Relationship to the Episcopal Church

The University of the South, an institution of the Episcopal Church and comprised of a College of Arts and Science and The School of Theology, was founded by church leaders from the southeastern United States in 1857. Sewanee is the only university in the nation that is owned and governed by dioceses of the Episcopal Church, specifically the 28 dioceses that are successors to the original founding dioceses.

Governing Board

The University's Board of Trustees is composed of the bishops of the 28 dioceses, together with clerical and lay representatives elected by each diocese and representatives of other University constituencies. The Board of Regents, to which the Board of Trustees delegates some of its responsibilities for governance, is composed of Episcopal bishops, priests, and lay people, and may include a limited number of members of other Christian bodies. The Chancellor of the University, elected by the Board of Trustees, is a bishop from one of the 28 dioceses.

Culture

The historic ownership and governance of the University by these Episcopal dioceses has produced a living synergy of leadership, resource, and mutual support, enriching the Church and advancing the University’s role in American higher education. The Chaplain of the University is a major officer of the university.  All Saints' Chapel is literally in the heart of the campus with glorious and profound worship in the Anglican tradition. The combined presence of a premier seminary of the Episcopal Church and the international headquarters of Education for Ministry as essential parts of the University deepens and strengthens the relationship to the Episcopal Church.