Program Director and Associate Director

Dr. Melody Lehn

Program Director and Principal Lecturer in Argumentation & Debate

Dr. Melody Lehn joined SUMMA as Program Director for Camp 2022. She is Associate Professor of Rhetoric and Women’s and Gender Studies and Co-Director of the Center for Speaking & Listening at the University of the South. Dr. Lehn holds a B.A. in communication studies from Furman University and an M.A. and Ph.D. in rhetoric from the University of Memphis. At Sewanee, she teaches courses such as Public Speaking, Argumentation and Debate, U.S. Public Address, Voices of American Women, and the Rhetoric of Mass and Social Media. Her teaching has been recognized with several awards, including the Dwight L. Freshley Early Career Excellence in Teaching Award from the Southern States Communication Association and Sewanee’s College Excellence in Teaching Award. She researches at the intersection of rhetoric, gender, politics, and religion and has published several books, chapters, and articles. Among her recent publications is Rhetoric, Race, Religion, and the Charleston Shootings: Was Blind but Now I See (co-edited with Dr. Sean Patrick O’Rourke) and One Hundred Years of Women Debating the Equal Rights Amendment: An Anthology, 1923-2023 (co-edited with Dr. Camille K. Lewis).

The Rev. Warren Swenson

Associate Director, Camp Chaplain, and Principal Lecturer in Theology

The Rev. Warren Thomas Swenson is an Episcopal priest, serving as associate priest of Southeast Tennessee Episcopal Ministry (STEM), a system of yoked congregations on and around the Cumberland Plateau. In addition to his work with STEM, Warren is a Ph.D. student in the Department of Theology and Religious Studies at the University of Chester and has served as Visiting Instructor of Rhetoric at The University of the South. His research interests include queer theology, homiletics, and American presidential rhetoric. Warren also holds both Master of Divinity and Master of Sacred Theology degrees from the University of the South’s School of Theology.

Commonly asked questions

Who are the SUMMA counselors?

SUMMA counselors are an important part of the program staff each year. Counselors are trained and qualified to work with minors, and are deeply familiar with the campus of The University of the South. Most counselors are undergraduate students at the University and are often former SUMMA campers themselves. Many study rhetoric, argumentation, and debate, and/or work as a peer tutor in the Center for Speaking & Listening. SUMMA counselors are campus leaders and peer mentors capable of supporting campers as they navigate the SUMMA experience. Each counselor also leads a "Team" at camp.

Do the SUMMA staff have any training?

All SUMMA staff complete several mandatory and annual trainings in order to support our SUMMA campers during the time they are here. All staff complete the university's protection of minors training and most complete training to be certified to drive university vehicles. All staff hired internally complete an internal background check of Title IX, EEO, Conduct, and Honor Council records to ensure that students are in good standing with the University before working for our program. Any staff hired externally by the program complete a background check with Sewanee's Office of Human Resources. Before camp, all staff participate in a program retreat before campers to arrive to ensure that all policies and protocols are understood and so that program participants can have a safe and vibrant experience on the domain.

"I wish I knew before camp that the people here are so inviting, warm, and welcoming." 
– Ibrahim from Indianapolis, Indiana