Tiffany Lawrence Givens
Chief of Staff, Assistant Dean for Administration
Tiffany Lawrence Givens is the chief of staff and assistant dean for administration for the School of Medicine Basic Sciences. As assistant dean, Lawrence Givens works closely with Basic Sciences Dean John Kuriyan, playing a pivotal role in facilitating operations of the dean’s office, enhancing support to faculty and staff, and advancing key initiatives as the school enters a new phase of discovery and impact.
Lawrence Givens will continue her duties as director of human resources until her replacement is hired. She will still oversee human resources as part of her portfolio.
As director of human resources, Lawrence Givens was instrumental in developing processes underpinning the function and structure of Basic Sciences staff. As the school’s first director of human resources, Lawrence Givens furthered short- and long-term plans related to human resources policies and programs, including learning, development, and equity initiatives. As assistant dean for administration, Lawrence Givens adds high-level strategic and operational leadership to the School of Medicine Basic Sciences.
Lawrence Givens joined the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in November 2015. During her tenure, she was promoted to senior administrative assistant for human resources. In this capacity, she routinely reviewed department operations to improve processes in a frequently changing environment. In July 2017, Lawrence Givens transitioned to the university as a human resources professional for the School of Medicine Basic Sciences and was promoted to director in May 2022. Throughout this time, she demonstrated adeptness in developing strategies and communications that enhanced Basic Sciences HR policies and processes.
Lawrence Givens served as University Staff Advisory Council president from 2021 to 2022, vice president from 2020 to 2021 and membership committee co-chair from 2019 to 2020. She has been a member of the Basic Sciences Dean’s Mental Health and Wellness council and the Vanderbilt University Staff Women’s Advancement and Equity council since both were established.
Before joining Vanderbilt, Lawrence Givens held roles in accounting, recruiting, and marketing. She was an academic adviser and assistant director of advising at Loyola University Chicago from 2003 to 2011.
Lawrence Givens received her master of science in human resources from Loyola University Chicago and her master of education in human services and counseling from DePaul University.