Opening Convocation Features Remarks from Vice-Chancellor Rob Pearigen
September 30, 2024
The University of the South held an Opening Convocation on Friday, Sept. 27, to induct new members into the Order of the Gown, announce the recipients of awards and prizes, and install Scott Wilson as University provost. The ceremony featured a convocation address given by Vice-Chancellor Rob Pearigen.
Chair of the Board of Regents Renia Dotson, C’88, presented Wilson to Pearigen and Chancellor Jacob Owensby
for installation as University provost. Wilson has served as acting provost since January 2022, and has additionally served the University as chair of the Politics Department, associate dean, and vice provost. He previously taught in Sewanee’s Politics Department for 22 years, holding the title Alfred W. Negley Professor of Politics from 2013 to 2022. Wilson is Sewanee’s ninth provost.
Following his installation, Wilson announced the student awards and honors for academic excellence in various disciplines, leadership, and community service. See the complete list of awards and prizes for Opening Convocation here.
Pearigen then delivered his remarks, titled “Baffled Minds and Impeded Streams.” Citing the words of poet (and 2008 Sewanee honorary degree recipient) Wendell Berry, Pearigen reflected on the importance of critical thinking and asking deep questions, in relation to both the essence of a high-quality liberal arts education and the recently completed strategic planning process that will guide Sewanee’s future.
Referring to the plan, entitled Elevating Mind, Heart, and Place: A Strategic Plan for the University of the South, 2024-2030, Pearigen highlighted three of its most consequential features: the creation of a new and cohesive first-year experience; discernment of how Sewanee’s Episcopal heritage and identity are manifest on campus, beyond the Domain, and in the wider Episcopal Church; and the creation of a Sewanee Environmental Institute.
“From my own experience as a Sewanee student, a Sewanee parent, and many years as a Sewanee faculty member and administrator, I know that our students are forever shaped by this place,” said Pearigen. “My prayer is that they ... will always be constant and deep questioners, allowing their minds to be continuously employed, baffled, and amazed.”
Order of the Gown President Alexis Miniat addressed the new members of the Order. Touching on the Order of the Gown’s history and its evolution since its 1873 founding, Miniat invited the gathered students to consider the gown as a symbol of academic excellence, what it means to wear it, and what it can mean in the future. “The gown is an achievement, but it is also a call to action, one that asks each and every one of you to leave this campus better than you found it,” said Miniat. “When you receive this gown, I want you to be proud of yourself. I dare you to ask yourself, ‘Now what?’”
Vice-Chancellor Pearigen then formally admitted the new members to the Order of the Gown, concluding the ceremony.
The Convocation was livestreamed for those unable to attend; the video is available below.
