On Tuesday afternoon, during the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) annual meeting on June 9, 2026, President Danny Akin presented his 23rd and final seminary report for Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (SEBTS) and Judson College. As Akin, who will retire on July 31, stood to deliver his report, messengers honored him with a standing ovation. 

Akin highlighted continued growth in Southeastern’s student body. Southeastern’s enrollment exceeded 5,600 students, and Judson College’s enrollment has increased 30% in the past three years.

He also celebrated Great Commission growth through the impact of the student body. “In our April commissioning chapel, we commissioned 76 students who will be going both to the nations and also across North America,” said Akin.

Southeastern’s Great Commission influence also extends to the Middle East, where Southeastern’s Global Theological Initiatives is equipping Farsi speakers directly affected by ongoing conflict in the region. “It is encouraging,” said Akin, “to know that in a country right now that is wracked by war, there are men and women that are receiving training both on the college level and the master’s level — the only theological education going on in that level literally in the world.”

Whether on campus or across the globe, Southeastern’s students are being formed to have a Great Commission heartbeat, and all of this is because of the Cooperative Program. “This year, Southeastern will receive $6.3 million through the Cooperative Program,” said Akin. “Without your general support, we could not provide an outstanding theological education at the very best price anywhere in the world.”

With Dr. Akin’s upcoming retirement on July 31, other seminary presidents took an opportunity to honor Dr. Akin. “I like many of you have been tremendously blessed by Dr. Akin’s heart for the lost, his passion for global missions, and his profound love for the local church,” said Gateway Theological Seminary President Adam Groza.

As Akin concluded his report, he expressed his gratitude to Southern Baptists for the privilege of serving as Southeastern’s president. “You have given my wife and me the privilege of a lifetime in serving this school for 22 years,” said Akin. “We love you, we thank you. Thank you for loving us and thank you for allowing us this incredible privilege of serving one of your great and wonderful Southern Baptist seminaries.”

During the report, Akin also introduced Southeastern’s president-elect, Dr. Scott Pace. In his remarks, Pace gave gratitude to God and highlighted his Southern Baptist heritage.

“Words escape me to express what a deep honor this is to stand before you as the seventh president of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and Judson College,” said Pace.

Speaking to the more than 11,000 messengers at the annual meeting, Pace acknowledged his gratitude for and formation by Southern Baptists. “I was saved and I’ve been shaped by the ministry and work of Southern Baptists,” said Pace. “Thank you for investing in me, and it’s a great joy and honor to serve in this capacity. I’m prayerfully hopeful that I’ll be able to serve in some way others whom God is raising up now in this generation that have a similar calling on their life.”

Under his leadership, Pace promised that Southeastern will continue to beat the drum of the Great Commission, as it is “the beat that keeps everything else in rhythm.”

“You’re also going to hear me lean into the work of the local church and champion the work that you’re doing because I believe we will advance the global church by serving the local church,” said Pace.

“By God’s grace,” said Pace, “Southeastern will continue to equip Great Commission-minded pastors and church leaders to stand on the inerrant, infallible, inspired, authoritative, sufficient word of God.”

Pace also thanked Akin for his faithful leadership, which has helped to ensure Southeastern’s fidelity and longevity. “I appreciate the influence he’s had on me both as a professor, but also as a leader and also as a friend. Southeastern is flourishing, and it’s all in large part due to his leadership,” said Pace.

“I look forward to the years ahead,” said Pace, “serving with joy and confidence in our Savior Jesus Christ and our Southern Baptist family by equipping students to serve the church and fulfill the Great Commission.”