One of the nation’s largest seminaries is on probation after a regional accreditor raised concerns about its financial footing.

Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, has been placed on a 12-month probation period by its accrediting body following concerns tied to its financial health, though its accreditation remains intact as efforts to stabilize finances continue, the Christian Post reported.

On June 12, 2025, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, or SACSCOC, assigned the seminary a status called “Probation for Good Cause.” The sanction is the second most serious public action the accreditor can take. Loss of accreditation is the most severe penalty the agency can impose.

Despite the probation, SWBTS retains full institutional accreditation during the entire 12-month period, which lasts until June 2026. At this time, the seminary must submit a formal monitoring report to address the concerns outlined by SACSCOC. The accrediting agency’s Board of Trustees will review the report to determine whether to lift the probation, extend it, or enact another action based on compliance.

Leadership Changes Spark Financial Reform

The probation followed a leadership transition in September 2022, when then-president Adam Greenway resigned. His departure came amid questions about financial management, and a board-appointed task force later accused him of making inappropriate expenditures that they said did not align with proper institutional stewardship. The terms of Greenway’s resignation were finalized in February 2023.

Later in 2023, Greenway filed a defamation lawsuit against seminary leadership, disputing the claims. The legal dispute concluded in September that year through a settlement, which involved no financial agreement between the parties.

In June 2023, in light of the financial concerns and leadership turmoil, SACSCOC issued a warning to the seminary. That warning remained in place through June 2024, though concerns over board governance were resolved during that time. Still, financial issues continued to draw scrutiny from the accrediting agency.

Progress Amid Ongoing Scrutiny

David S. Dockery, who became president after Greenway’s departure, has overseen a series of financial improvements at the seminary since late 2022. Dockery acknowledged that the seminary did not meet accreditation requirements during the 2022–2023 academic year, particularly in the area of fiscal expectations.

Despite that, Dockery highlighted that the seminary’s financial situation in spring 2025 was stronger than it had been in spring 2021 when the school’s accreditation had been reaffirmed. In a letter to the academic community, Dockery stressed that although progress has been made, a sustained pattern of financial stability still needs to be demonstrated to fully meet accreditation standards.

Dockery reported in October 2024 that the seminary had moved from a position of financial instability to stability. He pointed to increased enrollment, higher tuition revenue, stronger donor giving, and lowered operational costs as key metrics underpinning that shift.

Financial Gains Since 2022

In 2022, SWBTS had $1.7 million in available cash and $4.2 million in short-term debt, reflecting its financial challenges. By 2024, the seminary had eliminated its short-term debt and reported over $12 million in cash reserves. Tuition and operating revenues had also grown over the same period.

Dockery stated that all academic programs at the seminary remain fully accredited despite the probationary status. He affirmed the institution’s intention to take seriously the concerns raised by the accrediting agency while continuing efforts toward lasting improvements.

“Our efforts will now be focused on ongoing stability as well as additional improvements,” Dockery said. He added that with God’s help, leadership remains committed to the progress already underway.

Optimism From Trustees Amid Challenges

Bob Brown, chairman of the Board of Trustees at SWBTS, expressed hope for the future. He pointed to rising student enrollment and dramatically improved financials as reasons to remain confident about the direction of the institution.

Brown emphasized that his optimism extends beyond numbers. “My optimism is primarily driven by the work of the Holy Spirit on Seminary Hill,” he said, describing a sense of renewed hope and unity among students, faculty, and staff.

Looking forward, the seminary will work closely with SACSCOC through June 2026 to secure a return to full good standing. The accreditor’s final decision will depend on the monitoring report and continued evidence of financial reliability.

Accreditor’s Expectations Going Forward

The seminary’s probation status means it has not met one or more core requirements or standards related to financial sustainability. Still, SACSCOC determined there were sufficient reasons to continue accreditation for now, citing “Good Cause.”

Next steps include providing evidence of consistency in financial operations. Potential outcomes after the 12 months include full restoration of good standing, extension of the probationary period, or—if standards remain unmet—removal of accreditation.

As of now, SWBTS continues its academic operations uninterrupted. The seminary’s leaders remain focused on resolving remaining issues and ensuring future stability in line with SACSCOC's criteria.