Partners
The Kelly Miller Smith Institute on Black Church Studies was established in honor of the late Kelly Miller Smith, Sr., assistant dean of Vanderbilt Divinity School from 1968 until his death in 1984. The work of the Kelly Miller Smith Institute brings together the African American church community and African American educational institutions, as partners with Vanderbilt Divinity School to study and research issues important to the practice of faith and ministry in the African American church.
Kelly Miller Smith served as Assistant Dean to the Divinity School from 1968 - 1984. In addition to supporting the Kelly Miller Smith Foundation and its projects and activities, the Vanderbilt Divinity School houses the Kelly Miller Smith Institute on Black Church Studies. The Institute is a vehicle for generating scholarship on the single most important institution in the African American community, sharing that research through conferences and workshops, and enriching research opportunities.
The Office for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion endeavors to help make Vanderbilt University a leading learning institution where achieving equity, diversity, and inclusion are its highest priorities as it trains global citizens who will contribute to the development of a better nation and world. We are committed to offering resources and initiatives that help us make Vanderbilt a welcoming and inclusive space for all members of this vibrant community.
Kelly Miller Smith served as pastor for First Baptist Church, Capitol Hill from 1951 to 1984. His son, Kelly Miller Smith, Jr., now serves as the church’s pastor.
CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion is the largest CEO-driven business commitment to drive measurable action and meaningful change in advancing diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace.
Through our coalition, our signatories receive access to a variety of tools, resources, events and thought-leadership opportunities to support action and drive progress to advance diversity & inclusion in the workplace.