Rt. Rev. J. Neil Alexander
SEWANEE, Tenn. — The Rt. Rev. J. Neil Alexander, Episcopal bishop of the Diocese of Atlanta, has been appointed dean of the School of Theology at the University of the South.
His appointment is effective Aug. 1. He succeeds the Very Rev. William S. Stafford, who will retire as dean on July 1.
Alexander, who was ordained bishop in 2001, now serves as chancellor of the University of the South. When he assumes his new appointment, he will step down as chancellor.
He was the Norma and Olan Mills Professor of Divinity at the School of Theology from 1997 to 2001 and received an honorary doctor of divinity degree from the university in 2002. He has served as a university trustee since 2001 and on its regents board since 2005.
“This is an excellent appointment for Sewanee,” said the Rt. Rev. John C. Bauerschmidt, bishop of the Diocese of Tennessee. “Bishop Alexander’s experience in both the academy and the church equips him uniquely for leadership at the School of Theology, a pivotal institution for theological education in our church. I am delighted that he has been persuaded to serve.”
Alexander has served in a variety of parish settings and taught at the General Theological Seminary, Yale University, Drew University and Waterloo Lutheran Seminary. He has been a board member of the Episcopal Preaching Foundation and a faculty member and chaplain of the Preaching Excellence Conference of the Episcopal Preaching Foundation. He also served as president of the board of directors of the College for Bishops.