Dean of The Ingram Commons Frank Wcislo leads Vanderbilt's first-year experience. He is an award-winning history professor who writes and teaches about modern Russia, Eurasia and Europe.  Each year he serves as a faculty VUceptor for Vanderbilt Visions.  He and his wife Jane Wcislo, a physical therapist and manager at Vanderbilt's Dayani Wellness Center, live in the Dean's Residence and host numerous events and "dinner conversations" that bring students together to meet faculty, authors, musicians, alumni, artists, entrepreneurs, physicians, scientists, public leaders, key university administrators, and many others.

 

The Dean's Residence

The ground floor of the residence features a spacious living room intimate enough to foster conversation between guests and up to 30 students, but friendly enough for students and guests to mingle freely during social events and parties. During the fall semester of each year, Dean Wcislo hosts receptions for each of the 10 houses as a means by which residents may become better acquainted with each other, their faculty heads, and the dean himself.

For conversations over dinner, the dining room comfortably seats 20. Guests, from elected officials and authors to an astronaut, have dined with the dean and students at the residence.

The second story of the Dean’ Residence is a private living area for Dean Wcislo and his family.