August 15, 2025

Dear Sewanee Family,

The 2024–25 academic year marked my second since returning to Sewanee, and with each passing season, my appreciation for this remarkable place—and the people who sustain it—continues to deepen. The year was filled with meaningful progress, renewed energy, and a shared commitment to advancing the University’s mission.

I am pleased to share that Sewanee continues to move forward on many fronts, thanks to the dedication and vision of our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends.

Below are a few highlights from the year. I hope you will be pleased with all we’ve accomplished together—and in all that lies ahead.

Strategic Plan Progress

Over the last academic year, the University has been busy implementing some of the initiatives in “Elevating Mind, Heart, and Place: The Strategic Plan for the University of the South, 2024-2030.” Significant work has gone into implementing Strategy 1A, which focuses on a new first-year experience for all students. The program—featuring four-credit academic courses (Encounter), a one-credit course to prepare students for success at Sewanee (Embark), and a four-day introduction to parts of the Domain and the University (Explore)— will be piloted with 140 students in Advent 2025 and fully launched in Advent 2026. Additionally, the College has approved and begun offering a new major in data science (Initiative 1D) and secured funding to expand offerings in the area of business and finance (Initiative 1E). Those initiatives are important steps toward revising and ensuring continued interest in the College’s liberal arts curriculum. The enhanced role of the University chaplain, now including the title dean of All Saints’ Chapel, will help advance our identity and role as an Episcopal institution (Initiative 2C). In the environmental research space, the University has begun development of the Split Creek Observatory, a multidisciplinary collaborative research and study project on a 50-acre portion of the Domain (part of Initiative 3A). Instrumentation has been added to the site to begin the process of longitudinal data collection on the Domain’s environment. Employee housing projects continue through Sewanee Village Ventures (Initiative 3B) and campus-wide sustainability and mobility efforts (Initiative 3C) have advanced with a new sustainability statement and pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly improvements. Finally, the University has continued its work to improve the quality of residential halls with refurbishment of McCrady and Johnson Halls (Initiative 4B) and athletic facilities with improvements to the Fowler Center and new turf installations at Harris Stadium and Puett Field (Initiative 4C).

Undergraduate Admission

At this point in the summer, we are expecting to welcome 484 new students to the Mountain: 459 first-years and 25 transfers from 34 states and 16 countries. Thirty-eight percent of the incoming class applied through Early Decision, a clear sign that more students are choosing Sewanee as their first choice. Their arrival in the fall is the result of genuine conversations, intentional outreach, and a shared commitment to the kind of education and community that only Sewanee offers.

Presiding Bishop Visits Sewanee

In January, Sewanee welcomed the Most Rev. Sean Rowe, presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church for a two-day visit. Bishop Rowe preached at both Sunday services in All Saints’ Chapel and took part in a panel discussion with Chancellor Jacob Owensby and Vice-Chancellor Rob Pearigen on the future of the Episcopal Church and higher education. During his time on campus, Rowe also met with seminarians, undergraduates, faculty, and community members. Videos of the sermon and panel discussion are available to view online.

Sewanee Students Receive Fulbright Awards

Sewanee continued its remarkable run of success with the Fulbright Program. The University was recognized as a top producer of U.S. Fulbright Students in February, and Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Awards went to Cecilia Blackledge, C’25, who will teach English in Czechia, and Mary Browder Howell, C’25, who will teach English in Spain. With these two new awards, Sewanee now boasts 62 Fulbright scholarship winners.

 College Faculty News

Sewanee’s faculty remains, as always, one of the University’s greatest assets. Their teaching, scholarship, and mentorship is consistently recognized across the academy. In the 2024-2025 academic year, College faculty published 35 journal articles, 8 pieces of digital media, 11 books, 23 book chapters, and 20 artistic and professional productions while also giving 108 presentations or talks all around the world. Much faculty research continues to involve undergraduate students, as was evident in a very well attended Scholarship Sewanee event, a thriving Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship program, and the establishment of the first cohort of Faculty Fellows for Mentored Research and Creative Work. Notably, the faculty also approved a new major in rhetoric that will begin this fall.

Faculty also continue to be recognized for their outstanding work, including with the following major highlights:

Joining our faculty in the fall 2025 term are five new tenure-track colleagues, including two who converted to the tenure track from visiting positions. Of our continuing faculty, we congratulate three who were recently tenured and five who were promoted to full professor.

Career Readiness + Student Success

Career Readiness + Student Success continued to strengthen vocational exploration and reflection on purpose across the Sewanee experience, most notably by establishing a new faculty fellowship for advising and mentoring. More than $630,000 in internship and research funding was awarded to 172 students so that they could pursue opportunities in 23 states and 12 countries. With over 95% of the Class of 2024 reporting that they were employed, continuing education, or participating in a fellowship or service commitment within six months of graduation, our students are well-prepared for life after Sewanee. The Class of 2025 is already finding success after college with employers like Amazon Web Services, JPMorgan Chase, and the United States Congress, or continuing their education at universities like the London School of Economics, Vanderbilt, and Yale.

New Students and New Spaces for the School of Theology

Following a 20-month, $22 million renovation, the School of Theology reopened and dedicated a completely renovated Hamilton Hall in September 2024. The celebration included the installation and 72-hour reading of the illuminated Saint John’s Bible Heritage Edition now on display in the Diocese of Texas Reading Room within Hamilton Hall. Advent semester additionally marked the start of an exceptionally strong admissions cycle, which will see the School of Theology welcome 37 new seminarians to the Mountain this fall.

As the School of Theology increases focus on student formation and professional development, the Rev. Sara Ardrey-Graves, T’10, has been appointed associate dean for spiritual and professional formation. Walker Adams, T’18, has been appointed acting associate dean for admission and advancement. In his new role, he will add the work of alumni and church relations, as well as advancement, to his existing admission responsibilities.

Education for Ministry (EfM) celebrated 50 years with the introduction of new and revised curriculum, a book of essays, and a three-day event that brought EfMers from around the globe to Sewanee. Also this year, the seminary launched several new certificate programs for clergy including a certificate of advanced study in liturgy and a certificate of advanced study in preaching. Applications for these new programs open Sept. 1.

Success in Athletics

It was another strong year for Sewanee Athletics, with multiple conference championships, NCAA appearances, and academic honors across sports. Notably, all 24 varsity teams completed both semesters with grade point averages above 3.0. (SAA Honor Roll Fall | Spring). Men’s and women’s tennis each claimed their 11th SAA titles and competed in the NCAA national championships, while men’s golf won its second SAA championship and finished 10th at the NCAA national championships. Women’s lacrosse posted an undefeated regular season, and women’s soccer swept the SAA regular-season and tournament titles and made a run in the NCAA Tournament. Additional highlights include individual conference titles in swimming, standout equestrian performances, and postseason runs by several other teams. Congratulations and YSR to Russ Marr, C'25, who broke the all-time Sewanee men's basketball career scoring record. Adding to the excitement, previous record holder Kit Walsh, C'91, was on hand to celebrate Marr's achievement. Read more stories about Sewanee’s student-athletes and follow your favorite teams at sewaneetigers.com.

School of Letters Thrives as 20th Year Approaches

The School of Letters had another banner year for enrollment, matching last year's incoming class, which had been the largest in program history. The Wednesday Reading Series presented a robust series of events in Naylor Auditorium, always free and open to the public, featuring SSL faculty, alums, and friends of the program. Three faculty members and two alumni published books, while others placed stories, poems, and essays in publications such as The New Yorker, Harper's, Granta, Orion, and Best American Short Stories. When SSL participants return to campus in the summer of 2026, they will celebrate the program's 20th anniversary.

Sewanee Magazine Returns

After a multi-year hiatus, Sewanee magazine returned to print with issues published in fall 2024 and spring 2025. The relaunched publication showcases the people, programs, and perspectives that make Sewanee distinctive, with storytelling designed to connect alumni and friends more deeply to the life of the University. Issues are also available to read online, making it easier than ever to stay connected. Work is currently underway on the fall 2025 issue.

Sewanee Village Ventures Invests in Employee Housing and Downtown Sewanee

Over the past year, Sewanee Village Ventures (SVV) made significant strides in strengthening downtown Sewanee through new residential and commercial development, supported by the University’s $10 million commitment to revitalizing the village. The 10th new home designated for University employees is nearing completion, and additional nearby sites have been identified for future housing. Plans are also underway for as many as 48 apartments and 14 townhomes, with a goal to finalize both projects by the end of 2025 and begin construction in 2026. These efforts reflect a continued commitment to improving the availability and affordability of employee housing on the Domain. SVV also helped bring new life to a key downtown property through a series of generous gifts that enabled the purchase and renovation of the former University Steam Laundry on Ball Park Road. In November 2024, renowned Nashville restaurateur Julia Sullivan opened Judith Tavern in the space, adding a vibrant new gathering spot for students, residents and visitors—and earning praise from prominent publications. In addition, a new funding program is being considered to support implementation of a 2024 placemaking plan, which includes recommendations for public art, gathering spaces, murals, and streetscape improvements.

Support for Sewanee

Last year, we welcomed nearly 5,000 alumni, families, and friends back to the Mountain for University-sponsored gatherings like Homecoming & Reunion Weekend, Family Weekend, Commencement, Perimeter Trail Weekend, Benjamin Network Weekend, and the Alumni Golf Tournament, just to name a few. It seems like a new attendance record was set with every event that we held. We’ve also crisscrossed the country—and included a trip to London—hosting more than 60 Sewanee Club, Summer Send-Off, and Next Leaders events with capacity crowds. This kind of engagement demonstrates the special place Sewanee holds in our hearts and how much enduring relationships—new and old—continue to mean across generations.

That same spirit was reflected in the extraordinary support the University received during the fiscal year. From reunion classes to first-time donors, the Sewanee family’s collective generosity continues to move the University forward. Highlights from FY25 include:

  • Total giving reached $30.5 million in outright gifts, new commitments, and documented estate intentions.
  • Unrestricted gifts to the Sewanee Fund increased 8% in FY25, bringing the total raised through the Sewanee Fund to $8.6 million.
  • Parent giving increased 41% over FY24, with a total of $1.9 million raised from current parents.
  • $2.7 million was raised to strengthen our athletic programs and improve facilities for student-athletes.
  • Pledges to the University increased by an exceptional 136%, bringing the FY25 pledge total to $9 million. This represents a $4 million increase over the three-year average.
  • More than $4.8 million was raised on Tiger Tuesday, Sewanee’s annual day of giving, breaking the University’s one-day fundraising record once again.

These numbers are more than just statistics—they reflect deep loyalty and love for Sewanee. The continued growth in both dollars raised and participation tells us that the Sewanee community believes in the mission and momentum of the University. But there is more to do. If Sewanee holds a special place in your heart—if you have joy in what it has meant to you and your family—I invite you to help shape its future. Your support ensures that Sewanee’s tradition of excellence endures for generations to come.

Leadership Appointments
  • Nicky Campbell, C’99, was appointed vice president for student life and dean of students in January. A longtime member of the Sewanee community, Campbell has served in multiple roles at the University, most recently as special assistant to the vice-chancellor for administration and community relations.
  • Jennifer Cooley began her role on July 1 as vice provost and dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. She previously served as interim dean and associate dean of the College of Humanities, Arts, and Sciences at the University of Northern Iowa, bringing with her a strong background in academic leadership and faculty engagement.
  • Isabelle Puckette Love, L’23, will begin serving as chief financial officer and vice president for administration in August. A graduate of Princeton and Sewanee’s School of Letters, Love comes to the Mountain from the Metropolitan Opera in New York, where she served as director of special projects and deputy budget manager.
  • The Rev. Christopher Epperson will begin his ministry in September as dean of All Saints’ Chapel and University chaplain. He brings more than 25 years of service in the Episcopal Church and most recently served as rector of historic Bruton Parish Church in Williamsburg, Virginia. His deep ties to Sewanee and his vision for worship and community will guide the next chapter of spiritual life on campus.
Moving Ahead

No single list can capture all that Sewanee has accomplished this year. But taken together, these milestones exemplify the very best of Sewanee: the outstanding academic experience afforded students by our distinguished faculty; the lifelong relationships cultivated by our time spent dwelling together; and our peerless laboratory, playground, and sanctuary, the Domain.

So, it will come as no surprise that the Princeton Review, in its yearly rankings of top U.S. colleges, named us a Best Value College. Sewanee also earned the No. 12 spot on its list of Best Alumni Networks (Private Schools)—between No. 11 MIT and No. 13 Wellesley College. And, of course, Sewanee remains a fixture on the Most Beautiful Campuses list. This year, our 13,000-acre Domain topped the list, claiming the No. 1 spot among all colleges and universities.

The year ahead holds much promise as we continue to enact our new strategic plan, with its focus on Mind, Heart, and Place. I’m confident in where we’re headed, and grateful for the vast community of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends who will be essential in shaping the University’s future.

Thank you for being part of it.

Sincerely,





Rob Pearigen
Vice-Chancellor and President