A Portrait of Charlotte Akin

With all of this, she is also the wife of the president of Southeastern for these past 22 years, a role that she has held with love and support not only for her husband but also for the seminary family as a whole. She stands quietly by her husband but boldly embodies a sense of grace, love, hospitality, kindness, authenticity, generosity, laughter, prayer, and thankfulness for all the Lord has blessed her with.

In my own life, I am personally blessed to call Mrs. Akin my friend. I have worked in Dr. Akin’s office for almost 20 years now, and with my role I have received the blessing of Mrs. Akin’s friendship! She has taught me by example how to be a godly spouse, a mother, and a mother-in-law. She has also taught me the blessing of having grandchildren! Our children are close to the same age, so she and I have walked together through weddings, the growth of our families, and the gift of grandchildren during these past years. Not everything has been rosy, and we have shared tears, prayers, and losses together as well. Her consistent dependence on the Lord in each and every season — and her willingness to share that with others — makes her who she is today: someone who cares deeply for others.

Her consistent dependence on the Lord in each and every season — and her willingness to share that with others — makes her who she is today: someone who cares deeply for others.

One of Mrs. Akin’s greatest gifts is her gift of hospitality. Where coffee is involved, she has bought countless cups for staff, students, and guests she runs into, always with a smile on her face and joy in her heart. Whenever there is an event at Magnolia Hill or one that Southeastern is hosting, she is most comfortable serving in the kitchen, helping the workers and not elevating herself above those under her employ. She sees everyone on the same playing field and is just as happy serving as she is hosting. This example is simply an outpouring of who she is — someone whose actions are often unseen by guests but experienced firsthand by those serving alongside her.

To me, Mrs. Akin has left an invaluable impact on the Southeastern community through her love and selfless generosity. I’m not sure I have ever met someone who is more considerate in her giving of time, resources, laughter, and prayers. I have watched her shower this generosity — over and above a thank you or payment — on those who have worked for her during events at Magnolia Hill; she intentionally gets to know them and gives special gifts accordingly. I have seen her stop and pray with students, employees, and strangers alike. She is never too busy to enjoy a laugh with others, taking the time to see them and share a moment of joy together with a hug. She joyfully places others before herself, and these traits have shaped her legacy at Southeastern and beyond.