News

We are excited to announce that the Rev. Warren Thomas Swenson has been appointed as Instructor of Homiletics at the School of Theology. Warren holds Master of Divinity and Master of Sacred Theology degrees from the University of the South, as well as a Bachelor of Arts with majors in Communication Studies and Spanish from Baker University. He will join the School of Theology faculty July 1. Please join us in congratulating Warren and welcoming him to his new role at the School of Theology.

The Rev. Dr. Robert MacSwain, associate professor of theology at the School of Theology at the University of the South, publishes two new books Saints as Divine Evidence: The Hagiological Argument for the Existence of God (Cambridge University Press) and the edited volume Wisdom, Knowledge, and Faith: New Essays on the Future of Theology and the Episcopal Church (Seabury Press / Church Publishing).

The traveling exhibition from the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History comes to Sewanee from Feb. 2 to May 15, 2026. The School of Theology at the University of the South will host the traveling exhibition Exploring Human Origins: What Does It Mean to Be Human? after the seminary was selected through a national competition offered by the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History (NMNH) and the American Library Association (ALA).

The School of Theology is pleased to announce that Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Dr. Hannah Matis has been elected president of the Anglican Theological Review (ATR). Matis succeeds Dean of the School of Theology the Very Rev. Dr. James F. Turrell, who served two terms as ATR president and shaped the trajectory and future of the journal. Dr. Matis brings to the presidency a deep scholarly background and substantial experience in academic leadership.

Visiting Assistant Professor of Practical Theology the Rev. Dr. Britta Meiers Carlson, recently returned from a trip to Thessaloniki, Greece, where she participated in the Sixteenth International Conference of the Ecclesiological Investigations International Research Network (EIIRN), "Dissent, Power, and Christian Identity after Nicaea." The conference commemorated the 1700th Anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea.

On Monday, August 25 in the Chapel of the Apostles, the School of Theology matriculated seminarians from all over the United States and the world. During the Holy Eucharist and Matriculation service students were admitted to the classes of 2026, 2027, and 2028 by Vice-Chancellor Dr. Robert Pearigen and Provost Dr. Scott Wilson. Students signed the Matriculation Book before being gowned—a long-standing matriculation tradition at both the School of Theology and the College of Arts & Sciences of the University of the South.

On Friday, May 9, the University of the South in its 168th year held a Convocation for the Conferring of Degrees from the School of Theology. The seminary will graduate 31 students receiving varying diplomas, certificates, and degrees from Vice-Chancellor Rob Pearigen. 

The School of Theology announces the publication of Education for Ministry, 50 Years of Engaging, Responding, and Reflecting. It is orderable online and available in bookstores beginning May 6. This carefully curated collection of essays by the many contributors, participants, and leaders from the program’s inception to present day share how the writers’ lives have been touched and formed by this groundbreaking program. Authors include James F. Turrell, Karen Meridith, Edward de Bary, Katie Nakamura Rengers, Richard Brewer, Termaine Hicks, Anne Moats Williams, and many more. 

Associate Professor of Theology the Rev. Dr. Robert MacSwain’s latest book, Essays Anglican and Analytic: Explorations in Critical Catholicism will be in stores beginning April 17. In this thought-provoking essay collection, MacSwain explores important connections between Anglican and philosophical theology. Shining a spotlight on the underappreciated theological work of Austin Farrer and David Brown, he brings them into creative conversation with better-known figures such as Joseph Butler, C. S. Lewis, Stanley Hauerwas, and  Eleonore Stump. These perceptive essays will be of particular interest to scholars and pastors who are curious about connections between theology, philosophy, and Anglican studies.

The Rev. Dr. Britta Meiers Carlson, visiting assistant professor of Practical Theology, was awarded a Conant Grant for her project, “A unique commemoration of the 1700th Anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea.” The project is designed to support Dr. Meiers Carlson in ongoing development of courses she teaches in ecclesiology and church leadership. 

In 2025, Sewanee’s Education for Ministry program (EfM) will celebrate its 50th anniversary. We're celebrating with a revised and new curriculum, a blowout celebration in Sewanee, June 5-8, and with the publication of a full-length book: Education for Ministry, 50 Years of Engaging, Responding, and Reflecting. Come help us celebrate!

The Most Rev. Sean Rowe, presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church, was in Sewanee Jan. 26 and 27, delivering the sermon at two services, participating in a public panel discussion, and meeting with undergraduates, seminarians, faculty, leaders, and community members.

The School of Theology is pleased to announce that senior seminarians Michael Sturdy, T’25, and Nolan McBride, T’25, have won first and second place respectively in The Living Church Foundation’s 15th annual Student Essays in Christian Wisdom competition.

The School of Theology at the University of the South reopened and dedicated the newly renovated Hamilton Hall last week following a 20-month renovation project. Residential formation for ministry in a community grounded in study and prayer is critical to the future of the church, and with its renewed building, the School of Theology will be strengthened in its work for decades to come.

The School of Theology of the University of the South is the grateful recipient of a Saint John’s Bible, Heritage Edition, which is the only full-sized illuminated fine art edition of the original manuscript. To celebrate this truly exceptional gift, the School of Theology Community will read the entire Bible over the course of 72 hours beginning Saturday Sept. 28 at 3 p.m. CDT and concluding Tuesday, Oct. 1 at 3 p.m. The reading will be livestreamed continuously and viewers can join at anytime.