LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The trustees of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary gathered October 13-14 for their fall meeting to conduct regular business, give thanks to the Lord for his provision, and reaffirm the seminary’s mission to train ministers of the gospel for a lifetime of faithfulness.
“I am profoundly thankful for this board of trustees,” President R. Albert Mohler, Jr. said. “You do the hard work of governance with seriousness and joy, and the Lord has blessed this institution through your stewardship.”
He expressed appreciation to the Financial Board for its diligence and affirmed the seminary’s faculty and staff as “an amazing team” marked by faithfulness and excellence.
Mohler announced that Hershael W. York will conclude his service as dean of the School of Theology at the end of the 2025–26 academic year.
He commended York’s tenure as one that “changed history” for the School of Theology, marked by skillful leadership and a pastor’s heart. Mohler noted with gratitude that he will continue serving on the faculty following his sabbatical.
Mohler announced the appointment of Andrew T. Walker as the next Dean of the School of Theology, effective August 1, 2026. “Dr. Walker is a remarkable figure of great influence in the evangelical world,” he said. “I am very thankful for the ability to have a transition in this role from strength to strength.”
Turning to broader institutional matters, Mohler introduced Southern Seminary’s new policy on artificial intelligence. He emphasized that the policy is moral rather than merely technical, expressing Christian integrity in a digital age.
Quoting from the policy, he said, “As Christians, we are devoted to the formation of minds and souls and to the cultivation of knowledge, learning, and reflection. A biblical understanding of learning requires the student’s devotion to individual learning. Technology such as artificial intelligence presents a challenge to our intellectual integrity and Christian faithfulness. Foundational to the entire institution—faculty, staff, and students—is the commitment that our intellectual work is our own product, that learning is our own responsibility, and that honesty is consistently applied.”
“This is not simply a technological issue but a moral one. We prepare real human beings for real ministry, and that conviction must shape how we engage every new tool,” Mohler said.
Board Chairman Keith Daniels said, “There are moments in our trustee meetings when it can feel as if we are simply taking care of business. But then the Lord reminds us of the incredible privilege it is to steward this institution for the purpose of preparing the next generation of men and women who will be deployed in the service of our King, the Lord Jesus Christ. It is a blessing to serve alongside leaders who care deeply about that mission and who labor together for the glory of God.”
In his Treasurer’s Report, Senior Vice President for Institutional Administration Jon Austin reported that the seminary finished the year with over $54 million in total revenue and a positive variance of $2.8 million. He expressed gratitude to the Lord for his continued provision and to the trustees for their oversight and support.
Trustees also approved sabbatical leave for Dr. Hershael W. York, Victor and Louise Lester Professor of Christian Preaching; Dr. Brian Vickers, Professor of New Testament Interpretation; Dr. Duane Garrett, John R. Sampey Professor of Old Testament Interpretation; Dr. Robert Jones, Professor of Biblical Counseling and Practical Theology; Dr. Matthew Westerholm, Professor of Church Music and Worship; and Dr. John Wilsey, Professor of Church History and Philosophy.
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