[Sewanee press release] The University of the South has announced a $1 million gift from the Episcopal Foundation of Texas. Though the gift is being made to the university as a whole, a significant portion has been designated for the School of Theology.

“We are blessed by our long partnership with Sewanee and we have the distinct pleasure to have many Sewanee graduates among both our lay leaders and our clergy,” said the Rt. Rev. C. Andrew Doyle, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas. “We are grateful to be able to make this gift and pray it will help to support the continued health and vitality of the University of the South and of the School of Theology.”

The School of Theology, an accredited seminary of The Episcopal Church, has been an essential part of the University of the South since 1878. Over the years, the school has played a major role in the church, the Anglican Communion, and the world by forming and educating men and women for leadership positions. With the recent expansion of the Beecken Center, the school now provides training for congregational and missional development in dioceses and parishes in addition to its long-established Education for Ministry program.

“This gift provides a tremendous boost to the plans we have for the School of Theology, as the university and the School of Theology are planning to expand the School’s buildings and programs,” said the university’s Vice Chancellor John M. McCardell Jr.

The university’s vision for the School of Theology includes the construction of state-of-the-art academic, conference, and residential facilities; an increase in student scholarships; support for faculty development; and additional opportunities for theological education in the Beecken Center.

“The leadership of the bishop and Diocese of Texas is critical to Sewanee’s future, particularly their support of the expanding work of the School of Theology,” said the Rt. Rev. J. Neil Alexander, dean of the School of Theology. “Bishop Doyle shares our vision that theological education is the birthright of all of the baptized and the foundation’s support is a major factor in making that vision a living reality.”