Author, builder Cheryl McKissack Daniel ’79 named 2026 Distinguished Alumna

University School of Nashville will recognize Distinguished Alumna Cheryl McKissack Daniel ’79 her pioneering work as a builder during the Class of 2026’s Convocation on Tuesday, May 12.
By Juanita I.C. Traughber, Director of Marketing & Communications

The Peabody Demonstration School and University School of Nashville Alumni Association is pleased to present the 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award to Cheryl McKissack Daniel ’79, is the award-winning Board Chair of McKissack & McKissack. She will be the keynote speaker during Convocation at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 12 in Durnan Auditorium. 
 
The Distinguished Alumni Award was established in 1978 to honor a graduate of PDS/USN who has made outstanding professional or civic achievements on a local, national, or international level. Recipients have included authors, educators, researchers, musicians, and volunteer leaders. In addition to honoring these individuals, the award brings them to the attention of the PDS/USN community and the city at large. Their accomplishments serve as an inspiration to students and graduates and as a reminder to Nashvillians of the high-quality education that has long been a tradition at our school. 

Daniel serves as principal-in-charge and project executive on numerous high-profile projects, including major work in the commercial, health care, education, and transportation sectors. She serves on numerous, corporate, charitable, and community boards, and has been honored as a “Hero of Liberty” for her support of humanitarian initiatives and for promoting the responsibilities of a free and diverse America. Born in Nashville to architect William DeBerry and teacher, Leatrice Buchanan McKissack, Cheryl represents the fifth generation of the McKissack family’s century-old business, the oldest minority and woman-owned professional design and construction firm in the nation. Last fall, she published her memoir “The Black Family Who Built America,” celebrating her family’s legacy. As head of McKissack & McKissack, she continues to inspire through her trailblazing work in design and construction and was featured in The Chattanooga Times Free Press.

Convocation marks the beginning of Senior Week and officially welcomes the 98 soon-to-be graduates of the Class of 2026 into the PDS/USN Alumni Association.

Nominations for future recognition are encouraged and should be emailed to PDS/USN Alumni Director Christina Evans.
Back

More USN News

List of 3 news stories.

  • Spring sports season ends with podium finishes, trophies

    The girls lacrosse team ended its season in overtime to become state runner-up. Tennis players Carter Kojetin '29 finished as a state quarterfinalist, Sophie Oliver '26 and Mary Kate Adler '28 finished as state semifinalists, and Veer Kodali '29 and Max Parker '29 finished as state champions. Meanwhile, eight runners competed at the state track and field meet in Knoxville, where Griffin Davidson '27, Caleb Freifeld '28, Drew Zwerner '28, and Jack Fruin '27, sprinted to first in the 4x800m relay and Jack also placed first in the 800m dash.
    Read More
  • Interim Director Juliet Douglas roars with laughter as students hold photos of her on sticks during the High School Awards Assembly on Friday, May 8 in Durnan Auditorium.

    USN creates the Juliet Douglas Endowed Fund for Student Success

    For the entire USN community: an invitation to give in gratitude, in celebration, and in honor of the woman who has given so much to our school. Make a gift at usn.org/giving to support students with needs beyond tuition and honor Interim Director Juliet Douglas.
    Read More
  • The team poses for a photo after competing in the Middle School Quiz Bowl National Championships.

    Middle School Quiz Bowl competes at national championship

    The Middle School Quiz Bowl finished off another successful season with a trip to the Middle School National Championship Tournament in Chicago. The team fought hard and ended the season as a top-100 program in the country, finishing 75th overall. Congratulations to the team on a great performance and to Lucas Lupu ’31, named an All Star for being the fifth-highest scorer nationwide.
    Read More
Archive

Contact

Edgehill Campus
2000 Edgehill Ave.
Nashville, TN 37212

Phone:  615-321-8000
Fax:       615-321-0889 
Email:    info@usn.org

River Campus
1200 County Hospital Road
Nashville, TN 37218

Resources

USN Mission: 
University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.