Overview: Sewanee – The University of the South
Sewanee: The University of the South, founded in 1857, is an independent, private liberal arts institution situated atop the Cumberland Plateau in Sewanee, Tennessee, United States. Owned by 28 southern Episcopal dioceses, the university is renowned for its picturesque 13,000-acre campus—among the largest in the U.S. Serving approximately 1,700 undergraduate students and 200 graduate students, Sewanee operates predominantly from its main campus, fostering an intimate and collaborative academic environment. As a teaching-focused institution with a selective admissions process, Sewanee upholds a strong tradition of academic rigor and close faculty-student engagement.
Academically, Sewanee excels in the liberal arts and sciences, especially English, environmental studies, biology, and creative writing. The university’s signature programs include the robust Sewanee Writers’ Conference, the Center for Religion and Environment, and interdisciplinary pre-professional tracks in law, business, and medicine. Sewanee champions a rigorous, broad-based curriculum anchored in faculty mentorship, undergraduate research, and small seminar-style classes. Research opportunities are amplified through initiatives such as the Sewanee at Yale program and global partnerships. Noteworthy are the Fulbright, Watson, and Rhodes Scholars produced by Sewanee, underscoring its academic distinction and global engagement.
Student life at Sewanee is distinguished by over 100 student-led organizations, vibrant Greek life, and a tradition of communal events such as the Festival of Lessons and Carols. The Honor Code, central to the university’s ethos, shapes a campus culture of trust and mutual respect. Diverse co-curricular activities span varsity athletics, arts programs—including the acclaimed University Art Gallery—and outdoor recreation leveraging the university’s extensive domain. On-campus housing is guaranteed, supporting a residential model that emphasizes holistic development and inclusivity. Comprehensive student services, career counseling, and leadership opportunities further enrich the Sewanee experience.
Sewanee’s mission is to foster intellectual curiosity, ethical leadership, and global citizenship within a tradition of humane learning. The university is committed to sustainability, social responsibility, and preparing graduates to contribute meaningfully to a rapidly changing world.
