Campus Spotlight: Sewanee, The University of the South

Our CEO, Margaret Bolton Baudinet, paid a visit to Sewanee, The University of the South, and discovered a campus that feels both timeless and deeply inspiring. From its expansive natural beauty to its standout creative writing program, Sewanee offers a one-of-a-kind college experience for students who think independently and dream big.

I recently had the chance to visit Sewanee, The University of the South, and let me tell you—this place is like something out of a novel, but with Wi-Fi and a stellar writing program.

First, the drive was surprisingly easy. Sewanee is located on the Cumberland Plateau in Tennessee, but it’s not hard to reach. Whether you're coming from Nashville or Chattanooga, the roads are scenic yet manageable. Once you arrive at the top of the mountain, everything feels calm and tucked away from the rest of the world.

All Saints’ Chapel is at the center Sewanee

As soon as I reached campus, I felt as though I had stepped into a different time. The buildings are made of beautiful stone, with tall towers, arched windows, and grand doors that make you want to grab a book and wander into a secret library. 

What really sets Sewanee apart is its natural environment. The university owns 13,000 acres of land—known as “the Domain”—and it functions like a massive outdoor campus extension. There are trails in every direction. You can hike to waterfalls, run along cliffs, and sit on overlooks that make you feel as though you're standing at the edge of the world. One of the most popular spots is Morgan’s Steep, where students often gather to watch the sunset. For students who love the outdoors, this setting is ideal.

I stayed at the Sewanee Inn, which sits right on the edge of campus and feels like a mix between a boutique hotel and a cozy lodge. With fireplaces, comfortable seating, and views of the golf course, it’s the kind of place where you can relax after a long day of exploring. It would be the perfect spot for a family visit during Parents’ Weekend or a peaceful weekend getaway.

Sewanee in Winter

One of my favorite parts of Sewanee is its creative writing major, which is rare among colleges. Not only is it offered as a stand-alone major, but students can also focus on fiction, poetry, or playwriting. The classes are centered around writing workshops and developing your own work, rather than just analyzing literature written by others. The campus is also home to the Sewanee Review, the oldest literary journal in the United States, and the prestigious Sewanee Writers’ Conference, which draws top authors from around the world. For anyone considering a future in writing, this program offers serious opportunity.

Students walking on the beautiful Sewanee campus

By the end of the visit, I understood why so many students fall in love with Sewanee. It’s peaceful, inspiring, and designed for people who want to think deeply and explore boldly. Whether you're hiking through the woods, writing in a quiet corner of a library, or walking home under a sky full of stars, Sewanee makes you feel as though your story matters. And for a school so focused on writing, that seems exactly right.