Bass Military Scholars Program

09/09/2026

Triple-digit heat. Team challenges. Leadership in action.

Bass Military Scholars and Vanderbilt Women's Lacrosse team worked through a series of demanding team-building exercises designed to test communication, perseverance, and leadership. Scholars joined the players in tackling obstacles, while also encouraging teammates from the sidelines, creating an environment where leadership and teamwork were on full display.

A sincere thank you to the soldiers and leaders at Fort Campbell for hosting a memorable day of challenge, mentorship, and connection.

08/20/2026

What happens when coaches, military leaders, university professionals, and community partners come together?

Powerful conversations. New perspectives. Stronger leaders.

The annual Vanderbilt Lacrosse Leadership Exchange brought together leaders from the Tennessee National Guard, Fort Campbell, Vanderbilt Athletics , university staff, Bass Military Scholars, and our local community for a day focused on growth and shared leadership. A special thank you to the Vanderbilt Women's Lacrosse coaches and staff for hosting and creating a fun, collaborative environment.

08/18/2026

Getting to know Nashville the best way possible... with veterans leading veterans.
Our incoming Scholars explored Music City's rich history and iconic sights before ending the day with some honky-tonk fun. Here's to new friendships, new beginnings, and a new place to call home. Thank you, Nashville Adventures for a memorable tour through !

08/11/2026

The Bass Military Scholars Program is proud to welcome its 2026-2027 cohort. Representing a wide range of military experiences and academic interests, our newest cohort is ready to make their mark at Vanderbilt!

08/04/2026

We are honored to have a US Coast Guard veteran as part of the Bass Military Scholars family. Today, we celebrate the service, sacrifice, and dedication of all Coast Guard members and veterans.

08/01/2026

Ready to join the next cohort of Bass Military Scholars? Applications for the upcoming academic year are officially open!
If you're looking to be part of a community dedicated to leadership, service, and academic excellence, we encourage you to apply today.
https://www.vanderbilt.edu/bass-military-scholars/apply/

07/04/2026

As we celebrate our nation's history and the ideals of freedom, opportunity, and unity that have guided us since 1776, we're grateful for the community we serve and the people who make it strong every day.
Wishing everyone a safe and happy Independence Day!

06/14/2026

For over two and a half centuries, the United States Army has stood strong in defense of our nation. Generations of soldiers have answered the call, defending freedom and serving with honor around the globe. Today we celebrate the strength, resilience, and dedication that make the Army what it is today.

05/22/2026

As Memorial Day approaches, we remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. Members of the Nashville and Vanderbilt communities can attend local ceremonies this weekend, including observances at the Middle Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery and the Nashville National Cemetery.
We honor their legacy and express our deep gratitude.

05/20/2026

What comes after the uniform?

“The Next Mission” captures the deeply human side of transition, when structure fades, identity shifts, and the future is wide open. For Bass Military Scholars, that uncertainty becomes opportunity: to grow, to lead, and redefine what service looks like in a new chapter.

Read the full story: https://www.vanderbilt.edu/bass-military-scholars/2026/05/20/the-next-mission/

The water in the Florida Everglades is cold, but the winter air is much colder. We’ve been wading through the swamp for hours, soaked from boots to helmet, in the dead of night. The smell is rancid. I’m carrying a 27-pound machine gun above my head in a Sisyphean effort to keep it dry, and [&hel...