ALPHARETTA, Ga. — The Truett McConnell University Board of Trustees on Tuesday (Feb. 2) unanimously elected Larry Lyon as the university’s ninth president during a special-called meeting at the Georgia Baptist Mission Board administration building in Alpharetta.
Lyon, who currently serves as senior vice president for business administration at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (NOBTS), succeeds Interim President John Yarbrough, who has led the university since June 2025.
Lyon said he did not initially seek the presidency but felt led to pursue the role after prayerful consideration.
He expressed optimism about the university’s future and its role in serving Georgia Baptist churches. “Truett McConnell is positioned to play a vital part in the work of Georgia Baptists,” Lyon said. “This is a place where students can receive both spiritual formation and vocational training so they can thrive for the kingdom, no matter where God leads them.”
Robby Foster, senior pastor of Northside Baptist Church in Valdosta and chairman of the Board of Trustees, said the board is confident Lyon will lead the university well.
“I’m hoping Larry can build on a good foundation and take the university forward and do some great things for God,” Foster said. “It’s God’s university, and we believe this is God’s man.”
Foster also offered a message to the campus community as Lyon prepares to step into the role. “Welcome Larry,” he said. “He’s going to do a good job, and he’s someone you’re going to love working with day in and day out.”
Kevin Williams, senior pastor of First Baptist Church Villa Rica and chairman of the presidential search committee, said trustees and committee members approached the search with great care, sought broad input, and performed extensive vetting.
“It was quite robust from beginning to end,” Williams said, describing the process. He noted that the committee gathered feedback from alumni, students and faculty about what they hoped for in a new president. After reviewing nearly 30 resumes, conducting in-depth interviews and background investigations, and spending extended time in prayer throughout the process, “it became crystal clear this was God’s person,” he said.
Williams said Lyon stood out for both his leadership experience and personal disposition. “He checked every box we were looking for,” Williams said. “Humble, but strong.”
After the vote, Williams said, some of the other trustees came up and said, “’Man, that’s a grand slam.’ So we’re very confident in what we did.”
NOBTS President Jamie Dew said he was “incredibly excited” about Lyon’s appointment.
“There are great days ahead for [Truett McConnell],” Dew posted on X. “We are thankful for our friend and his service to NOBTS.”
Frank Cox, senior pastor of North Metro Baptist Church in Hoschton and a member of the search committee, said Lyon’s preparation for the role has been evident over time.
“I’ve watched Larry for seven years at New Orleans Seminary,” Cox said. “God has been training him for this role. He understands enrollment, endowment and leadership, and he’ll wear extremely well with the pastors and churches of our state. I believe he’s prepared to take Truett McConnell to the next level.”
Faculty leaders also welcomed the trustees’ decision. Barry McCarty, chairman of the TMU School of Communication, said Lyon brings experience that will serve the university well in the years ahead.
“I’m delighted with our trustees’ selection of Dr. Larry Lyon as president,” McCarty said. “His leadership and experience in Christian higher education – especially in the areas of enrollment and finance – will serve us well. We are confident that his Christ-centered leadership will be a great help to TMU.”
Lyon’s appointment comes after public allegations of sexual misconduct involving a former administrator led to the removal of Emir Caner as president. In June 2025, trustees voted to commission an independent investigation. At that meeting, they also placed Caner on administrative leave and named Yarbrough acting president. In September, it was determined Caner would not return as president, and Yarbrough was affirmed as interim.
A Georgia native, Lyon earned a Bachelor of Science in Christian ministry from Shorter University in Rome, and both a Master of Divinity in Christian apologetics and a Ph.D. in theological studies with a specialization in Christian ethics from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Lyon and his wife, Stephanie, have been married for 24 years and have three daughters: Anna Kate (20), Abby (18), and Maggie (11).
Addressing prospective students who are considering their options for higher education, Lyon said Truett McConnell offers both stability and opportunity.
“TMU already has an amazing set of programs to train students for whatever vocation God is calling them to,” he said. “It’s also a place where you can grow spiritually, find your fit in ministry, and thrive as a student so you’re prepared to thrive in your career.”
Lyon closed his remarks with a final word to the campus community: “Go Bears!”
This article originally appeared in The Christian Index.
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