DANIEL AKIN

As president of Southeastern since January 2004, Daniel Akin brings expository messages to students in chapel, visits student missionaries on the field in closed areas, leads the seminary in continued growth and commitment to its mission and teaches preaching and theology during semesters.

He is a well-known speaker, particularly on the topics of marriage and a biblical view of sex. He is the author of several books including: God on Sex, a commentary on the Song of Solomon and a commentary on the Epistles of John in the New American Commentary series.

Akin also served as editor of the recently-published A Theology for the Church, the first major systematic theology textbook published by B&H Publishing Group. It will serve as a textbook in many institutions and a handbook for church leaders and all believers.

After earning his bachelor’s degree from Criswell College, Akin earned his M.Div. from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and Ph.D. from the University of Texas at Arlington.

He is married to Charlotte, and they have four adult sons.

DAVID NELSON

A sought-after teacher and speaker at conferences and churches across the nation, David Nelson is always popular wherever he speaks. He teaches Christian theology at Southeastern and serves as senior vice president for academic administration and dean of the faculty.

Before coming to Southeastern, Nelson served several churches in North Carolina, Oklahoma, Texas and Virginia as minister of music and senior pastor. His passions for worship, sound biblical teaching and discipleship in the local church are evidenced in this leadership.

“It is a privilege and joy to serve among the faculty, staff and students at Southeastern. Since it is God’s desire to see the nations worship Him, I am grateful to labor at an institution devoted to equipping God’s people to make disciples of all nations through the ministry of the local church,” Nelson said.

Nelson earned both a bachelor and masters in music at Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, Texas, before moving to Wake Forest where he earned his Ph.D. at Southeastern. Since then, he received the Faith as a Way of Life grant from Yale University for a course focused on the study of faith and culture.

He recently participated as associate editor and contributor for A Theology for the Church, the first major systematic theology textbook published by B&H Publishing Group.

Currently, Nelson is editing the revised Holman Disciple’s Study Bible. His latest book on the doctrine and practice of worship is set for release in 2008.

Nelson and his wife, Kathleen, have three children.

James Merritt (October 2 Preview Day)

Saved at the age of nine and accepting God’s call to preach at twenty-one, James Merritt earned an undergraduate degree from Stetson University and his Master of Divinity and Doctorate of Philosophy degrees from Southern Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky.

He and his wife, Teresa, have been married for over 32 years and have three sons – James Jr., Jonathan, and Joshua, one daughter-in-love, Natalie, and one spoiled grandson, Harper. 

Steve McKinion (November 13 Preview Day)

Steve McKinion has experience in both the classroom and the pulpit, after earning degrees from Mississippi College, the University of Mobile, and King's College and the University of Aberdeen. He is currently an Associate Professor of Historical Theology and Patristic Studies at Southeastern.

In addition to his role at the seminary, McKinion also pastors New Covenant Fellowship in Raleigh, N.C. Prior to, he had pastored churches in Alabama, Virginia, Mississippi, Florida and Scotland.

McKinion is also the author of numerous articles and books, as well as the editor of several compilations. He edited Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture: Isaiah 1-39 and Life and Practice in the Early Church: A Documentary Reader, among other publications.

McKinion is married to Ginger, and they have three young children.