Community Life

The School of Theology prides itself in having a flourishing community for its seminarians, companions, children, faculty, and staff alike.

It is this traditional residential model—of worshiping together, living together, and studying together—that has the proven benefit of building relationships across all possible boundaries and forming leaders for the challenges of today's Church.

The Sewanee Experience

Residential Education

Living in a residential setting has a profound impact on formation. Not only does it take you out of your comfort zone, but it places you in a community with which you engage every day. Our students come from all walks of life. Some come directly from undergraduate work, some after having had established careers. Sometimes beliefs and ideals are challenged, and we think that's a good thing. Can you think of a better way to learn how to live with these challenges than in a residential setting? A way that will prepare you for service to the whole Church? We can't.

Liberal Arts University

It's not just the students and their companions and/or families that make up the community—the faculty and staff are also just as engaged in this community. And then there's the College of Arts and Sciences with more than 1,700 undergraduates and even more faculty and staff. Opportunities to participate with the College are plentiful and a unique advantage for an Episcopal Seminary. Seminary students lead Bible study groups for college students, play intramural sports, sing in the Sewanee Chorale and Sewanee Symphony Orchestra, serve in the University's All Saints' Chapel, and engage in Catechumenate classes year-round.

Life On The Domain

Recreation focuses on the outdoors and Sewanee has that in abundance. On or near the Domain you will find unlimited hiking trails, lakes for canoeing and kayaking, even a reservoir for swimming and picnicking. The Fowler Center offers an indoor gym, tennis courts, and a variety of classes.

Living On Campus

Rental housing options in Sewanee are as wide-ranging as the ministry options and run the gamut from single family homes large enough to hold seven, to duplexes and townhouses, to the EQB community houses for single students. It's just a matter of which one is the best fit for you. And of course, your pets are also welcome on the Mountain.

Children

Students moving to Sewanee with a family couldn't be relocating to a better environment to raise children. The local schools are some of the best in the state, and the local community programming for youth includes plenty of opportunities for arts, music, and sports.

Companions In Ministry

The Companions in Ministry (CIM) is composed of all spouses and partners of seminarians, faculty, and staff from the School of Theology at the University of the South. The CIM meets regularly each month during the academic year for programs, fun, fellowship, support, and spiritual development. The CIM also organizes several events during the year for the entire seminary community including summer community picnics, day hiking trips, a Christmas party, and panel discussions.

Dining

Sewanee is on top of a mountain, but that doesn't mean you'll be culinarily isolated. Chef Rick Wright oversees four on-campus dining options that are complemented by several local spots that serve 'craveable' bites, too. After all, we know that you hunger for more than knowledge.

Outside The Gates

Adventure awaits just outside the gates of the domain where several unique urban communities are just a short drive away. Community life often includes trips to explore these cities and many more.

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A holistic approach

Academics

The School of Theology is first and foremost a residential graduate school with a rigorous academic focus. Lectures and seminars are important, but it's the way that one engages with one's coursework that really counts. We expect seminarians to read, to think, and to write while here.

Spiritual Life

It is important that our students develop a rich and reliable prayer life. This means providing the opportunity to pray in community day in and day out, year after year.

Ministry Opportunities

Ministry doesn't stop once you enter seminary. Opportunities for formal and informal ministry are varied, instructive, relevant to your future, and impactful to the diverse community around us.