By Dr. Scott Carson
Bro. Pitts and I conducted numerous assessments and developed strategic plans that might help the future of the college. He and I had the same vision and fervor for the future of the SBC. However, the Lord took Danny home in December 2016, leaving us all in shock and with questions about the next president.
I did not desire the role of president, because I knew the stress it placed upon the previous ones and that the president’s primary duties were being the face of the college and fundraising. I was little known locally at the time and was unskilled in fundraising activities. However, the Lord gave me a great deal of experience in the Army, assuming new roles with little training and with the expectation of figuring it out along the way to make the new mission successful. So, after much prayer, I took a step of faith into an unknown, trusting the Lord to lead the way, and I accepted the role offered by the Board of Trustees. To my surprise, I was accepted by a unanimous vote by the messengers of the churches of the BMA of Mississippi.
It has been quite the ride over the last eight years, and experience has proven that the hand of the Lord is upon Southeastern Baptist College. He presented opportunity after opportunity to stabilize and grow the college. Each one required a great deal of trusting the Lord to provide the funding, equipment and personnel to achieve them. But we stepped out on faith and the Lord provided every single time! Some things took longer than others, and on rare occasions, I admit I got it wrong. But, again, with Army training, I understood that a setback is nothing more than an opportunity to learn, reset, adjust, and move forward.
The Lord has been good to SBC, and I want to thank each individual and every church that supports this vital ministry of the BMA of Mississippi. God has used you to advance your college and revitalize its grand legacy.
Retirement Plans
With mixed feelings, but with assurance that I am in the Lord’s will, I have announced my retirement to the Board of Trustees. In fact, I discussed my pending retirement with the Board Chairman in April 2023, but he asked me to remain a little longer before announcing my intentions, which I did. The exact date for retirement is not set, but I foresee it sometime over the next year. I have prayed about it, and the Lord has reassured me of my decision. It is “mission accomplished” with the reset, growth, and financial stabilization of SBC. I look forward to passing the presidential leadership on to the next qualified person who will take the school to greater success as the Lord leads. Please keep the board members in prayer as they begin the arduous task of finding the next president of Southeastern Baptist College.
What will become of Linda and me? We are relocating to Huntsville, Alabama, in order to come along side my daughter and encourage our four grandchildren who are living there. (scott.r.carson@gmail.com)
(The full article appeared in the March 2024 issue of the Mississippi Baptist. Excerpts of that article are being reprinted here with the permission of President Carson.)
