Building a University: Vanderbilt's Second Decade, 1885-1895

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Vanderbilt’s second decade, 1886-1895, was a time of rapid change for the fledgling university. There was a rising population of female and international students, as well as broadening of extracurriculars such as athletics, Greek organizations, and student clubs. Figures such as Charles Soong and Stella Vaughn created lasting legacies at the university during this decade for their prolific and influential work. The longest running student publications, the Comet (later renamed The Commodore) and The Hustler, Vanderbilt’s student newspaper, were founded in 1887 and 1888, respectively. The first form of student government – the West Side Court – was established a few years later in 1891 to adjudicate disputes between young men living in the six dormitory cottages which made up West Side Row. Modern student life harkens back to the student experiences first witnessed during this decade.

“The Coed “

Creator Henrietta Hickman

Publisher Unknown

Source Stella and William Vaughn Collection, Vanderbilt University Special Collections

This article describes the shift at Vanderbilt from female students being considered guests attending lectures to proper students alongside the men. The article picture is from The Comet, the campus yearbook, and the author notes that the demeanor of the men and women in the image showcases tension between them.

[Mabelle Flippin and Lettie S. Linch] »

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