Southeastern Seminary Trustees Celebrate Enrollment Growth and New President

Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (SEBTS) trustees celebrated recent developments during their October 12-13 meeting, including the inauguration of new president Scott Pace and notable growth in enrollment and financial support. The event coincided with the fall trustee meeting and a gathering of the Southeastern Society (SES), the seminary’s donor society.

Pace’s presidential inauguration took place on Tuesday morning, during which he shared updates on the seminary’s progress. He emphasized efforts to strengthen relationships with local church pastors and denominational leaders in neighboring states. Pace also underscored the importance of fulfilling the Great Commission through the work of local churches.

“Training Great Commission pastors who will lead Great Commission congregations, raise up Great Commission members, and mobilize them for the kingdom and the Gospel will accomplish the Great Commission through our partnership and work through the local church,” Pace stated. He described the Great Commission as not just a drumbeat but the seminary’s heartbeat, a guiding principle for its mission.

This focus on the Great Commission is reflected in the growing interest among students in institutional mission trips. This year, Southeastern students and staff are participating in nine international and four national trips, all of which have quickly reached capacity. These trips are significantly subsidized by the generosity of donors, providing impactful experiences for participants.

Southeastern and Judson College have experienced significant financial support, including the highest Alumni Association and Southeastern Fund giving in the seminary’s history. Overall charitable giving is at its second-highest level on record, reflecting the community’s commitment to the seminary’s mission.

Enrollment at Southeastern continues to grow, approaching 5,700 students. Judson College has seen the most rapid growth in this period. A recent student poll indicated that 45% of Southeastern’s students feel called to pastoral ministry, 19% to international missions, and 11% to counseling ministry. These figures highlight the diverse paths students are pursuing in service to the Gospel.

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