Overview of Sewanee: The University of the South
Sewanee: The University of the South, founded in 1857, is a distinguished private liberal arts university located in Sewanee, Tennessee, United States. Established by Episcopal church leaders, the institution is recognized for its historic campus atop the Cumberland Plateau and its longstanding commitment to education in the American South. With an undergraduate enrollment of approximately 1,800 students and a faculty of around 120 full-time members, Sewanee offers an intimate academic environment. The university operates primarily from its single, expansive 13,000-acre campus, providing both depth and breadth in educational offerings.
Academic Strengths and Structure
Sewanee is acclaimed for its programs in the humanities, particularly English and creative writing, as well as environmental studies and the sciences. The School of Theology further distinguishes the university within religious and ethical scholarship. Sewanee employs a rigorous, seminar-style curriculum with an emphasis on writing, critical discourse, and close faculty-student mentorship. The institution's collaborative approach extends to research partnerships, especially in fields like ecology and literature, and houses several active research centers. While the university is not included in global rankings, it is regarded among the top national liberal arts colleges in the United States by publications such as U.S. News & World Report. Notable achievements include a strong Rhodes Scholar tradition and the operation of the Sewanee Review, the oldest continuously published literary quarterly in the country.
Student Life and Community
Sewanee’s vibrant campus culture offers more than 100 student-run organizations—ranging from academic societies to performing arts troupes and sustainability groups. International and multicultural student initiatives, robust orientation and mentoring programs, and comprehensive wellness services foster an inclusive community. Nearly all undergraduate students reside on campus, enhancing a strong sense of belonging. Varsity athletics, intramural sports, outdoor adventures, and the university’s tradition-rich “Sewanee spirit” contribute substantially to campus life. With dedicated resources for international students and creative pursuits, Sewanee supports personal and intellectual growth beyond the classroom.
Mission, Vision, and Values
Sewanee’s mission is to cultivate thoughtful, ethical global citizens through rigorous education, stewardship of the environment, and a commitment to equity, inclusion, and the liberal arts tradition—preparing students for leadership and service in a changing world.
