CLEVELAND, Ga. – Truett McConnell University has begun a national search for its next president, marking a new chapter for the institution as it continues its mission to provide Christ-centered higher education rooted in a biblical worldview.
In a statement released Monday (Oct. 20), the university said the Presidential Search Committee is seeking “a dedicated and visionary individual to lead the University into its next chapter of academic and spiritual excellence.”
The announcement follows the departure of longtime president Emir Caner, who led the university for 17 years. Interim president John Yarbrough was affirmed by the board of trustees in September after serving as acting president since June.
According to the release, nominations and applications will be accepted Nov. 3-28, 2025, as the search committee considers candidates who demonstrate a deep commitment to TMU’s mission, values, and vision.
Applicants must possess a doctoral degree (Ed.D., Ph.D.) or equivalent experience, along with demonstrated success in higher education management and fundraising. Candidates are also required to affirm the Baptist Faith and Message 2000 and to be able to articulate its principles theologically.
The statement emphasized that candidates should be “recognized, active leaders in the Baptist faith” with “proven skills in public and personal relations” and a record of advancing both academic and spiritual growth.
Resumes and letters of recommendation will be accepted by email at [email protected]. Only materials received within the specified timeframe will be considered by the search committee.
The search comes four months after a June 6 special-called meeting, where TMU’s Board of Trustees ordered a third-party investigation and placed Caner on administrative leave. The decision followed public allegations of sexual misconduct involving a former administrator and raised questions about the university’s handling of the matter.
At that meeting, trustees voted unanimously to appoint Yarbrough as acting president pending the outcome of the review, later naming him interim president in September.
When announcing in late September that Caner would not return, Yarbrough emphasized the university’s ongoing faith-based mission. “This is a special place. God has used it in thousands of lives over the years,” he said.
Yarbrough also outlined steps the administration has taken to reinforce accountability and compliance. “Every one of our protective processes has been strengthened,” he said. “Our policies are in full compliance with Title IX.”
The university described the presidential position as “a pivotal leadership role for the institution’s continued growth and commitment to Christian higher education.”
This article originally appeared in the Christian Index.
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