By Denise Etheridge
After a four-month search, Truett McConnell University announced Monday that the university's Board of Trustees named Dr. Larry Lyon as the private Christian school's ninth president.
Lyon currently serves as senior vice president for business administration at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, according to a news release.
“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.”
The board's vote to hire Lyon was unanimous, according to school officials. His official start date at TMU is April 1.
Lyon succeeds former TMU president Dr. Emir Caner, who had led the university for 17 years until his ouster last September. Dr. John Yarbrough served as acting president after Caner was placed on administrative leave. Caner's separation from the school came after trustees heard the findings of an investigation into sexual abuse and cover-up allegations.
Former TMU student-athlete Hayle Swinson had alleged longtime administrator Bradley Reynolds – who left the university in 2024 – manipulated and abused her for years.
Reynolds, who was indicted on three counts of making false statements to law enforcement, surrendered to the White County Sheriff's Office last December and bonded out on a $30,000 bond. A trial date has not yet been announced.
Lyon’s qualifications
Lyon served New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary for seven years, first as vice president for enrollment and later as senior vice president for business administration. He was a member of the president’s executive cabinet and served as the institution’s chief financial and operating officer.
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, according to the news release.
Lyon previously served at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, N.C., as director of enrollment. He was a professor of ethics and taught theology of sexuality and gender and current ethical issues at the graduate and doctoral levels.
“Today is a great day for Truett McConnell University with the calling of Larry Lyon as their new president,” said SBTS president Danny Akin in a Facebook post. “Dr. Lyon is an incredible man with a wonderful family. He combines the essential qualities of a leader, theologian, pastor, evangelist and missionary. I truly believe the best days for TMU are just ahead!”
A Georgia native, Lyon earned a bachelor of science in Christian Ministry from Shorter University in Rome. He has a master of divinity in Christian apologetics and a Ph.D. in theological studies with a specialization in Christian ethics from Southeastern Seminary.
Lyon and his wife, Stephanie, have been married for 24 years and have three daughters.