Southeastern Baptist elects new seminary president

Trustees of the Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary unanimously elected seminary teacher Scott Pace to step in for retiring President Danny Akin. Akin announced his retirement last fall after leading as president for more than 21 years and making history as the school's longest-serving president. Pace will now assume the role of president at Southeastern and Judson College, after teaching at Southeastern since 2018, according to the school. Pace has a keen mind and a servant's heart, and there couldn’t be a better man for the job, according to the outgoing Akin.

Pace has consistently demonstrated a love for the local church and a heart for equipping pastors and ministry leaders for service, according to a statement from Board chairman Carlos Goodrich. Goodrich voiced confidence that Pace would faithfully steward Southeastern’s identity as the Great Commission Seminary. Pace’s candidacy received overwhelming support and approval from within the school and throughout the larger Southern Baptist Convention, according to the seminary. By God’s grace, Southeastern will continue equipping pastors and church leaders with the Great Commission mindset, Pace said.

What is known about Pace? Pace touts more than 20 years of full-time pastoral ministry experience, along with about 17 years of academic and administrative work. The two-time Southeastern graduate returned to teach in 2018, having previously taught at Oklahoma Baptist University. Pace has also co-authored several books about pastoral ministry and student ministry. Pace initially served as director of the Center for Preaching and Pastoral Leadership before serving as vice president of undergraduate studies and dean of Judson College.

Pace released a Wednesday video message where he voiced his plan to step into the role with stewardship and a desire to be faithful with what God had entrusted to him. Pace named continuing the Great Commission and fostering local churches as his top priorities as he assumes leadership. Pace added that his wife and four children truly view the Southeastern community as family.

Dig deeper: Read Stephen Kloosterman’s previous report for more background on Akin’s retirement.