Nicholas S. Zeppos (born 1955) is an American lawyer, academic, and university administrator. He served as the eighth chancellor of Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, from August 2007 until August 2019.
Early life and education
Zeppos was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in history (1976) and a Juris Doctor (1979) from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he also served as editor‑in‑chief of the Wisconsin Law Review in 1978‑1979.
Legal and academic career
After practicing law in Washington, D.C., Zeppos joined the faculty of Vanderbilt Law School in 1987. At Vanderbilt he held several administrative positions, including associate dean of the law school, associate provost for academic affairs, vice chancellor for institutional planning and advancement, and provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs (2001‑2007). In these roles he oversaw academics, development, alumni relations, and student life.
Chancellorship at Vanderbilt University
Following the departure of Gordon Gee, Zeppos was appointed interim chancellor in 2007 and confirmed as permanent chancellor on March 1 2008. During his tenure he promoted initiatives such as “Opportunity Vanderbilt,” an expanded financial‑aid program that replaced undergraduate need‑based loans with grants and scholarships. He also contributed scholarly work on legislation, administrative law, and professional responsibility, and served on various national boards, including as chair of the Association of American Universities and as a board member of Fulbright Canada. He stepped down as chancellor on August 15 2019 and holds the title of chancellor emeritus and university distinguished professor of law and political science.
Personal life
Zeppos is married to writer Lydia Howarth, and the couple has two sons. Public records indicate his salary as chancellor exceeded $2.2 million. He has made political contributions to both Democratic and Republican candidates.
References
- Wikipedia entry “Nicholas S. Zeppos.”
- Vanderbilt University official biographies and press releases.