LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The board of trustees of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (SBTS) convened on Monday, April 7, for their spring meeting, advancing key actions that reflect the institution’s enduring commitment to theological faithfulness, academic excellence and gospel urgency.
In his address to the board, President R. Albert Mohler Jr. reminded trustees of the eternal significance behind every classroom and every decision. “Every class we teach — whether in Greek, ethics, leadership or preaching — carries eternal weight,” Mohler said. “We are animated by the belief that heaven and hell are at stake. The health of Christ’s church is at stake. Every faculty hire, every line of the budget, every song we sing — there’s so much more at stake than just academic planning. This is mission stewardship.”
That conviction shaped the meeting’s agenda, which included adopting a $56 million operating budget for the 2025-2026 academic year — a 4.7% increase from the previous year. The budget reflects the seminary’s continued growth and financial health, reinforcing its commitment to affordability and excellence in preparing students for a lifetime of ministry.
In other business, the board unanimously elected four faculty members, including Alisha Biler as associate professor of English and linguistics, Barry Gibson as associate professor of teacher education, Jason Leverett as associate professor of communications, and Keith McKinley as professor of Christian missions. Trustees also approved faculty promotions for Daniel Stevens to associate professor of New Testament interpretation, Curtis Solomon to associate professor of biblical counseling, John David Trentham to professor of leadership, and discipleship and Keith McKinley to professor of Christian missions. Sabbatical leave was granted for professors William Cook, Matthew Haste, Justin Irving and Daniel Stevens.
The meeting featured a special session with Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) President Clint Pressley, who expressed gratitude for Southern Seminary’s role in training pastors and leaders for the denomination. Pressley reflected on the SBC’s enduring theological commitments and the role of institutions like Southern in holding fast to the Baptist Faith and Message and supporting the Cooperative Program (CP). “We still actually have a gospel,” he said. “And we expect our seminaries to abide by what the Bible says. That’s worth celebrating.”
In other actions, the board welcomed Madelyn Friesen of Arkansas as a new trustee and celebrated the faithful service of five trustees whose terms concluded: Julie Emerson (La.), David Gray (Ohio), Steve Hussung (Ky.), Clint Pressley (N.C.) and Carl White (Miss.).
“This meeting represents more than routine governance,” said Mohler. “The actions taken reflect our deep trust in the Lord, our confidence in this institution’s future, and our shared calling to prepare men and women for ministry in a world that desperately needs the truth of the gospel.”
Board Chairman Keith Daniels reflected on the meeting and the board’s role in advancing the seminary’s mission and said, “It’s an incredible privilege to serve Southern Seminary in this season. Every decision we make as trustees helps shape the future of the church. I’m humbled to work alongside leaders who care deeply, pray faithfully and lead with conviction.”
