WAKE FOREST, N.C. — Following President Danny Akin’s retirement announcement Oct. 14, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary’s (SEBTS) presidential search committee has begun the process of searching for the institution’s seventh president. The committee invites Southern Baptists to submit candidate recommendations by Nov. 30, 2025.
From the beginning of the process, the committee has been in a season of prayer, seeking the Lord’s wisdom.
“I am profoundly grateful for Dr. Akin’s faithful, visionary leadership over the past 21-plus years,” said Carlos Goodrich, chairman of the SEBTS trustees, 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.”
Members of the executive committee of Southeastern’s board of trustees are serving as the presidential search committee. Members are: 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 July 31, 2026, and he asked for prayers regarding the search process over 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 both a CV and résumé to be considered by the search committee. The deadline for candidate recommendations is Nov. 30.
To learn more about Southeastern’s presidential search process and transition, visit sebts.edu/presidential-search.
