Dr. Robert W. Pearigen was introduced as Sewanee's 18th vice-chancellor and president on January 26, 2023. Watch his acceptance remarks and browse photos of this celebratory day.
"Sewanee is indeed an extraordinary place with a future of boundless potential. Of course, that potential will not realize itself, and that is why we are here. That is the mission before us, to preserve the best of Sewanee, to address its shortcomings, to strengthen its virtues, and to produce citizens and scholars who will shed light in a world too often given to generating mostly heat."
"I accepted the call to be your next vice-chancellor, because I believe I could help make a positive and meaningful impact to the Sewanee of today, and the Sewanee of tomorrow: an impact that will advance the mission of the institution and position our current and future students for lives of learning and leadership and service. That's why we're here."
Upon being elected Sewanee’s 18th vice-chancellor, Robert W. Pearigen, C’76, addressed the Board of Trustees in Convocation Hall and talked about his vision for the University. Later in the day, he spoke to a gathering of faculty, staff, students, and other community members at a welcome reception in duPont Library.
Robert W. Pearigen, C’76, the president of Millsaps College known for his commitment to academic excellence, community partnerships and diversity, and a highly regarded former leader at the University of the South has been named the university’s 18th vice-chancellor and president.
Vice-Chancellor-elect Pearigen has spent his life in higher education, as a professor, as a dean, as a fundraiser, and for the last 13 years as the president of Millsaps College. His colleagues—and search committee members—share their thoughts about why Sewanee is fortunate to have him on the Mountain.
