Sewanee Vice-Chancellor Announces Plans to Step Down in 2020
Vice-Chancellor John McCardell, who has held that post since 2010, has announced his plans to step down in July 2020. He will remain on the University of the South faculty.
During McCardell’s tenure, Sewanee has enjoyed record applications to the College, growth in the reach of the School of Theology, and increasing recognition as a leading national liberal arts university.
Under his leadership, the Stronger Truer Sewanee fundraising campaign eclipsed its original $250 million goal last February, ahead of schedule. The campaign was marked by increased commitments for scholarships, academic support, construction of new campus facilities, and support for the School of Theology. McCardell has led several endeavors with the aim of making an excellent college education more accessible for more of the nation’s best students and continues to lead an effort to achieve the University’s goal of meeting full financial need for admitted students.
“John McCardell has served with great distinction as Sewanee’s 16th vice-chancellor,” said the Rt. Rev. Rob Skirving, bishop of the Diocese of East Carolina and chancellor of the University. “I am thankful for the leadership and vision he has shown during a remarkable chapter in the University’s history. I look forward to his continuing to teach in the College.”
Skirving announced that Joseph DeLozier III, a 1977 graduate of Sewanee and chair of the Board of Regents, will serve as chair of a representative search committee to guide the nationwide search for a new vice-chancellor. Margaret P. McLarty, the parent of two recent alumni and a member of the Board, will serve as vice chair.
“John will leave the University in a stronger position among liberal arts universities and Episcopal seminaries,” said DeLozier. “We have made great progress toward the goals of Sewanee’s strategic plan, especially in developing an exemplary learning environment and in extending the local—with thanks to the influence of Bonnie McCardell—and global reach of the University.”
“To have been entrusted with the leadership of the University of the South is a responsibility and an honor for which Bonnie and I will be forever grateful,” said McCardell. “Though the time has come for me to announce that this will be my last year as vice-chancellor, this is not retirement. My plan is to return, after a period of recharging, to part-time teaching in the Department of History. I very much look forward to that.”