October 1, 2026
CLEVELAND, Ga. — Truett McConnell University formally inaugurated Dr. Larry W. Lyon as its ninth president on Thursday, Sept. 24, during a ceremony held at the Benjamin F. Brady Arena on its Cleveland campus.
Although Lyon officially began his tenure as president on April 1, the inauguration marked the ceremonial celebration of his leadership. Lyon joins Truett McConnell during its 80th year, a significant milestone in the university’s history.
Thursday’s ceremony brought together faculty, staff, students, alumni, government officials, church leadership, and the TMU Board of Trustees. Speakers offered words of support and encouragement to the Lyon family and the university, including Brian Akin, speaking on behalf of Dr. Kevin Williams, a trustee and chairman of the Presidential Search Committee; Brad Hughes, representing Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp; U.S. Rep. Andrew Clyde of Georgia’s 9th Congressional District; Travis Turner, chairman of the White County Board of Commissioners; Cleveland Mayor Josh Turner; Rev. Andy Childs, assistant executive director of the Georgia Baptist Mission Board; Jenna Colvin, president of the Georgia Independent Colleges Association; TMU faculty and staff representative Kamille Gauntt; student representative Nathan Bowen; and alumni representative Andrea Gray.
Chad Gilbert, senior pastor of First Baptist Church New Orleans, charged the Lyon family to love God, one another, and the community as they step into this new season of leadership. Lyon’s daughters, Anna Kate, Abigail, and Maggie, read passages of Scripture. Dr. Jamie Dew, president of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, charged and encouraged Lyon to walk faithfully in the Lord’s calling for TMU.
Dr. Robby Foster, chairman of the TMU Board of Trustees, presented Lyon with the Presidential Medallion, followed by Lyon’s signing of the Baptist Faith and Message 2000.
Prior to his appointment, Lyon served as the senior vice president for business administration at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He previously served as the vice president for enrollment at NOBTS and the director of enrollment at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.
In his inaugural address, Lyon emphasized a deep belief in Truett McConnell University’s legacy, mission, and future. “An inauguration can look like the celebration of a person. It is not. Today is about stewardship,” he said.
Looking toward the future of Truett McConnell, Lyon emphasized that the university’s mission and legacy belong first to Christ. “It does not belong to the president, the Trustees, the faculty, or the alumni. Truett McConnell University belongs to Christ. We are but its stewards,” he said.
Lyon cast a hopeful vision for TMU’s future, rooted in Biblical fidelity, servanthood, the Great Commission, and the Great Commandment, challenging the TMU community to faithfully steward what God has entrusted to them. “So, the first question is not, ‘What do we want Truett McConnell to become?’ The first question is, ‘What has Christ entrusted to us, and how do we steward it faithfully in our generation?’” Lyon said. He also shared his desire to see TMU students pursue excellence while using their influence to serve others.
“I want our students to excel. I want them to be the absolute best at everything they do,” Lyon said. “If God gives you influence? Serve.”
As he closed his address, Lyon returned to the theme of faithfulness that has marked his inaugural year and TMU’s 80th anniversary.
“For eighty years, through abundance and uncertainty, God has been faithful. And He will be faithful still,” Lyon concluded.
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