Years of Turmoil Undermine Seminary’s Reputation
Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth faced a decade of instability following the 2018 dismissal of President Paige Patterson for mishandling a sexual abuse case. Patterson’s firing was the first in a string of leadership crises. A second president was ousted and later sued the school. Financial mismanagement revealed a $140 million overspending problem. Internal conflict and a Department of Justice investigation compounded the turmoil.
Dockery Leads Stabilization Effort
David Dockery stepped in as interim president in 2022, inheriting a school nearly out of funds. Within months, he helped the seminary pay off short-term debt and amass $10 million in cash reserves. Dockery, who previously led Union University and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, became permanent president in 2023. His leadership has been credited with restoring internal unity and trust among trustees and faculty.
Cultural Reset Sparks Internal Reconciliation
Dockery prioritized rebuilding campus culture, holding weekly prayer meetings, and promoting a “grace-filled” work environment. Faculty and staff were encouraged to set aside personal agendas and work collaboratively. Open meetings encouraged transparency, helping to repair fractured trust after years of leadership turnover and infighting.
Fiscal Reforms and Oversight Changes Take Hold
A new board policy manual was implemented to increase financial accountability. The seminary’s trustees released a 2023 report outlining two decades of fiscal neglect, with an average annual deficit of $6.67 million. Asset sales, including a 20-acre property sold for $14 million, helped stabilize finances. For the first time in years, the seminary is expected to break even.
Optimism Grows, But Challenges Remain
Southwestern’s enrollment has improved, highlighted by its largest graduation class since 2002. The revised M.Div. program aims to attract more students by reducing the time to completion. While supporters praise Dockery’s steady leadership and successful turnaround, critics note the seminary’s long road ahead to achieve true institutional health and regain broader trust.
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After Years of Crisis, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary Finds Its Path
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