On Friday, May 12 the University of the South in its 166th year, held a Convocation for the Conferring of Degrees from the School of Theology. The seminary graduated 34 students receiving varying degrees from acting vice-chancellor Dr. Nancy Berner. Many of the University’s leadership were in attendance including University chancellor the Rt. Rev. Dr. Jake Owensby, T’97, University provost Scott Wilson and the School’s Dean, the Very Rev. Dr. James F. Turrell.
View the Recording here
View The Photography Here
Honorary Degree
The Rev. Gay Clark Jennings received an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree and also delivered the sermon at the commencement service.
The Rev. Gay Clark Jennings served as president of the Episcopal Church’s House of Deputies from 2012 to 2022, and was notably the first ordained woman to hold the position. As president, Jennings was committed to fostering a new generation of leaders in the Episcopal Church. She also encouraged the church’s work for justice through the actions of General Convention and the work of Episcopalians throughout the church.
2023 Graduates of the School of Theology
Diploma of Anglican Studies
Sandra Rogers, Diocese of Southwest Florida
Carsten Michael Seiler, Diocese of Arizona
Zachary Settle, Diocese of East Tennessee
Katie O'Neal Sorey, Diocese of Mississippi
Doctor of Ministry
Frederick DuMontier Devall IV
Master in Sacred Theology
Hilary Anne Greer (in absentia)
Anne Fontaine Downs Richter
Master of Arts
Elizabeth Dawn Carrillo
Audrey Sollie Jordan
Will Madi
John Ng’oma
Master of Divinity
Richard London Ahlquist, Diocese of Alabama
Casey Anderson-Molina, Diocese of Arkansas
Tara Bartal, Diocese of East Carolina
Thomas Benson Becker, Diocese of Lexington
Katherine Cantelou Chappell, Diocese of East Tennessee
Elliot Thomas Conrad, Diocese of Long Island
Lucas Caine Crossland, Diocese of East Carolina
Garron Cruz Daniels, Diocese of Missouri
Thomas Roger DuMontier Jr.,Diocese of Southwest Virginia
Caroline Katherine Howard, Diocese of Kansas
Joseph Michael Kennedy, Diocese of Eastern Michigan
Robert C. Light III, Diocese of Southwest Virginia
Jane Hagan Major, Diocese of Alabama
Izak Cameron McKenzie, Diocese of Lexington
Tyler Pierce Proctor, Diocese of Upper South Carolina
Kelton L. Riley, Diocese of Alabama
Yuriria Rodriguez-Laureani, Diocese of Indianapolis
Erica Rozolsky, Diocese of Rio Grande
Susannah Elizabeth Southern, Diocese of Easton
Dawn Marie Stary, Diocese of San Diego
Benjamin Wayne Thoms, Diocese of Western Louisiana
Johnny Rufus Van Horn, Diocese of Mississippi
David S. Wilcox II, Diocese of West Missouri
End of Year Community Lunch
The School of Theology holds several events leading up to Commencement, including the semester’s final Eucharist at the community lunch held in Cravens Hall during which senior prizes and awards are presented. During the final community lunch on April 26, the Very Rev. Dr. James F. Turrell, Dean of the School of Theology and Acting-Vice-Chancellor of the University, Dr. Nancy Berner recognized some of the outstanding achievements by the graduating class and announced the senior prizes. Dean Turrell began by recognizing many of the people who have served the School in various ways during this past year.
- Student Body President—Katherine Chappell
- Senior Class Representative—Dawn Stary
- Student Trustee to the University Board of Trustees—Kristen Paul
Turrell additionally recognized Sacristans who have a central role, often unheralded, in the worship life of the seminary community. Members of the senior class who served as sacristans this academic year are:
- Jane Hagan Major, Head Sacristan
- Thomas Becker
- Kelton L. Riley
- Katherine Cantelou Chappell
Awards previously presented to Seniors
Woods Leadership Award: The Woods Leadership Award is presented to a member of the Middler Class who has most successfully taken the initiative in assuming a leadership role in the class. Senior Kelton Riley was recognized with the Woods Leadership Award in the fall of 2022.
Freeman Award for Merit: The Freeman Award for Merit was established by the Rev. Reed H. Freeman and his wife Nancy. It is awarded to a rising Middler who has demonstrated outstanding academic performance and promise in the junior year. Senior Kelton Riley was recognized with the Woods Leadership Award in the fall of 2022, notably the first student to be awarded both prizes in the same year.
William A. Griffin Scholar for study in the Holy Land: The William A. Griffin Scholarships are given each year to enable students to study in the Holy Land. The fund was established to celebrate the ministry of William A. Griffin, former Professor of Old Testament at The School of Theology from 1959-1988, and was endowed by Professor Griffin’s wife, Anne Griffin, and her daughter, Shore Griffin, and other donors. Senior class recipients of this award were: Thomas Becker, Katherine Cantelou Chappell, Garron Daniels, Jane Hagan Major and Rufus VanHorn
2023 Senior Prizes
- The School of Theology Prize in Biblical Studies—Kelton L. Riley
- The School of Theology Prize in Theology and Ethics—Elliot Thomas Conrad
- The School of Theology Prize in Historical Studies—Jane Hagan Major
- The School of Theology Prize in Practical Theology—Lucas Caine Crossland
- The School of Theology Prize in Community Service—Yuri Rodriguez-Laureani
The Annual Episcopal Preaching Foundation Award: The Annual Episcopal Preaching Foundation Award is bestowed upon the individual who, in the estimation of the Dean and Faculty, has demonstrated excellence in preaching. This award is sponsored annually by the Episcopal Preaching Foundation and was awarded this year to Katherine Cantelou Chappell.
