Southwestern Seminary announces new academic and administrative leadership appointments

President Adam W. Greenway announced today his appointment of three individuals to key institutional leadership roles in the areas of Academic Administration, Institutional Advancement, and Admissions at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Travis H. Trawick is now associate provost, F. Edward Upton is now interim vice president for institutional advancement, and Lucas Hahn has been named director of admissions.

“These exceptional leaders will help Southwestern Seminary in delivering the very best theological education at every level for the current and next generation of Southwesterners,” said Greenway. “Travis Trawick, Ed Upton, and Lucas Hahn each bring proven experience and great skills to these offices, which will richly benefit our institution in every area these leaders steward.”

As associate provost, Trawick, who served as vice president for institutional advancement since 2018, will provide oversight for the areas of institutional effectiveness, assessment, and the work of the Office of the Registrar, while also serving as the liaison for the seminary with the accrediting agencies. In partnership with the deans, he will also oversee the work of the library.

“Travis Trawick is a gifted and conscientious administrator, with an eye for detail and an understanding of the importance of academic processes,” said Interim Provost David S. Dockery. “His loyalty to Southwestern Seminary and his relational approach to this new role will be an encouragement to colleagues and students alike.”

Trawick said he has “great enthusiasm” his new role in academic administration and the classroom. 

“Interacting with the incredible group of donors God has assembled at Southwestern Seminary since my service began in 2004 remains a special privilege and joy, yet I simultaneously cannot deny the Lord’s clear prompting and leading as I considered the opportunity to direct my time and energy towards theological education,” he said.

Since 2004, Trawick has served in multiple capacities in the Office of Institutional Advancement at Southwestern Seminary. He earned the Doctor of Philosophy and Master of Divinity degrees from Southwestern and the Bachelor of Science from Florida State University.

Upton, who will be considered for election to his position by the Board of Trustees during its fall meeting, came to Southwestern Seminary in 2020 as associate vice president for institutional relations.

“I am excited and humbled by the opportunity to step into the long line of Southwesterners who have led the advancement efforts of this institution,” he said. “I am thankful for the efforts of so many that have come before, but I am especially grateful for Dr. Trawick’s teaching and leadership throughout the year we spent together. I firmly believe that the best days of Southwestern Seminary are ahead.”

Previously, Upton has served at the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee; Cross Church in Rogers, Arkansas, and Neosho, Missouri; and Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, Texas. He earned the Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and a Bachelor of Ministry from Freedom Bible College.

With the naming of Hahn, the Office of Admissions is now part of the Institutional Advancement division of the seminary, Greenway announced. 

“Situating Admissions within Institutional Advancement maximizes the effectiveness of our outreach efforts on both fronts,” he said. “This strategic reorganization will position student recruitment and advancement to achieve their best results.”

As the “son of a pastor’s kid,” Hahn said he is “honored to be leading admissions and recruiting” at Southwestern Seminary. “I look forward to serving the many men and women called to pursue theological education on Seminary Hill by providing them with a premier admissions experience,” he added.

Previously, Hahn served in admissions roles at Southern Seminary, Missouri Baptist University, and Fontbonne University. He is also a former president of the National Association of Baptist Enrollment Professionals. Hahn earned the Master of Arts in Higher Education/Higher Education Administration from John Brown University and the Bachelor of Arts from Missouri Baptist University.

Trawick and Upton immediately assumed their new responsibilities, while Hahn will begin his service on June 7.