Presidential Search Committee Announces Candidate Recommendation Deadline
SEBTS Staff | October 29, 2025
Update (Dec. 1, 2025): Following President Danny Akin’s retirement announcement on October 14, 2025, Southeastern Seminary’s presidential search committee has begun the process of searching for the seventh president. The deadline for candidate recommendations was November 30, 2025. While the committee is not soliciting additional recommendations after this date, late submissions may be reviewed at the committee’s discretion at [email protected].
From the very beginning of this process, the search committee has been in a season of prayerful consideration, seeking the Lord’s wisdom and guidance as they discern the next leader to serve Southeastern.
“I am profoundly grateful for Dr. Akin’s faithful, visionary leadership over the past 21 plus years,” commented Chairman of the Board of Trustees Carlos Goodrich in a video shared on Southeastern’s Presidential Search page. “Under his guidance, Southeastern has flourished as a Great Commission seminary, training thousands of students to serve Christ and his church with conviction, courage, and compassion and to carry the gospel of Christ to the nations.”
Goodrich added, “I’m excited about the strong foundation God has built at Southeastern under Dr. Akin’s leadership and the opportunities that lie ahead. This transition is not just an ending but the beginning of a new chapter where Southeastern can continue to fulfill its mission to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ by equipping students to serve the church and fulfill the Great Commission.”
I’m excited about the strong foundation God has built at Southeastern under Dr. Akin’s leadership and the opportunities that lie ahead.
Members of the executive committee of Southeastern’s Board of Trustees are serving as the presidential search committee; these include trustees Carlos Goodrich, Andy Taylor, Tim Dale, David White, Ed Litton, Kyler Smith, Raymond Brown, Stewart Holloway, Ryan Martin, Shawn Dobbins, and Brett Golson.
Goodrich expressed the committee’s desire to identify Southeastern’s new president before Akin’s official retirement on July 31, 2026, and he asked for prayers over the search process and the coming months.
“Please pray for Danny and Charlotte Akin in this new season of life and ministry,” he added, “as Dr. Akin steps into the role of Southeastern Ambassador and President Emeritus, to represent the school, recruit, and continue to teach part-time.”
Any recommendations or comments regarding the search process, including letters of recommendation and curriculum vitae (CV), may be submitted to [email protected]. All submissions must include a CV to be considered by the search committee. The deadline for candidate recommendations is November 30, 2025.
To learn more about Southeastern’s presidential search process and transition, visit sebts.edu/presidential-search.