South Hamilton, MA (May 14, 2026) — After seven years of  devoted and distinguished service as Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary’s seventh president, Dr. Scott W. Sunquist has informed the Board of Trustees that he will retire at the end of 2027. Dr. Sunquist  will continue to lead the seminary for the next academic year while the Board conducts a national search for his successor.

Co-Chair of the Board Daniel Vogelzang expressed the Trustees’ gratitude: “The Trustees are grateful to the Lord for President Sunquist’s unwavering service to the Seminary, his excellent leadership in challenging times, and most importantly, how he has modeled what it means to be a faithful disciple of Jesus. Dr. Sunquist continues to have the full support of the Board, especially in this time of transition.”

Under Dr. Sunquist’s presidency, Gordon-Conwell has been renewed and strategically positioned for long-term flourishing amid significant change in higher education. Key achievements during his tenure include:

• Expansion of online education and the innovative Life Together residential model;
• Global program growth in South Korea and East Asia, Brazil, and West Africa;
• Launch of a PhD program and other academic innovations;
• Operational streamlining and strengthened financial sustainability under the One Gordon-Conwell initiative, including the sale of underutilized property;
• Renewal of full 10-year accreditation by both NECHE and ATS;
• Redesign of the student experience and degree offerings; and
• Ongoing funding of multiple endowed chairs.

These accomplishments, driven by a strong cabinet and staff and world-class faculty, have reinforced Gordon-Conwell’s standing as a leading global seminary committed to high academic standards and deep spiritual formation. The seminary now counts a network of more than 13,000 alumni serving the church worldwide and is well-positioned for continued growth and sustainability.

The Board of Trustees has established a search committee to identify the seminary’s next president and to build upon the solid foundation established during Dr. Sunquist’s tenure.

Dr. Sunquist shared that he made this decision after prayerful discernment with his wife, Nancy: “We are deeply grateful for the Gordon-Conwell community. We move forward with confidence in what God is continuing to do. We are grounded in a strong foundation and trust in his faithful leading.” In retirement, Dr. Sunquist plans to continue contributing to the seminary’s high academic standards and global missional engagement, two facets of our strategic plan, through teaching, publishing, and leading in missiology. He also looks forward to spending more time with Nancy, their four children, and twelve grandchildren.