Southwestern Advisory Council hears updates, looks to grow support base

The Southwestern Advisory Council (SWAC) of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary gathered on Seminary Hill for their meeting on April 15, with the desire to continue their goal of helping advance the mission of the institution and connect other donors with Southwestern.

“We’re thankful for your service in this advisory council,” President David S. Dockery addressed the council during an update and time of Q&A. “We’re thankful for your gifts, your support, and the many ways that you invest in Southwestern Seminary.”

Tom Cooksey, SWAC chairman and a Southwestern alumnus, said the goal of the council is to support Southwestern and Texas Baptist College in their mission of equipping students and to be an encouragement to the Southwestern community.

“One way we encourage is by visiting the campus, meeting students, staff, and the administration,” Cooksey said, adding they encourage with their giving as well. “We are committed to contributing financially for the purpose of helping meet the needs of students and other seminary needs.”

Dockery gave an update on progress made at Southwestern since the fall of 2022, pointing to key objective financial metrics, an operational revenue increase from $33 million to $37 million, a decrease in operational expenses from $42 million to $36 million, and the elimination of short- and long-term debt. And during that same time, Southwestern has seen increases in the non-duplicating headcount in enrollment, annual credit hours taught, and tuition revenue.

“This has been a team effort across the board,” he said. “First and foremost, it’s a divine-enabled effort. … It’s a Philippians 1:27 experience of people standing shoulder to shoulder, arm in arm, with a oneness of mind and heart to advance a particular mission. And God has poured out His favor upon us, and we’re grateful for that.”

Chandler Snyder, vice president for institutional relations, also gave a report to the SWAC members, saying they entered the 2025-26 fiscal year with the goal of raising $2.4 million in unrestricted giving. Already, with several months remaining, Southwestern has surpassed that goal with $3.1 million. Snyder expressed gratitude to the members of his team who had a hand in reaching that goal. And though he explained that number will likely not be reached every year, he said, “We are rejoicing in the Lord right now,” and “praying that the Lord will bless as we continue.”

Snyder also shared that the institution received a second grant from the Lilly Foundation for $871,000, to be used to train students in areas of applied ministry. He shared a goal of continuing to connect with alumni who can become donors or direct donors to Southwestern, as the institution hopes to continue to grow the endowment of the seminary.

“That’s going to take work, and that’s going to be sacrifice, and that is going to be intentional,” Snyder said. “But we know that vision and integrity lead people to sacrificial giving and investment. We know that’s the reality. We’re showing a culture of transparency and a culture of accountability, which sets the groundwork for the future vision that we’re going to ask.”

Cooksey said he was thankful for the good reports the council received about the financial health of the seminary and growing enrollment, and he was reminded to continue supporting those students with his gifts and encouraging others to give.

“I was encouraged when I heard of the work God has done in financially stabilizing our beloved seminary,” Cooksey said. “I once again met students who love the Lord. They are truly committed to serving the Lord wherever He may lead them. … As SWAC members we were challenged to invite others to join us in this vital work.”

At recent meetings, Bruce McCoy said members of the council expressed interest in how they can participate in recruiting new members and broadening the seminary’s support base. As a result of that request, McCoy led a session on fundraising with peers and how to effectively communicate seminary strategies in their respective spheres. He shared a six-month, “friend-raising” roadmap they could use, from May to October, to talk with their peers about becoming partners with Southwestern.

SWAC members also heard testimonies from students Soajoro Bosco, Journey Roddie, and Dillon Dunk, who shared about their time of equipping at Southwestern and Texas Baptist College and the ministries they plan to become involved in upon graduation.

Born in Madagascar, Bosco became a believer when he attended a Bible study led by Dean Sieberhagen, dean of the Roy J. Fish School of Evangelism and Missions, while on a mission trip to the island nation.

While being discipled, Bosco became aware of the biblical illiteracy in Madagascar, despite the many churches and even seminaries present there. With that burden to teach others, Bosco came to Southwestern to attend Texas Baptist College. He expects to graduate with his Bachelor of Arts in Humanities in December and is looking forward to returning to Madagascar to teach pastors and believers there.

“God just provided open doors, from one door to the other, for me to get here,” Bosco told the SWAC members, sharing about the scholarships and other graces that made it possible for him and his wife to come to Texas, where they have added two daughters to their family. “… Us living here has been just incredible because of God’s grace and God’s blessings.”

Attendees of the SWAC events had the opportunity to sit in on the plenary session of the Board of Trustees meeting, hearing reports about the institution and other business and updates. They also had a lunch with the 2025-26 student academic award and scholarship recipients.