ingram Commons, Warren and Moore Colleges, and other living learning communities. The undergraduate residential experience is at the heart of Vanderbilt’s Academic Strategic Plan, and even more additions are on the way with the completion of three additional upperclass residential colleges along West End Ave in 2020, 2022, and 2023.
The underlying theme across these new residential offerings is to expose Vanderbilt students to an array of thoughts and perspectives outside the classroom in order to cultivate a holistic, educational experience. From my first look, E. Bronson Ingram College seems like the ideal setting for students to get this Vanderbilt experience!
