4.13.12
President Ingle Announces Dr. Bill Hackett as SEU's First Provost

By President Dr. Kent Ingle

I am very pleased to announce that Dr. Bill Hackett will be the new provost of Southeastern University, effective July 1, 2012. His new role will be critical to the success of our strategic plan, our mission and our goals. I am confident that his passion for academic veracity and excellence, along with his vision and heart for SEU, will lead us to an even brighter future.

He was selected after a lengthy national search that included consideration of a number of highly qualified candidates. It was not an easy task, and my grateful thanks go to the members of the search committee for their care and insights in the process leading to this new appointment.

In addition, I also want to thank all of you who shared your thoughts and provided feedback to the committee during this process. The input from our faculty and students was invaluable in this decision-making process. In an online survey, the faculty ranked Dr. Hackett as their No. 1 choice to serve as provost. I heartily agree with their recommendation. I have no doubt that Dr. Hackett will serve Southeastern well.

The search was initiated in conjunction with our ongoing effort to restructure the university's organizational design, part of which is a change in nomenclature from vice president for academic affairs to provost. This change reflects our increased emphasis on academics.

As many of you know, Dr. Hackett has more than 24 years of experience with Southeastern. He has served the university since 1988, holding positions in teaching, administration, and student life, including a five-year tenure as vice president for academic affairs. He was again appointed interim VPAA in 2011. Dr. Hackett also has an extensive background in practical ministry. Prior to coming to Southeastern, he held positions as a senior pastor, an associate pastor, a youth pastor, and a college professor.

Dr. Hackett received his Bachelor of Science from Valley Forge Christian College. He also completed both his Master's of Religious Education and Master's of Divinity from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Additionally, Dr. Hackett received his Doctor of Ministry from Talbot Theological Seminary, Biola University.

Having earned the admiration and respect of students and his colleagues for his excellence as a professor and an administrator, it is a great moment to be able to make this announcement. Please join me in welcoming Dr. Bill Hackett as the very first provost of Southeastern University.

Blessings,