Daniel L. Akin, president of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and Judson College, has announced his plans to retire at the end of the 2025–2026 school year. His official retirement date is July 31, 2026.
Akin, Southeastern’s longest serving president, made the announcement in chapel during the seminary’s board of trustees’ annual fall visit. Reflecting on more than 21 years as president, Akin acknowledged his gratitude to the Lord and to the Southeastern family while also expressing confidence in the direction and leadership of the seminary.
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In an earlier interview, Akin similarly noted, “The past two decades have truly been blessed years by our Lord for Southeastern Seminary and Judson College. For Charlotte and me these have been years of joy and thanksgiving. We have loved every minute of our time here. We have seen God grow our student body, strengthen our faculty, expand our giving base, and deepen our vision and commitment to theological fidelity and Great Commission passion.”
‘Right’ time
For Akin, this announcement comes at the right time for his family and for the seminary to which he has devoted much of his life: “Charlotte and I have prayed this matter through and talked with family and friends. We are convinced the time is right for us and the school. We are at perfect peace in our decision. The college and seminary are healthy and thriving, and I believe the best days are ahead for this Great Commission juggernaut.”
At the time of his retirement, Akin will have served Southeastern for 22 years, “leading the institution to not only years of record enrollment and charitable giving but also a reputation as the Great Commission seminary of the SBC,” the seminary noted. “As president, Akin has championed Jesus’s final marching orders and helped to cement Southeastern’s Great Commission approach to theological education.”
Akin has done so by challenging students to ask the question, “Not, why should I go? But why should I stay?” and by solidifying the institution’s confessional foundation around four essential statements, contending that biblical doctrine fuels missions.
What’s next?
Following his retirement, Akin will carry the title of president emeritus, and he will serve as Southeastern ambassador for up to five years. In the meantime, he intends to continue serving Southeastern as senior professor of preaching and theology, teaching in a part-time capacity.
Presidential search committee
In the coming weeks, the presidential search committee will begin prayerful deliberations to identify the seminary’s seventh president. Any questions or comments regarding the search process can be directed to SEBTSsearch@sebts.edu.
The presidential search committee is comprised of executive committee members from Southeastern’s board of trustees. Committee members include Carlos Goodrich, Andy Taylor, Tim Dale, David White, Ed Litton, Kyler Smith, Raymond Brown, Stewart Holloway, Ryan Martin, Sean Dobbins, and Brett Golson.
EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written and originally published by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.
