“Dyer Observatory is entering an exciting new chapter,” said Jessica Ingram, newly appointed Director of Dyer Observatory. “With a strengthened team and upcoming renovations, we’re ready to expand our educational programs, deepen community engagement, and showcase the observatory as both a learning center and a cultural destination.”
New team members and new roles
Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory recently welcomed two new staff members—Jessica Ingram as Director and Paige Johndrow as Events and Marketing Specialist—while Billy Teets assumes a new role as STEAM Outreach and Education Program Director & Resident Astronomer. Nathan Griffin continues to serve as the invaluable Facilities Manager.
The observatory will undergo a renovation of its foyer and library from January through June 2026, reflecting Vanderbilt’s commitment to investing in this historic educational and community-focused destination. These renovations will allow more flexible space for educational initiatives, signature and cultural events, and private rentals.
Strengthening Dyer’s mission
A hub for astronomy, STEAM education and culture, Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory sparks curiosity for learners of all ages through hosting cultural and community events. The addition of team members will allow Dyer to expand STEAM education and outreach as well as cultural offerings. Vanderbilt’s renovation will enhance the visitor experience, preserve key historical features, and ensure the observatory remains a stellar destination for both education and celebrations.
Introducing the team
Jessica Ingram, Director
Over the past two years, Ingram has worked closely with the Dyer team, Vanderbilt’s Division of Government and Community Relations, and other campus colleagues as a consultant, managing a site use feasibility study and helping develop a long-term operational and programmatic growth strategy for the observatory. In her new role as Director, she will lead and manage Dyer’s vision, strategic direction and operations, advancing educational and cultural programming while strengthening connections between Vanderbilt and the local community.
She brings a professional background in higher education and administration, both with a private arts college and a large public research university, as well as experience founding and directing community-based nonprofit programs, leading a large municipal public art program, and collaborating with communities as an artist. Ingram’s leadership and vision position Dyer to serve as a hub for STEAM education, cultural programming and public engagement, creating meaningful opportunities for students, educators and community members across the region.
Billy Teets, STEAM Outreach and Education Program Director & Resident Astronomer
Teets began working at Dyer Observatory in 2006 as a graduate student and has since become a cornerstone of the observatory’s educational mission. In his expanded role, he will continue to direct Dyer’s STEAM programming with added capacity to grow and strengthen offerings across public programs, camps, field trips, and community outreach. He also continues to serve as the observatory’s resident astronomer, bringing Dyer’s sense of wonder to audiences throughout the region.
Teets engages the community in astronomy through Dyer’s monthly public programs, including the popular Telescope Nights and lectures, as well as outreach to schools and educators. In addition to leading educational programming, he develops and maintains many of Dyer’s one-of-a-kind exhibits and oversees the care and preservation of the observatory’s astronomical equipment. Teets’ long-standing leadership and dedication have helped make Dyer a trusted and inspiring destination for learners of all ages.
Paige Johndrow, Events and Marketing Specialist
Johndrow is a marketing professional, brand strategist and event planner with extensive experience in brand management, event coordination and social media marketing. She has worked with organizations including Hope Leigh Marketing Group, Stoltz Marketing Group and Boise State University, developing marketing campaigns, managing events and creating memorable experiences for audiences.
At Dyer, Johndrow will play a pivotal role in advancing the observatory’s mission to inspire public interest in STEAM and culture. She is responsible for cultivating and growing Dyer’s audience, including revenue generation through client cultivation, event planning and execution, marketing and communications for programs and private rentals and supporting fundraising campaigns.
Nathan Griffin, Facility Manager
Griffin first came to Dyer in 2009 as a remodeling subcontractor and fell in love with the observatory at first sight. He is charged with maintaining Dyer’s magnificent grounds and buildings in addition to facilitating public and private events, ensuring that visitors have a safe and memorable experience. Griffin is using his vast facilities experience and creativity to help lead the renovations to expand use of the grounds and buildings this year. The success of Dyer’s popular Bluebird on the Mountain concert series is due in large part to his musical and technical expertise. Griffin’s long-standing dedication has played a key role in Dyer’s ability to serve the community year after year.
Looking ahead
With this strengthened team and a renovation underway, Dyer Observatory is poised to deepen its impact as both an educational and cultural destination. Vanderbilt’s investment ensures that students, community members and visitors will continue to enjoy the observatory’s distinctive programs and scenic venue for years to come.
Learn more about Dyer Observatory’s upcoming events and renovation plans on the Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory website. For questions or partnership inquiries, contact dyerobservatory@vanderbilt.edu.