Vanessa Diggs

Vanessa Diggs serves as Assistant Director of the John G. Tower Center for Public Policy and International Affairs at Southern Methodist University. In her role, she helps to advance the Center's mission by cultivating external partnerships, supporting board governance, and supporting the programing and development of Tower Center events.

Vanessa coordinates the governance of the Tower Center's Board of Directors and advisory boards, strengthens alumni engagement, and helps build relationships that support the Center's long-term growth and impact. She oversees the Tower Scholars Practicum Experience, working closely with organizations across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors to create hands-on policy experiences that help students connect their academic studies with real-world challenges. She also manages the Tower Center Forum, the Center's membership community of individuals who share an interest in public policy and international affairs, where she develops programming that brings members into conversation with distinguished scholars, public officials, and practitioners through engaging discussions on timely policy issues. In addition, Vanessa supervises the Center's student workers and collaborates with Tower Center staff and university partners to support the Center's programs and initiatives.

Before joining SMU, Vanessa served as Assistant Director of Academic Services at Arizona State University's W. P. Carey School of Business. She brings a decade of experience in higher education, with a background in student success, leadership development, and building partnerships that create meaningful opportunities for students.

She earned a Master of Education in Higher and Postsecondary Education and bachelor’s degrees in psychology and criminology from Arizona State University. Vanessa enjoys building meaningful relationships, mentoring students, and creating partnerships that bring people together to advance higher education and prepare the next generation of public leaders.