Sat Nov 01 19:20:00 UTC 2025: ## Vanderbilt Students Immerse Themselves in Nashville’s Literary Scene at Southern Festival of Books
Nashville, TN – October 30, 2025 – Vanderbilt University students recently benefited from a unique learning experience that blended classroom knowledge with real-world engagement at the Southern Festival of Books, held October 18-19. A collaboration between the English Language Center (ELC) and Residential Colleges provided students with the “Explore Nashville” program, designed to enrich their understanding of literature through active participation in the vibrant literary community.
The Southern Festival of Books, co-presented by Vanderbilt University and Humanities Tennessee, served as a dynamic backdrop for the program. Students attended festival events, met authors through book signings and Q&A sessions, and engaged in informal discussions, fostering connections and a deeper appreciation for storytelling.
“Residential Colleges’ mission is to support students’ engagement with academics outside of the classroom,” said Melissa Gresalfi, Dean of Residential Colleges and Residential Education. “The opportunity to experience the Southern Festival of Books is a chance to see the ways that disciplinary learning impacts the ways we interact with and see the world.”
The program also included an educational session led by Melanie Hundley, Professor of the Practice of English Education, focusing on the relationship between literature and place. Hundley explored how geography, setting, and local culture influence narrative, encouraging students to consider the reciprocal influence between literature and the communities that inspire it.
“The ELC is dedicated to developing pathways for students to access and actively participate in university initiatives,” stated Susan Barone, Director of the English Language Center. “Collaborating with Residential Colleges and Professor Hundley to extend this access and engagement to the wider Nashville community provided an exciting and meaningful opportunity to students.”
This partnership underscores Vanderbilt’s ongoing commitment to experiential learning and its dedication to connecting academic pursuits with Nashville’s rich cultural and artistic landscape. The “Explore Nashville” program serves as a prime example of how the university provides its students with opportunities to learn and grow both inside and outside the classroom.
First Piper 