VU History

In this episode of VU History , host Jaylan Sims interviews Neil Vigdor (‘99), a VSC Hall of Famer and former editor-in-chief of the Vanderbilt Hustler , now a political reporter for The New York Times . They discuss the media’s role in shaping political narratives, the challenges of covering a polarized landscape and his experiences on the campaign trail.

In this unique Women's History Month episode of VU History, host Jaylan Sims sits down with Marcia Biggs (B.A. 98), a special correspondent for the PBS Newshour. Reminiscing on how she started her career as a journalist and hoping to offer advice to aspiring correspondents, Biggs opens up to The Hustler about dealing with grief while reporting on conflict and the persistence needed to work for a n...

In this episode of VU History, host Jaylan Sims sits down with Bill Purcell (JD ’79), Nashville’s fifth mayor and adjunct professor of public policy at Vanderbilt. Purcell opens up about the traumatic experiences he has endured in politics and provides advice on how to lead a successful political career amid a distressing personal life.

In this episode of VU History, host Jaylan Sims sits down with Major Jackson, one of Vanderbilt’s most widely recognized poets and professors. In addition to his written work, Jackson hosts American Public Media’s “The Slowdown,” a podcast that features written poetry in every episode. Jackson talks with The Hustler about his interests in poetry and offers tips on creating poetry that moves commun...

Perplexed by the new idea of a "Computer," VU History host Jaylan Sims wanders out of a fraternity party to investigate his father's contributions to this strange technology, unaware that it'll soon change the access to education forever.

In this special edition of VU History, ESPN journalist and MLB Insider, Robert “Buster” Olney talks with VU History host, Jaylan Sims about getting his start in sports journalism, landing a job at the NY Times, and how breaking into the industry of sports journalism.

In this exclusive Interview, American Businessman and Mayor John Cooper sits down with The Vanderbilt Hustler's Jaylan Sims, to recap about his time in public office, hopes for Nashville's future, and provide tips to aspiring politicians. * This episode of VU History was made possible by the generosity of Vanderbilt Student Communications*

In this uncut episode of VU History, host Jaylan Sims interviews VSG’s President Samuel Sliman and Vice President-Elect Kendelle Grubbs to discuss election tactics & campaigning.

In the first bonus episode of VU History's chancellor series, host Jaylan Sims travels through time to tell the story of Chancellor Gordon Gee. Former Chancellor Elwood Gee. Elwood Gordon Gee is an American higher education administrator who has been president of several universities, including The Ohio State University, Brown University, Vanderbilt University, West Virginia University, and the Un...

Inducted into one of the very first classes of African American students to be enrolled at Vanderbilt University, time traveler, and VU History host Jaylan Sims goes back to the year 1968 to discover a new contraption that is being operated out of Jean Alexander Library by a recently graduated law student. 

Welcome to The Vanderbilt Hustler's 'VU History Podcast.' Host and time-traveler Jaylan Sims is excited to take his listeners on a journey within Vanderbilt's rich history. Every month, the VU History podcast will feature a historical event, person, exhibit, or building that has helped progress the university's prominence.