Presidential Search Committee Announces Scott Pace as Presidential Candidate

The Presidential Search Committee made the recommendation to the gathered members of the Board on March 26. Following a period of consideration and prayer, the Board will reconvene on April 20-21 for the spring plenary sessions to vote on the Search Committee’s recommendation.

“Throughout this process, our committee sought a leader who demonstrates unwavering commitment to the authority of Scripture, a passion for the Great Commission, and the ability to lead this institution with wisdom and humility,” said Carlos Goodrich, chairman of the Board of Trustees. “We believe Dr. Pace possesses these qualities and is uniquely prepared to serve Southeastern and the churches we exist to support. He embodies the theological conviction, leadership experience, and deep love for the mission of Southeastern that are essential for guiding the seminary into its next chapter.”

He embodies the theological conviction, leadership experience, and deep love for the mission of Southeastern that are essential for guiding the seminary into its next chapter.

Pace’s candidacy announcement comes at the end of a comprehensive, rigorous, and prayerful search process conducted by the Presidential Search Committee, which is comprised of Executive Committee members from Southeastern’s Board of Trustees. Pace currently serves at Southeastern as provost, dean of graduate studies, and professor of preaching and pastoral ministry, holding the Jim Shaddix Chair of Expository Preaching.

Following President Danny Akin’s retirement announcement on October 14, the Search Committee invited Southern Baptists to recommend candidates during the month of November. The Search Committee received letters of recommendation and curriculum vitae for prospective candidates as well as comments and questions regarding the search process.

During November, the Search Committee also extended a feedback survey to members of the Southeastern community, including the faculty and staff as well as representatives of Southeastern’s student body and society of donors. The survey invited further input on institutional needs and leadership direction, and its results directly contributed to the committee’s presidential candidate profile by which they evaluated potential candidates.

“The committee considered a number of highly qualified candidates and engaged in a thoughtful and prayerful evaluation process,” Goodrich said. “We are grateful for the unity that emerged around Dr. Pace as the candidate best suited to lead Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.”

The Search Committee formally presented Pace as its recommended candidate following a series of interviews regarding his qualifications, convictions, personal mission, and beliefs.

“I’m deeply honored to receive the Search Committee’s recommendation. Their prayerful diligence and the thoroughness of the process only deepen my desire to faithfully steward my calling and this opportunity,” commented Pace.

I’m deeply honored to receive the Search Committee’s recommendation. Their prayerful diligence and the thoroughness of the process only deepen my desire to faithfully steward my calling and this opportunity.

“God has used my time as a student, professor, and administrator at Southeastern to cultivate a deep love for our institution and our mission,” he said. “Glorifying Christ by equipping men and women to serve the church and fulfill the Great Commission perfectly aligns with my own personal passion and calling. The opportunity to humbly lead in these efforts would be a great honor and joy.”

Pace has served in numerous administrative and academic roles at Southeastern since 2018, when God led him and his family back to North Carolina. He originally graduated from Southeastern in 2002 with his Master of Divinity, followed five years later by his Doctor of Philosophy.

In 2009, Pace went on to join the faculty at Oklahoma Baptist University, where he served for nine years while also ministering in a variety of interim pastorate roles.

Upon his return to Southeastern, Pace led the Center for Preaching and Pastoral Leadership before he was appointed to serve as vice president of undergraduate studies and dean of Judson College. Then in 2023, the Board of Trustees elected him as provost and dean of graduate studies, where he has continued to serve the Southeastern community by investing whole-heartedly in its students and faculty.

Pace’s candidacy recommendation received enthusiastic approval from Southeastern’s leadership.

“I am thrilled that the presidential search committee has recommended to the full Board of Trustees Dr. Scott Pace as the next president of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and Judson College,” Akin said. “I believe he is God’s man for this assignment. I could not be more excited with his selection.”

I believe he is God’s man for this assignment. I could not be more excited with his selection.

“Dr. Pace is a gifted preacher, scholar, and teacher,” Akin continued. “He loves the Bible and is rock solid in his biblical, theological, and missiological convictions. I know he will be a Great Commission president! Scott has the heart of a pastor and evangelist. He has served with great distinction as the provost of our school. I know the Southeastern family will be delighted with this decision. The future will be very bright for Southeastern with Dr. Pace as its president.”

Ryan Hutchinson, executive vice president for operations, also commented on Pace’s recommendation.

“Having worked closely with Dr. Pace on the President’s Cabinet,” Hutchinson said, “I have seen his collaborative leadership in practice. In the various roles he has served, whether as director of the Center for Preaching and Pastoral Leadership, dean of Judson College, or provost, he has displayed integrity, humility, and a desire to honor our Savior and his word. He seeks input, draws people toward a common goal, and leads with clarity. He represents Southeastern’s mission and culture faithfully, and I am grateful the Search Committee has identified him as its candidate.”

To read more about Scott Pace and the presidential search process, visit sebts.edu/presidential-search.