I thought this news about new Vanderbilt University Chancellor Nick Zeppos was refreshing:

A university spokesperson confirms to Rex that Zeppos has opted to stay at the home in Cherokee Park where he and his family have lived since 1989, when he came to Vanderbilt as a law professor. He will use Braeburn, the Belle Meade mansion that VU renovated at a cost of $6 million during the tenure of Chancellor Gordon Gee, for ceremonial and entertainment purposes only.

There is one small difference in how Zeppos and Bredesen have each chosen to live. The Zeppos’ property is appraised for taxes at a $527,000 — a modest sum for the home of a man occupying such an august position. Bredesen’s Chickering Drive home and surrounding land holdings, on the other hand, have a total tax-appraised value of nearly $12.3 million.

I think it’s admirable that Zeppos has lived in the same house for nearly 20 years. Since it’s in Cherokee Park,his home likely isn’t a McMansion. I find it encouraging that someone working in such a visible capacity is choosing to live in a modest home (albeit one that has appreciated considerably while Zeppos has owned it). It also means that we’re neighbors, since I live on the side of Sylvan Park closest to his neighborhood.

I don’t fault Governor Bredesen for choosing to live in his more expensive home, either, though: Keep in mind that Bredesen is voluntarily accepting only $1 as salary during his time as governor (not that he would need the money). I’m sure Zeppos is still taking full paychecks from Vanderbilt, though they may pale in comparison to the $1.1 million that former Chancellor Gordon Gee reportedly received.