Normally known simply as 'Sewanee,' the University of the South was founded by several American Episcopal bishops in 1868. From the beginning, it was intended to provide both a College of Arts and Sciences for undergraduates and a Theological College for the Episcopal Church. Theology was thus taught at the University from the start and the first priest-graduate ordained in 1872, but the School of Theology was not formally organised as an Episcopal seminary until 1878. Oxford and Cambridge donated the books for the first library, and the University has retained strong links with its British heritage ever since. It is also a member of CUAC (Colleges and Universities of the Anglican Communion).
Rob's appointment is specifically in the School of Theology, so in addition to teaching courses in theology and ethics, he will also be engaged in regular preaching and celebration in the seminary chapel and helping to form future clergy for ordained ministry. While he is indeed delighted at this appointment, he says that he will miss St Andrews and All Saints very much when he moves back to the States in July. However, he still has to finish his dissertation, and hopes to come back for regular return visits in the future!