Larry Lyon elected president of SBC-Affiliated Truett McConnell University

Larry Lyon has been unanimously elected president of Truett McConnell University, following the removal of former president Emir Caner last year amid allegations that he mishandled reports of sexual abuse, Baptist News Global reported yesterday.

The leadership change comes as Truett McConnell, a Christian university in north Georgia affiliated with the Georgia Baptist Convention, continues to face scrutiny over how abuse allegations were addressed under prior administration.

Lyon currently serves as senior vice president for business administration at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, a school affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention.

In addition to his administrative role, Lyon teaches courses in Christian ethics, theology of sexuality and gender, and contemporary ethical issues, subjects that have drawn increased attention within Baptist institutions amid broader conversations about accountability and institutional response to sexual abuse.

A Georgia native, Lyon earned his bachelor of science in Christian ministry from Shorter University and later completed both a master of divinity degree and a doctorate in theological studies at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. His doctoral research focused on the public theology of Francis Schaeffer, a prominent evangelical thinker known for his engagement with cultural and ethical issues.

Before joining New Orleans Seminary’s senior leadership, Lyon served as vice president for enrollment at the same institution and previously held the role of director of enrollment at Southeastern Seminary. He is married to Stephanie, who serves as director of missions and ministry to women at First Baptist Church of New Orleans.

The announcement of Lyon’s appointment comes shortly after ten Truett McConnell trustees published an opinion piece outlining their minority view opposing Caner’s dismissal. Despite those objections, the board’s vote to hire Lyon was unanimous, signaling a desire among trustees to move forward under new leadership as the university continues to confront the fallout from past sexual abuse allegations.