St. Andrew’s-Sewanee School, after an extensive search, is pleased to announce that the Rev. Nicholas I. Phares will serve the school as chaplain, beginning with the 2026-2027 school year.

Rev. Phares currently serves as rector at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Barlesville, Okla., a position he has held since 2017. Previously, he served four years as associate rector at St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church in Pensacola, Fla..

“Father Phares has tremendous experience in all facets of Episcopal ministry, from preaching weekly to providing spiritual leadership and pastoral care to his parishioners,” said Karl Sjolund, SAS head of school. “He also has significant experience working with youth programs, including camp ministry and organizing and leading mission trips. He knows how to respond to the spiritual, ethical, and social needs of kids, and we’re confident he’ll serve the SAS community well.”

The move also represents a return to the mountain for Father Phares and his wife and son. He is a 2017 graduate of the School of Theology at the University of the South, and both of his daughters are graduates of SAS, Morgan (‘20) and Lexi (‘23). Their son will be a member of SAS’s freshman class this fall.

“SAS’s commitment to forming the whole person, intellectually, spiritually, morally, and relationally, closely mirrors my own vocation as an Episcopal priest,” Father Phares said. “I continue to be drawn to the way this community weaves faith, learning, service, and communal life into a rhythm that invites students to grow in integrity and joy.”

Father Phares also holds a B.A. in Religion from St. Leo University and is currently earning an M.S. in Community Counseling from Rogers State University.