CLEVELAND, Ga. — Truett McConnell University has named Dr. Larry Lyon as its ninth president following a nationwide search, university officials announced Monday, Feb. 2.
The TMU Board of Trustees unanimously elected Lyon during a specially called meeting. He will officially assume the role on April 1. Lyon currently serves as senior vice president for business administration at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.
University leaders said the search focused on identifying a Christian leader who understands TMU’s mission and culture and can guide the institution with integrity and vision.
“Dr. Lyon brings the experience, faith, and leadership needed to lead Truett McConnell University into its next chapter,” the board said in a statement.
Colleague calls Lyon a ‘steady hand’
Lyon has served at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary since 2019, first as vice president for enrollment and later as senior vice president for business administration beginning in 2021. In that role, he served as the seminary’s chief financial and operating officer, overseeing business operations, enrollment, facilities, human resources, and institutional administration.
During his tenure, student-generated revenue increased by more than $2.5 million, endowment investments grew by more than $17 million, and the seminary completed more than $30 million in campus renovations.
Before joining NOBTS, Lyon served as director of enrollment at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He has also taught as a professor of ethics, leading courses in Christian ethics, theology of sexuality and gender, and contemporary ethical issues at both the graduate and doctoral levels.
NOBTS President Jamie Dew said that although he is sad to lose Lyon, he is also excited for the excellent leadership he will provide to Truett McConnell.
“I’m thrilled that Dr. Lyon is going to be the new president of Truett McConnell University,” Dew said. “He is a steady hand, a calm voice, a kind leader and a man of deep theological and moral conviction. In addition to that, I’ve watched him lead large groups of people in two separate institutions now. Everybody that works for Dr. Lyon absolutely loves him.
Returning to his roots
A Georgia native, Lyon earned a Bachelor of Science in Christian Ministry from Shorter University. He later completed a Master of Divinity in Christian Apologetics and a Ph.D. in Theological Studies, specializing in Christian Ethics, from Southeastern Seminary. His doctoral research examined the public theology of Francis Schaeffer.
Lyon and his wife, Stephanie, have been married for 24 years and have three daughters: Anna Kate, Abby, and Maggie.
Lyon said he and his family are eager to return to Georgia and begin serving the TMU community.
“TMU has an incredibly bright future,” Lyon said. “Building on the legacy of faith and the Word of God, TMU is poised to continue to make an impact for God’s kingdom in Georgia and to the ends of the earth. I am excited to join the TMU family and begin building relationships with the people who have made TMU such an amazing place to study and serve.”
“My wife and I are excited to come back home to Georgia where we were baptized, discipled, and educated by Georgia Baptists,” he added. “I look forward to serving Georgia Baptists and helping raise up the next generation of leaders in our communities and churches. Go Bears!”
