Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary reaches scholastic promised land
.JPG "Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary is no longer on probation after fixing financial challenges that threatened the school’s long-term stability.")
Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary is no longer on accreditation probation.
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission board voted to lift the probation that was placed on the seminary in 2023 after a financial audit uncovered serious problems threatening the school’s long-term stability.
The decision comes two months after commission inspectors who’d toured the institution recommended lifting the sanctions.
“We are genuinely grateful to God to receive this good and encouraging report that all sanctions have been removed, which is an answer to the prayers of many,” Seminary president David S. Dockery said in a June 11 letter to the school community.
The board’s decision acknowledged the seminary’s work to right its financial ship including increasing revenue, decreasing expenses and selling some of its property, Dockery said in his letter.
The seminary sold an 140-unit Carroll Park complex to the city of Fort Worth in 2023 for $11 million, which was later developed into the Fort Worth Community Land Trust.
It also sold off a 376-unit complex across the street from its main campus in February to Fort Worth-based developer Bellrock Real Estate Partners for an undisclosed sum.
Southwestern Seminary continues to be one of the largest and best resourced seminaries among the 280 seminaries accredited by the Association of Theological Schools, Dockery said in his letter.
He credited a “team effort” among the seminary’s community for helping restore the institution’s financial health and standing with the accreditation board.
He also gave thanks to God citing Psalm 126:3 to state that God’s grace and kindness aided the seminary in its recovery.
This story was originally published June 12, 2026 at 11:02 AM.
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