We are strongly committed to the values of intellectual inquiry, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and living and serving in community. We seek to help employees of all backgrounds and identities flourish.

Meet our Staff

Abby Colbert

Assistant Counsel for Global Affairs 
Favorite Sewanee Tradition: The faculty applauding the students after the graduation ceremony. 
Fun Fact: My first job out of college was as a graphic designer. I designed children’s educational materials and textbooks.
How have you found or made connections to your colleagues, the students, and/or community at Sewanee?
In my role at the University, I’m one of the first contacts for international employees and students. I have the opportunity to welcome them into the Sewanee community, which is enriched by their diverse cultures and perspectives. I’ve always felt that my identity as a Jew, one of a small religious minority on the mountain, has been welcomed, valued, and celebrated here — in Interfaith Council meetings with students and other employees, by my coworker learning a Yiddish expression, or by Dining Services preparing my family’s kugel recipe for a Jewish holiday meal. 

 

Brody Stone

Assistant Men's Basketball Coach 
Favorite dish at McClurg? Custom breakfast Quesadilla 
Fun Fact: I am huge Harry Potter fan. The Goblet of Fire is the best!
How have you found or made connections to your colleagues, the students, and/or community at Sewanee?
The easiest way to connect is to try new things. I made new connections as a student by going on trips with the Sewanee Outing Program. As a staff member, I started playing handball before COVID and made several new connections through that. 

Faith Vaughn

Assistant Director of Admission
Favorite dish at Stirlings? Curry Chicken Salad on a Crescent bread, Voodoo chips, and a fruit tea
Fun fact: I am hoping to publish a cookbook for singles and students in college. I got really creative in my dorm and learned some things. 
How have you found or made connections to your colleagues, the students, and/or community at Sewanee?  Luckily, I arrived to Sewanee in the summer so I attended festivals, parades, craft fairs, and other gatherings with colleagues and they introduced me to others very easily. It is very easy to connect with others at these events. Being in the admission office, we have students in Fulford all of the time. So I introduced myself and offered them to come in my office anytime and enjoy some treats in my candy bucket. There is a chair and an outlet by the bucket so they can catch a break and maybe charge their phone at the same time. 
I support local business as much as possible so shopping through our local farmers market, restaurants, and gift shops have been a fantastic way to meet the community as well.

Linnea Minich

Instructional & Information Literacy Librarian, Research Help Office
Favorite Spot on Campus: The courtyard between Convocation Hall and Walsh-Ellett 
Fun Fact: I grew up in Italy (my dad was in the Navy)
How have you found or made connections to your colleagues, the students, and/or community at Sewanee?
In the couple months I was at Sewanee before the pandemic, I went to a lot of discussion-focused events. My favorite was the Night Owls event that Philosophy held with Dr. Agnes Callard. The topic of discussion was plagiarism and the conversation lasted for hours. Talking about this helped me to question some long-held beliefs and to be more open to other perspectives. I loved the open, almost joyful, way that people talked and shared and debated. I am so glad that I'm a member of a community that loves discussion so much.