CLEVELAND, Ga. (Feb. 2, 2026) — On behalf of the Board of Trustees, Truett McConnell University (TMU) is pleased to share important news regarding the leadership of the university. Following a thorough and deliberate presidential search process, the TMU Board of Trustees has officially appointed Dr. Larry Lyon as the ninth president of Truett McConnell University. Lyon currently serves as senior vice president for business administration at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (NOBTS).
Dr. Lyon was unanimously elected during a special-called meeting of the Board of Trustees held on Monday, Feb. 2, and he will officially begin his duties as president on April 1.
Throughout the search process, the Board remained committed to identifying a Christian leader who reflects the mission of Truett McConnell University, understands the culture of TMU, and is prepared to guide the institution with wisdom, integrity, and vision. The Board is confident that Dr. Lyon brings the experience and leadership necessary to lead Truett McConnell University into its next chapter.
Under Lyon’s stewardship, student-generated revenue increased by more than $2.5 million, endowment investments grew by over $17 million, and the seminary completed more than $30 million in campus renovations.
Before coming to New Orleans, Lyon served at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary as director of enrollment. He also served as professor of ethics at NOBTS, teaching courses in Christian ethics, theology of sexuality and gender, and current ethical issues at both the graduate and doctoral levels.
A Georgia native, Lyon earned a Bachelor of Science in Christian Ministry from Shorter University in Rome, Georgia. He later earned both a Master of Divinity in Christian Apologetics and a Ph.D. in Theological Studies with a specialization in Christian Ethics from Southeastern Seminary. His doctoral research focused on the public theology of Francis Schaeffer.
Lyon and his wife, Stephanie, have been married for 24 years and have three daughters: Anna Kate (20), Abby (18), and Maggie (11). Lyon expressed deep gratitude and enthusiasm for returning home to serve Georgia Baptists.
“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 that have made TMU an amazing place to study and serve.”
“My wife and I are excited to come back home to Georgia where we were baptized by Georgia Baptists, discipled by Georgia Baptists, and educated at a Georgia Baptist university,” Lyon added. “I am looking forward to serving Georgia Baptists and playing a part in raising up the next generation of leaders in our communities and in our churches. Go Bears!”
