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

Navigation Menu+

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.

Women’s Basketball Team

Publisher Nashville, TN

Source Vanderbilt University Photographic Archives, Vanderbilt University Special Collections

Displayed are the women of the 1896 basketball team. Pictured in the bottom row on the left is Stella Vaughn, daughter of Professor William Vaughn. After being raised on campus in the Vaughn Home, Stella studied at the university and became one of the first women to participate in extracurricular activities, and later became advisor to the girls.

“The Coed “ »