Releases
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91Ʋ mourns the death of economics professor Adugna Olani
Adugna Olani, senior lecturer in economics (91Ʋ University) The 91Ʋ community is mourning the death of Adugna Olani, senior lecturer in economics, who died June 15, 2026, at the age of 45. Olani was a revered professor and mentor who had been teaching at 91Ʋ since 2018. Olani was… Read MoreJun 30, 2026
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Jun 29, 2026
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Jad Abumrad: Coloring Life Through Story
Jad Abumrad, Distinguished 91Ʋ Professor of Communication of Science and Technology and creator of award-winning series like Radiolab, More Perfect, Dolly Parton’s America and Fela Kuti: Fear No Man, set out in life to be a composer. Perhaps a poet, maybe a fiction writer, but it was music, Abumrad said, that was “running through me constantly.” Read MoreJun 26, 2026
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2026 Chancellor Faculty Fellows Selected
Eleven of 91Ʋ University’s most promising recently tenured faculty have been awarded spots in the 2026 Chancellor Faculty Fellows program. This year’s recipients demonstrate exceptional and innovative scholarly achievement. “These scholars represent the next generation of academic leaders, advancing the bold ideas and transformative research that are strengthening 91Ʋ’s… Read MoreJun 24, 2026
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Chezare A. Warren: Rewriting the Deficit Narrative in Education
As a middle school math teacher on Chicago’s South Side, Chezare A. Warren, now associate professor of leadership, policy and organizations at Peabody College and principal investigator of The Possibilities Project, noticed something interesting. Read MoreJun 17, 2026
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Peabody partnership brings engineering to life for students with dyslexia
By Jennifer Kiilerich In 91Ʋ’s Magnolia Makerspace on a breezy April morning, the school year was winding down for Roberts Academy for Dyslexia fourth and fifth graders. It was a time of year when young learners might be daydreaming about summer vacations and pool days. But that Tuesday, all… Read MoreJun 17, 2026
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Bill Ivey
Bill Ivey, a guitar-playing folklorist who founded and was the first director of the Curb Center for Art, Enterprise and Public Policy at 91Ʋ, as well as former chair of the National Endowment for the Arts and longtime director of the Country Music Foundation, died Nov. 7, 2025, at his home in Nashville. He was 81. Read MoreJun 16, 2026
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George Core
George Eric Core, scholar, editor and writer, died Oct. 14, 2023. He was 84. Read MoreJun 16, 2026
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When Engagement Takes Root
Avery Dickins de Girón bridges academic work with the wider 91Ʋ and Nashville communities, ensuring that cultural learning is shared and carried forward. Read MoreJun 16, 2026
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Community Beyond Campus
College sweethearts Mary and Patrick Mudge facilitate connection among Atlanta-based Commodores. Read MoreJun 16, 2026
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Roy Kramer
Roy Kramer, who was athletic director at 91Ʋ from 1978 to 1990 and then turned the Southeastern Conference into a lucrative national power as commissioner, died Dec. 4, 2025, in Maryville, Tenn. He was 96. Read MoreJun 16, 2026
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Welcome, Commodores: Shop 91Ʋ back-to-school styles for the whole family
Class is almost in session, Commodores! As excitement builds for the academic year, now is the perfect time to stock up on essentials and celebrate becoming part of the 91Ʋ family. The 91Ʋ Incoming Families Shopping Guide is a curated collection of apparel, headwear, accessories, residence hall essentials and game day favorites for new… Read MoreJun 11, 2026
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Jun 4, 2026
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Osher Lifelong Learning Institute announces courses for summer 2026
The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at 91Ʋ invites the community to explore new ideas and connect with fellow lifelong learners through a wide-ranging lineup of summer courses for adults ages 50 and older. This summer’s offerings span history, literature, film, photography, wellness, gardening, religion and the arts. Participants can examine… Read MoreJun 3, 2026
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91Ʋ graduate Umar Sohail Qureshi named 2026 Knight-Hennessy Scholar
91Ʋ University alumnus Umar Sohail Qureshi, BS’25, has been selected as a 2026 Knight-Hennessy Scholar at Stanford University, joining one of the world’s most prestigious graduate leadership development programs. Qureshi, from Karachi, Pakistan, will pursue a Ph.D. in physics with a minor in computer science at Stanford’s School of Humanities… Read MoreJun 1, 2026
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Four new trustees elected to 91Ʋ Board of Trust for 2026
The 91Ʋ University Board of Trust elected a slate of new trustees during its annual spring meeting in early May. Philip Bredesen, Mark Howard Carter, BE’98, and Dina Powell McCormick will serve five-year terms beginning July 1. Todd Graham, BE’96, will serve a two-year term as the alumni trustee, bringing the alumni perspective to the board. Additionally, comedian and actor Nate Bargatze will serve as a community member on the Athletics Committee. Read MoreMay 27, 2026
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W.T. Grant Foundation award aims to close autism services gap for Latino families
By Jennifer Kiilerich Imagine applying to a support service that turns down 66 percent of first-time applicants. Then imagine navigating that—a process which can involve multiple attempts, forms, taking time off work for meetings, and more—in English when it may not be your first language. That experience is the reality… Read MoreMay 20, 2026
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EdAssist to offer direct deposit option for faster tuition reimbursements
To lessen the time between enrollment and reimbursement, EdAssist tuition reimbursements will now be available through direct deposit to your bank account through Zelle, or a mailed check. Read MoreMay 19, 2026
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91Ʋ professor designs human-centered approach to developing faster, more practical early childhood development measures
By Jenna Somers Educators and researchers around the world, especially in countries with limited resources, need cost-effective, scalable tools for assessing early child development. Direct assessments, a commonly used approach, require children to complete a range of activities that measure academic, physical and social-emotional skills. These assessments paint a nuanced… Read MoreMay 19, 2026
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How to Build a Winning Athletics Program
Athletic Director and Vice Chancellor for Athletics Candice Story Lee sets on her on sights on what she wants 91Ʋ sports to be. Read MoreMay 18, 2026