Sewanee News

From massive operas to intimate one-man shows, all theatrical productions depend on light to tell their story. Professor Jordan Vera illuminates the role of a lighting designer, breaking down how every choice related to light, shadow, and color translates into an emotional experience for the theatregoer.

Sewanee has again been recognized as one of the nation's best colleges for students seeking a great education with excellent career preparation and at a relatively affordable price, according to The Princeton Review. The education services company named Sewanee as one of its Best Value Colleges this June.

The University has entered into a strategic partnership with International Literary Properties’ theatrical division (ILP) for ILP to assume an active management role and co-stewardship of the works of celebrated A Streetcar Named Desire playwright Tennessee Williams. Having managed this part of the Williams' estate since 1996, Sewanee will maintain ownership of the copyrights for the Williams catalog and will continue to be recognized at any production of the works. This relationship with ILP will help expand the promotion, knowledge, and appreciation of the playwright’s extensive catalog of plays and literature.

The Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) program will hold its annual Research Frenzy on Thursday, July 10. Students from a broad range of disciplines will deliver presentations on the research projects in which they have been engaged during the summer. Oral presentations will take place from 9 a.m. to noon in the Torian Room in duPont Library, and poster presentations will take place from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. in Harris Commons in Spencer Hall.

In May, a group of pre-medical studies students traveled to Portugal to shadow physicians and learn about global health systems. After observing procedures that ranged from the routine to the cutting-edge, Taylor Burch, C’27, shares what she learned about caring—and communicating—across cultures.

In March, undergraduate vocalist Louise Block, C’28, attended the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) Mid-South Regional Conference, where she had the opportunity to perform for a panel of judges. Block, a freshman from Huntsville, Alabama, placed in the top five at the conference and was recognized as a national quarterfinalist in the NATS National Student Auditions competition.

With portrayals ranging from the imperious to the ridiculous, Pontius Pilate has always been a major character in films about Jesus. Professor Chris McDonough breaks down how filmed representations of Pilate serve as stand-ins for contemporary audiences, revealing how we can see ourselves when we gaze into the mirror of antiquity.

The University of the South has been awarded a Capacity-Building Grant from the Educating Character Initiative (ECI), a part of the Program for Leadership and Character at Wake Forest University. The grant will enable a group of faculty and staff to develop a framework for incorporating character formation efforts into key student programs, including the First Year Experience, as outlined in the University’s recently adopted strategic plan.

The University of the South is pleased to announce that two recent graduates have received Fulbright U.S. Student Program awards for the 2025-26 academic year from the U.S. Department of State and the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board. Both Cecilia Blackledge, C’25, and Mary Browder Howell, C’25, were recognized with the English Teaching Assistant Award, which will provide them with support to teach English abroad.

At commencement on May 11, Interim Dean of the College Betsy Sandlin announced the recipients of the Dean’s Scholar award. Created in 2023 to recognize the top academic achievers in the graduating class, the award was given to five graduates of the College: Konstantinos Andriotis, Ashton Butler, Kamilla Haidaienko, Abdalrahman Najjar, and Taylor Tunstall.

On Sunday, May 11, the College of Arts and Sciences held a Convocation for the Conferring of Degrees to 440 undergraduates. Tony Calderón González was recognized with the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award and delivered the Senior Oration.

At the University Baccalaureate Service, held in All Saints' Chapel on Saturday, May 10, honorary doctor of divinity recipient the Rt. Rev. Ruth Woodliff-Stanley delivered the Baccalaureate address.

On Friday, May 9, the University of the South held a Convocation for the Conferring of Degrees from the School of Theology in All Saints’ Chapel. The seminary graduated 31 students with varying diplomas and degrees. The Rt. Rev. Anne B. Jolly, T’13, the 12th bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Ohio, delivered the sermon and received an honorary doctor of divinity degree.

Professor Catherine Cavagnaro discusses the many intersections between mathematics and aviation—and how, no matter how well-versed you are in the science behind it, flying still feels like magic.

On April 25, undergraduate students representing over 20 academic programs convened for the 32nd annual Scholarship Sewanee event. A fixture of Sewanee’s Easter term since 1994, Scholarship Sewanee is a day-long showcase of undergraduate research, scholarship, and creative work. This year’s event featured 81 oral presentations and 84 posters from students on a wide range of topics. In all, the event showcased research and scholarly activity in the fields of biology, chemistry, history, art, psychology, environmental studies, language and cultural studies, and more.

Assistant Professor of Music Mario Alejandro Torres peels back the curtain on the art—and physics—of conducting. From shaping the emotional arc of a performance to connecting musicians who can’t even hear one another, Torres reveals how a conductor brings order, connection, and meaning to the music.

The results are in! Sewanee Career Readiness and Student Success collected data from the Class of 2024 to see the most popular career sectors, geographic destinations, employers, and graduate schools for the newest Sewanee alumni. Within six months of graduation, 95% of the Class of 2024 were employed, continuing education, in the military, or participating in a fellowship or service commitment, well above the national average of 85%. Check out the First Destinations page to learn more about where Sewanee students go when they become graduates.

Classics Professor Stephanie McCarter has been awarded a prestigious Guggenheim Fellowship for her work on a new translation of Ovid’s Art of Love, Cures for Love, and On Women’s Cosmetics. The fellowship will provide McCarter with the opportunity to produce a metrically formal translation that explores the cultural, historical, and literary significance of these works.

Can reading fantasy ground us in unprecedented times? Professor Britt Threatt reflects on how reading about monsters, magic, and the apocalypse can lead us to new perspectives on real-world challenges—and names her top five fantasy book recommendations.

The Art, Art History, and Visual Studies Program has announced the winners of the Peter V. Guarisco Merit Scholarship for the 2025-26 academic year. Savannah Brister, C’26, was awarded the Guarisco Scholarship in Art for excellence in coursework, creative production, and engagement with the visual arts. Isabelle Sniatecki, C’26, was awarded the Guarisco Scholarship in Art History in recognition of excellence in coursework, writing, and engagement with questions of art history. The scholarships provide both recipients with tuition for their senior year and funding for a postgraduate career preparation experience.

On March 29, the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Museum in Washington, D.C., opened its latest exhibition, Fighting for Freedom: Black Craftspeople and the Pursuit of Independence. The exhibition was co-curated by Sewanee Associate Professor of History Tiffany Momon.

Sewanee magazine is now available online! Follow the link below to explore the Spring 2025 issue and learn how an unexpected comment by a faculty member led former University Archivist Annie Armour Morgret, C’78, and her daughter, Sarah Campbell, C’11, on an adventure that led to Antiques Roadshow, Christie’s—and a trek back in time. Also read about a Sewanee alum redefining luxury at Cartier and Ralph Lauren and a healthcare leader closing critical gaps in rural America.

What if we listened to nature like it was a concert we’d bought a $100 ticket to? Professor David Haskell explores how the songs of insects and birds reveal deep connections between us, our evolution, and the more-than-human world. Watch the full video to discover what listening to nature’s symphony can teach us.

On Monday, March 31, Interim Dean of the College Betsy Sandlin and Interim Associate Dean of the College Deon Miles honored the dedication and impact of Sewanee’s exceptional faculty with the presentation of the 2025 Faculty Awards. These awards recognize outstanding contributions to advising, scholarship, service, and teaching.

On Wednesday, March 26, the Sewanee chapter of Gamma Kappa Alpha National Italian Honor Society inducted its first three members: Zoe Bain, C’25; Ben Csaszar, C’25; and Rosa Sackett, C’25. Gamma Kappa Alpha recognizes the top students in Italian studies nationwide.

As a Harry Frank Guggenheim Distinguished Scholar, Sewanee Professor of Politics Mila Dragojević conducted extensive qualitative and archival research on the emergence of ethnic violence in Croatia. That work ultimately informed her book Amoral Communities: Collective Crimes in Time of War. Recently, the Harry Frank Guggenheim Foundation cited Mila Dragojević's scholarship in its In Practice: Lessons from Research series, looking to past events in Croatia to identify actions that can prevent similar tragedies from occurring again.

The Office of Undergraduate Research and Scholarship (OURS) has announced that Associate Professor of Religious Studies Kati Curts, Associate Professor of Biology Katie McGhee, and Professor of Theatre Jennifer Matthews will serve as the inaugural faculty fellows for mentored research and creative work.

From Feb. 28 to March 1, Sewanee will welcome 145 scholars from across the country for the 50th Sewanee Medieval Colloquium. In recognition of its milestone anniversary, the conference has selected “Jubilee" for its theme, with programming and discussion to focus on celebration, exaltation, feasting, and festivals.

The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs has recognized Sewanee as one of the colleges and universities with the highest number of students selected for the Fulbright U.S. Student Program. Since 1950, a total of 62 Sewanee alumni have received Fulbright awards.

Betsy Sandlin, interim dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, will offer a talk on "Leading In-Between: Navigating Times of Transition" at 5 p.m., Monday, March 3, in Convocation Hall. The talk is co-sponsored by Sewanee’s Center for Leadership and its chapter of Omicron Delta Kappa; it is free and open to the public. A deeply respected leader on campus, Sandlin will reflect on leadership in times of transition, drawing from her unique vantage point as an interim dean.

Vice-Chancellor Rob Pearigen has announced the appointment of Nicky Campbell, C’99, as vice-president for student life and dean of students. Campbell began serving in her new role in January.

The Babson Center for Global Commerce welcomes Pat Morrell, C’07, to campus as Humphreys Entrepeneur-in-Residence. The co-founder and head of strategic growth at Aiwyn, will share his entrepreneurial journey and the highs and lows that have come with taking risks, executing a plan, and working day and night to turn his vision into a success.

While on campus, he will meet with students and deliver a presentation, “How to Pre-Sell an Idea, and Other Entrepreneurial Advice,” at 4:30 p.m., Thurs., Feb. 20, in the Torian Room, duPont Library.

Cross-country runners Clara Earley, C '26, and Samantha Ude, C' 26, became fast friends as freshmen at Sewanee, only to uncover a shared history that began halfway around the world.

The Most Rev. Sean Rowe, presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church, was in Sewanee Jan. 26 and Jan. 27, where he delivered the sermon at two services, participated in a public panel discussion, and met with seminarians, undergraduates, faculty, and community members. Presiding Bishop Rowe's sermon and panel discussion with Chancellor Jacob Owensby and Vice-Chancellor Rob Pearigen were recorded and the videos are available for viewing.

The Babson Center for Global Commerce welcomes Cameron Tyer, C’93, to campus as Graham Executive-in-Residence. Tyer has 25 years of experience in global business affairs at Coca-Cola followed by several years at Google creating a global business affairs organization. She spent her career building and empowering teams of professionals to negotiate high-stakes sponsorships and deals and to navigate the complexities of marketing, public relations, legal, and finance operations.

All are welcome to join Cameron Tyer to hear insights from her career journey. Her talk, entitled "Global Marketing Partnerships:  Who You Associate with Matters," will take place at 4:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 30, in the Torian Room in duPont Library.

The University of the South held an Easter Convocation on Friday, Jan. 17, to induct new members into the Order of the Gown and, following a tradition established in 2024, recognize the teaching and scholarship of the faculty by featuring remarks delivered by a University professor. This year, Professor of Biology David Haskell, an award-winning educator and writer, was selected to give the convocation address.

The Medieval Academy of America has announced that Sewanee Teaching Professor of English Stephanie Batkie received the association’s Robert L. Kindrick-CARA Award for Outstanding Service to Medieval Studies. The award recognizes individuals who have developed, promoted, and administered medieval studies programming, curricula, and research.

The nominations for the 67th Grammy Awards, announced on Nov. 8, include connections with three faculty members in Sewanee’s Music Department: Kerry Ginger, associate professor of voice; Erik Gustafson, instructor of voice; and Sarah Rimkus, visiting assistant professor of music theory and composition.

As she pored over a medieval manuscript last summer, Taylor Tunstall, C’25, found herself faced with something unexpected: a centuries-old mistake embedded in the margins of the text. Though just a single word, it would end up deepening her perspective not only on what it means to engage with ancient works, but also where she fits in with the long line of people who have kept them alive throughout history.

The Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR) has announced that a research team from Sewanee has been selected for the council’s Scholars Transforming Through Research (STR) program. One of just 63 teams chosen from across the country, Sewanee’s delegation is led by Professor and Chair of Biology Elise Kikis, and includes students Laine Prince, C’27; Hannah Talbott, C’25; and Ellen Woodward, C’25.

Kabir Menon spent the summer in the remote environs of Hanson Island, a small island off the coast of British Columbia. There, he braved extreme conditions—including a near-miss with a grizzly bear—to join the OrcaLab research team in their 24/7 quest to observe and learn more about orca whales.

Jillian Thurston, C’26, was looking for new experiences when she chose to pursue an international internship in Seoul, South Korea. But she didn’t expect that those experiences would include posing in front of a camera with bright lights and twenty pairs of eyes on her as she modeled for a global cosmetics brand.

Jenna Black grew up around football. The daughter of a coach, some of her earliest memories are of the sideline scenes at football games. Nearly two decades on, she’s still spending her time on the sidelines of a football field. Only this time, she’s looking for a way to turn her longtime passion into a career.

Like many students, Liam Selvido sought to make the most of his summer by pursuing an internship. Unlike many students, Selvido didn’t stop at just one. By day, he interned at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, working in the clinic’s Clinical Genomics Department. At night, he traveled across town and joined the media pool as a team photographer for the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp (the Triple-A affiliate of the Miami Marlins).

The Babson Center for Global Commerce welcomes Boo Corrigan, director of athletics at North Carolina State University, as the Advent 2024 Bryan Viewpoints Speaker. Corrigan will share his perspective on leading a major Division I program in the midst of rapid change in the business, including conference realignment, media bidding competitions, player NIL (Name, Image, Likeness), and emerging labor movements among college athletes.

His lecture, “The Business of College Sports: A Changing Landscape,” will take place at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 25, in Convocation Hall. All are welcome to attend this event co-sponsored by the Department of Athletics.

Career Readiness + Student Success has named the faculty fellows for advising and mentoring: Associate Professor of Art Jessica Wohl; Associate Professor of Biology Chris Shelley; Associate Professor of Computer Science Ross Sowell; and Associate Professor Economics Katherine Theyson. The new fellows will partner with Career Readiness + Student Success for a three-year term, during which they will develop resources to support faculty advisors in their work with students.

Hosted by Career Readiness + Student Success and the Babson Center for Global Commerce each September, Smith Career Day gives Sewanee students a chance to interact with young alumni to learn more about the fields of banking, consulting, and finance.

The University of the South is thrilled to announce that the Board of Trustees has formally adopted a new strategic plan—"Elevating Mind, Heart, and Place"—that will guide the University for years to come. In keeping with its mission, the University has developed this plan with a clear focus on students, building on a rich tradition that explores enduring questions of humanity infused with practical engagement that prepares our graduates for lives of integrity, service, and leadership.

Sewanee is one of the nation's best colleges for students seeking a great education with excellent career preparation and at a relatively affordable price, according to The Princeton Review.

The education services company named Sewanee as one of its Best Value Colleges for 2024 this June.