Vanderbilt Schools of Medicine and Nursing recognized Susanne Brinkley with the first ever Vanderbilt Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Award.  The award was based on the principles exhibited by Dr. King during his lifetime and will be given each year to a faculty or staff member who emulates the principles of Dr. King through his or her work at Vanderbilt.  Upon receiving this distinguished award, Ms. Brinkley had these comments, “I struggle to find words to express my gratitude and overwhelming honor to have been named the first recipient of the Vanderbilt University Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. award.  A simple “thank you” seems a feeble way to acknowledge this stellar award because it means so much to me and is such a high honor.  I do appreciate this award and efforts that we all make to create opportunities and to nurture creativity, learning, equality, and goodness.”

Ms. Brinkley has served the Alliance since April, 2001.  She works closely with both Meharry and Vanderbilt to facilitate increased collaboration between the institutions to enhance the educational experience of students and to identify cross-campus opportunities for enrichment of faculty and staff.  The executive board and members of the MVSA appreciate the guidance that Ms. Brinkley brings to the organization and wish to congratulate her on receiving this distinguished award.