December 29, 2022

Dear Friends,

Earlier today the Board of Trustees at Sewanee elected me to serve as Chancellor of the University of the South. This is a profound honor. I am both humbled and excited to serve not only the University but also this Diocese and the broader Church in this role.

Some have already written me with congratulations. Thank you. Others have expressed concern that I might be leaving as your Bishop. Please do not worry. I’m not going anywhere. Let me explain what it will mean for me to serve as Chancellor.

The University of the South is an Episcopal institution. It has 27 constituent dioceses, of which Western Louisiana is one. The University is governed by a Vice-Chancellor/President, a Board of Trustees, a Board of Regents, and a Chancellor. The Chancellor must be one of the bishops of the constituent dioceses and serves a term of six years.

My duties include chairing the Board of Trustees, sitting on the Board of Regents as an ex officio member, and performing official/religious functions at University events like graduation. I am already a Trustee and a Regent. So my time commitment away from the Diocese will not grow a great deal.

While it is certainly a distinct honor to be Chancellor of my alma mater (School of Theology), being your bishop is a great joy and privilege. Serving as Chancellor is a result of and an expression of being your bishop. I am deeply grateful and promise to represent you well.

Joy and I love you and look forward to many years of service in our great diocese. Please keep us in your prayers as our service to our Lord develops an additional dimension. Happy New Year! And may God bless you all.

Peace in Christ,

+Jake

The Right Rev. Jacob W. Owensby, PhD, DD

IV Bishop of Western Louisiana