Dr. Robert Pearigen, 13th president of Millsaps College, has been selected as the 18th vice-chancellor and president of the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee. Pearigen has served as president of Millsaps since 2010.
Pearigen’s move to the University of the South is a return to familiar territory. He is a graduate of the university, and served as a professor, dean and vice president from 1987-2010. His wife, Phoebe Pearigen, also taught at the university during that time and was the founding director of the Sewanee Dance Conservatory.
“Phoebe and I believe this opportunity to return to Sewanee—another institution we know and love—will allow us to make a meaningful contribution in the next chapter of its long history,” said Pearigen. “And we also have an abiding love for Millsaps. We were warmly embraced by the college and alumni when we first arrived, and we will continue to support Millsaps with our gifts, our prayers and any form of assistance we can offer.”
Jay Lindsey, chairman of the Millsaps College Board of Trustees, shared his support of Pearigen and his wife, Phoebe, in the months to come.
“I have accepted with regret Rob Pearigen’s decision to resign as president of Millsaps and wish him and Phoebe the very best in their onward journey,” Lindsey said.
Lindsey said the Board of Trustees has authorized the creation of a presidential search committee to seek the best possible successor to Pearigen. The committee will be led Chuck Lathem, vice chairman of the Board of Trustees, and will comprised of trustees, faculty, staff, students, and other Millsaps constituencies as appropriate.