Next Steps at Vanderbilt celebrated 10 years in 2020 as the state’s first inclusive higher education program. The year also marked the first class of Next Steps at Vanderbilt students to graduate from its expanded four-year program. 2022 brought another significant milestone as eight Next Steps graduates became the first class to walk in the full Vanderbilt University Commencement ceremony.
Tammy Day, M.Ed.
“For the first time, we saw our students participate in the full Commencement,” said Tammy Day, M.Ed., founding director of Next Steps. “To know they are included, and recognized, and that they have an opportunity to celebrate their accomplishments along with their peers and families in that formal setting, it reminds us that as a high-level university we are committed to diversity and inclusion.”
Day retired in December 2022 after 13 years as program director of the Next Steps at Vanderbilt program.
“What we have built has far surpassed anything I could have ever dreamed,” said Day. “The impact on students, faculty, and staff across our campus simply takes my breath away. Witnessing the personal growth experienced by all, due to participating in our inclusive community, is the pinnacle of my professional career.”
Day also partnered with Elise McMillan, J.D., VKC UCEDD director and Next Steps founding faculty director, to lead the Tennessee Alliance for Inclusive Higher Education. After the founding of Next Steps at Vanderbilt, the Alliance has supported the addition of seven additional inclusive higher education programs in Tennessee and continues to be a resource for Tennessee colleges and universities interested in starting programs.
