Vanderbilt Supports Campus During Dangerous Ice Storm

University staff worked around the clock to keep students and facilities safe during the late January 2026 ice storm.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Vanderbilt University faced widespread damage and power outages across its Nashville campus due to a massive ice and snow storm in late January 2026. Nearly 1,000 Vanderbilt public safety officers, facilities workers, dining employees and other staff worked around the clock to keep the campus safe and operational for students, residential faculty and staff during the storm and its aftermath.

Why it matters

The severe ice storm caused significant disruption to the Vanderbilt community, knocking out power to hundreds of thousands across the region. The university's coordinated response to support students, staff and facilities during the crisis highlights Vanderbilt's commitment to its campus community.

The details

When the storm hit overnight on January 23, it brought freezing rain, ice and snow, creating dangerously slick conditions and power outages on parts of campus. Vanderbilt staff initiated emergency services, opened a community warming center, and Facilities employees worked continuously to keep the campus safe. Many employees stayed in nearby hotels to maintain campus operations.

  • The storm began overnight on January 23, 2026.
  • Vanderbilt classes were canceled for several days during the last week of January 2026.

The players

Vanderbilt University

A private research university located in Nashville, Tennessee.

Vanderbilt Facilities

The department responsible for maintaining and operating the university's physical campus and infrastructure.

Vanderbilt Student Affairs

The division that oversees student life, housing, and other support services for Vanderbilt students.

Vanderbilt Campus Dining

The department that provides food services and meals for the Vanderbilt community.

The Acorn School

Vanderbilt's early childhood care and education program for children of faculty, staff and students.

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What’s next

Vanderbilt has announced changes to the undergraduate academic calendar to make up for classes canceled during the storm. Spring semester classes will now conclude on Wednesday, April 22, instead of Monday, April 20, with final exams beginning on Thursday, April 23 and concluding on April 30.

The takeaway

Vanderbilt's coordinated response to support its campus community during the severe ice storm demonstrates the university's commitment to the well-being of its students, staff and facilities, even in the face of widespread regional disruption and damage.