Student Affairs names associate dean of students for belonging and communities

Norris "EJ" Edney III, a higher education and equity professional dedicated to fostering access, engagement and excellence with more than 16 years of experience, will join the Student Affairs team as associate dean of students for belonging and communities. In this role, Edney will provide strategic leadership for student belonging and inclusion at Vanderbilt and oversee the university's identity centers and initiatives.

Edney joins Vanderbilt from Talladega College, where he served as the vice president and deputy chief of staff. A strong advocate for inclusive excellence, Edney has held key leadership roles advancing access and equity for students across various institutions.

"I am thrilled to join the Student Affairs team at Vanderbilt University and to step into this role where belonging, equity and student success are central values," Edney said. "Throughout my career, I've been deeply committed to creating inclusive spaces where students from all backgrounds can flourish and find a true sense of community. Vanderbilt has a remarkable foundation of cultural engagement and support, and I look forward to building on that legacy together with the Belonging and Communities team and the greater Vanderbilt community, working to ensure every student feels seen, valued and empowered to succeed."

Other previous roles for Edney include director of the Center for Inclusion and Cross Cultural Engagement and assistant vice chancellor for diversity and inclusion at the University of Mississippi, where he played a pivotal role in advancing the university's efforts to foster a more inclusive and equitable environment. One of his most notable contributions in this role was helping to lead the creation and implementation of the Pathway to Equity five-year strategic plan, which aligned the university's resources and efforts with its diversity, equity and inclusion goals, working closely with faculty, staff and students to create transformative programs.

"We are excited to welcome EJ to our Student Affairs leadership team," Vice Provost for Student Affairs and Dean of Students G.L. Black said. "He has a proven track record of advancing the foundational elements of belonging, including developing strategic initiatives and enhancing student success for underrepresented populations. His leadership and vision will be essential as we continue cultivating an inclusive environment that strengthens students' sense of belonging at Vanderbilt."

Edney has earned several prestigious awards for his dedication to mentoring and student success, including the Donald Cole Award for Excellence in Mentoring (2016, 2023) and the Frist Student Service Award (2022). He also received the Laws Innovation Award (2018) for his leadership and innovation in higher education.

His doctoral dissertation, The Collegiate Equity Mentoring Matrix: A Culturally Relevant Framework for the Meaningful Mentoring of Black Males, has been widely recognized for its innovative approach to supporting marginalized students.

To celebrate Edney's arrival, the Vanderbilt community is invited to the Multicultural Community Space on Nov. 19 between 2 and 3:30 p.m. to meet him. Light refreshments will be served.

Learn more about the identity centers and initiatives within Student Affairs Belonging and Communities by visiting the webpageand following @belongingatvu on Instagram.