VU History

From Vanderbilt to The New York Times: A Conversation with Neil Vigdor

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.

Covering conflict with PBS Special Correspondent Marcia Biggs

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 national journalism company.

In The Fire of Tragedy with Bill Purcell

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.

Verse Unveiled with Poet Major Jackson

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 communities.

The Retro-Computing Revolution

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.