Batson College

O. Randolph Batson, M.D

Professor of Pediatrics

Dean, 1963-1972

O. Randolph Batson, M.D., was dean of the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine and vice chancellor for medical affairs in the 1960s and early 1970s.

Raised money for construction of Light Hall

Dr. Batson was a pediatrician, and it was during his time as dean and vice chancellor that Vanderbilt Children's Hospital was founded in 1970. He also oversaw several building expansions at the Medical Center, and gave research a renewed emphasis. It was while Dr. Batson was vice chancellor that Earl Sutherland, M.D., won the Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine, Vanderbilt's first Nobel Laureate.

"Randy Batson's name is listed among Vanderbilt's historic leaders," said Harry R. Jacobson, M.D., vice chancellor for Health Affairs. "His leadership added faculty and space and brought this medical center to new heights. Those of us who are carrying on in his footsteps continue to build on the foundation he left us."