EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

American Baptist College (ABC), a distinguished institution founded nearly a century ago, invites nominations and applications for the position of its 11th President. This search, conducted in partnership with TM² Executive Search, represents a unique leadership opportunity at a college with an unparalleled legacy of educating transformative leaders who champion justice, ministry, and social change. ABC stands today at a pivotal crossroads: energized by its historic past, inspired by its mission, and committed to innovation and future growth.

The next President will be called to lead with strategic vision, spiritual grounding, intellectual acuity and administrative acumen. The individual must honor the institution's mission to provide a biblically based education that cultivates Christian leadership while driving innovation to expand ABC's influence in a rapidly changing educational landscape. Building on a foundation of faith, academic excellence, and activism, the new President will need to guide the college to greater levels of academic rigor, financial sustainability, community engagement, and institutional prominence.

This prospectus outlines the role, responsibilities, qualifications, and opportunities awaiting the next President of American Baptist College. Candidates should be inspired by the challenge to honor the college's storied past while preparing a new generation of leaders committed to faith, service, and justice.

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To learn more about the opportunity, download the prospectus by clicking here.

ABOUT AMERICAN BAPTIST COLLEGE:

HISTORY AND MISSION

American Baptist College was established in 1924 with the mission of preparing African American Baptist ministers for service. Sponsored by the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc. and the American Baptist Home Mission Societies, the College's founding occurred during a time of profound racial injustice, making its mission both revolutionary and necessary.

ABC's commitment to theological education, ministry preparation, and the promotion of social justice has endured through the decades. Notably, the College played a pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement. Alumni such as Reverend C.T. Vivian, Reverend James Bevel, and Congressman John Lewis helped shape a movement that changed America forever. Their prophetic leadership exemplifies ABC's influence far beyond the pulpit, reaching into the heart of public life and human rights advocacy.

Today, ABC remains committed to its mission: to educate, graduate, and prepare diverse students with a liberal arts and theological education for Christian leadership, service, and social justice in the world. Situated on a historic campus in Nashville, the College integrates theological training with a broad liberal arts education, equipping students to confront the moral and ethical challenges of the modern world.

These legacy challenges the next President to maintain fidelity to ABC's core values while embracing contemporary innovations in education. As ABC nears its centennial celebration, the new leader will have the honor and responsibility of reaffirming the College's historic mission while imagining new possibilities for its future.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The presidency of American Baptist College presents an extraordinary opportunity for a transformational leader to guide an institution with a unique legacy into a bold new era. This is more than an administrative role; it is a calling to lead an institution that has trained generations of prophets, preachers, teachers, and activists.

ABC's next President will be tasked with ensuring the institution's fiscal stability, expanding its academic programs, enhancing its public visibility, and fostering a student-centered, justice-driven culture. The opportunity includes leading a strategic effort to:

Grow student enrollment through innovative programs that respond to the needs of contemporary society and the Church.
Deepen relationships with local, national, and global faith communities, civil society organizations, and philanthropic partners.
Expand resources through strategic fundraising initiatives and grant opportunities.
Strengthen academic offerings through partnerships, online education, and interdisciplinary studies.
Foster a supportive environment for students, faculty, and staff, with an emphasis on spiritual development, leadership cultivation, and social responsibility.

The President will also have the opportunity to work with an engaged Board of Trustees, passionate alumni, and a network of denominational partners who are deeply committed to ABC's future. This leadership role demands creativity, courage, and a commitment to the prophetic tradition of "speaking truth to power" that has always defined American Baptist College.

ACCREDITATION AND ACADEMIC PROFILE

American Baptist College is accredited by the Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE), ensuring that its academic programs meet rigorous standards of quality and relevance. Accreditation affirms the College's commitment to continuous improvement and excellence in biblical and theological education.

ABC offers degrees such as:
Bachelor of Arts in Bible and Theology
Associate of Arts in Arts and Music
Associate of Arts in General Studies
Bachelor of Arts in Behavioral Studies
Bachelor of Arts in Entrepreneurial Leadership Studies

Through small class sizes and a personalized academic experience, ABC fosters deep intellectual engagement and mentorship. The curriculum integrates theological education with critical thinking, cultural awareness, and a passion for justice. ABC is a liberal arts institution with a Bible/Theology degree.

Recent academic initiatives include:

Expansion of online and hybrid course offerings to reach nontraditional and distance learners.
Curriculum revisions to incorporate leadership, community development, and social entrepreneurship.
Professional development opportunities for faculty aimed at innovative pedagogy and research integration.
Increased number of faculty members holding earned terminal degrees, with current research agenda such as Hebrew Bible, Ecological theologies, Addiction Studies, Conspiracy Theories & Digital Media, And Transformative Storytelling.
Toward becoming an Emerging Research Institution: Building science infrastructure which includes course such as earth science and environmental justice. Data Science curriculum work group is sponsored by the National Science Foundation, National Data Science Alliance.
Developing a minor in Data Science with emphasis on Data analytics.
Enhanced academic library with an increase in electronic collections and academic databases
Developed a visual arts concentration for the Music & Arts associate's degree.

The next President will work with faculty and staff to continue enhancing academic excellence and ensuring that ABC's programs remain responsive to the needs of today's students and society. The College's accreditation standing provides a strong foundation for programmatic growth and institutional strengthening.

STUDENT LIFE AND INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORT

At ABC, student life is a vibrant extension of the College's educational mission. The campus fosters a supportive environment where students grow spiritually, intellectually, and socially. Student engagement activities include:

Weekly chapel services and spiritual formation programming.
Leadership development through student government and student organizations.
Community service opportunities in Nashville and surrounding areas.
Partnerships with local churches and faith-based organizations for internships and ministry experiences.
Students have access to a telemed health/wellness solution.
Intercollegiate Sports-ABC is moving toward competitive Esports with entry into the Black Collegiate Gaming Association (BAGE), The Cxmmunity Foundation, and NACE, National Association of Collegiate Esports.
ABC SGA participates in leadership development, community building, community service, mental health awareness, and stress relief initiatives

In addition, students have access to support services that enhance their academic success and personal wellbeing. These services include tutoring, career counseling, mental health resources, and spiritual counseling.

The College is governed by an active and committed Board of Trustees whose members bring diverse expertise in higher education, ministry, business, and civic engagement. They support the President in governance, strategic planning, fundraising, and institutional advancement. The President will be expected to work collaboratively with the Board to ensure that ABC's mission is fulfilled with excellence and integrity.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES OF THE PRESIDENT

The President of American Baptist College serves as the chief executive officer and is responsible for the overall leadership and administration of the institution. The President reports directly to the Board of Trustees and is charged with advancing the College's mission while ensuring organizational sustainability and growth.

Key responsibilities include:

Strategic Vision and Leadership: Develop and implement a compelling vision for ABC's future that honors its history and responds to current challenges and opportunities.
Fundraising and Resource Development: Lead efforts to secure philanthropic support through donor cultivation, grant acquisition, and partnership development.
Financial Stewardship: Oversee budgetary and financial management to ensure fiscal responsibility, transparency, and sustainability.
Academic Leadership: Support faculty excellence, curriculum development, accreditation efforts, and academic innovation.
Student Success: Promote initiatives that enhance student recruitment, retention, and graduation.
Community Engagement: Represent ABC within the Nashville community and beyond, fostering partnerships that advance the College's mission.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Foster an inclusive campus culture that supports and celebrates diversity in all its forms.

The President must be an articulate advocate for the College's values and must lead with integrity, wisdom, and a commitment to faith-based education.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND CHARACTERISTICS

The ideal candidate for President of American Baptist College will possess:

A terminal degree (Ph.D., D.Min., JD; MBA or equivalent) from an accredited institution.
A proven record of leadership experience in higher education.
Demonstrated success in fundraising, financial management, and institutional advancement.
Deep appreciation for the African American religious and theological tradition and its role in social justice movements.
Strong commitment to student-centered leadership and academic excellence.
Exceptional communication, collaboration, dispute resolution and interpersonal skills.
Experience working with Boards, faculty, students, and diverse community stakeholders.
Integrity, resilience, creativity, and a commitment to innovation.

Ordination or significant leadership experience within a Christian tradition, particularly the Baptist faith, is preferred but not required.

NOMINATION AND APPLICATION PROCESS

TM² Executive Search is assisting American Baptist College in the identification and recruitment of its next President. Applications should include the following materials:

A detailed letter of interest addressing the candidate's background, leadership philosophy, and vision for ABC.
A current curriculum vitae.
The names and contact information of three professional references (references will not be contacted without the candidate's prior consent).

All nominations, applications, and inquiries should be sent electronically and in confidence through the APPLY NOW button below:

Priority Application Deadline: June 1, 2025

Confidential inquiries and nominations are strongly encouraged.

Inquiries and nominations to:

Dr. Dakota Doman, Managing Principal TM2 Executive Search (dakota.doman@tm2search.com)

Dr. Amanda Washington Lockett, Principal TM2 Executive Search (amanda.lockett@tm2search.com)

ABOUT NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE

Nashville, often called "Music City," is a vibrant, diverse metropolis known for its rich cultural heritage, entrepreneurial spirit, and welcoming community. As the capital of Tennessee, Nashville offers a blend of small-town friendliness with the amenities and opportunities of a big city.

Education and Culture: Nashville boasts one of the highest concentrations of higher education institutions in the United States, including Vanderbilt University, Belmont University, Fisk University, and Tennessee State University. The city's commitment to education extends into a robust public school system and numerous cultural institutions such as the Frist Art Museum and the Nashville Symphony.

Music and Arts: While Nashville is synonymous with country music, its vibrant music scene encompasses every genre, from gospel and blues to rock and hip-hop. The city is home to the historic Ryman Auditorium, the Country Music Hall of Fame, and countless live music venues.

Economy: Nashville's economy is dynamic and diverse, driven by sectors such as healthcare, education, technology, finance, and entertainment. Major employers include HCA Healthcare, Nissan North America, and Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

Community and Diversity: The city is known for its welcoming spirit and vibrant multicultural communities. Nashville's neighborhoods each offer unique character, from the historic streets of Germantown to the creative energy of East Nashville.

Faith and Service: Nashville is also a city of deep faith, with churches representing every denomination. American Baptist College's location in North Nashville places it at the heart of important social, educational, and religious networks that enrich student life and institutional partnerships.

Recreation and Living: With its lush parks, rivers, and greenways, Nashville offers abundant outdoor recreational opportunities. The city's cost of living is lower than many metropolitan areas, making it an attractive place for families, professionals, and students.

In short, Nashville provides an inspiring backdrop for leadership, innovation, and service-making it the perfect setting for American Baptist College's continued growth and impact.

ABOUT TM² EXECUTIVE SEARCH

TM² Executive Search specializes in providing exemplary executive talent acquisition consultation for historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), predominantly Black institutions (PBIs), and other organizations looking to attract highly qualified, motivated, accomplished diverse candidates at all levels of the administration. TM² Executive Search is committed to supporting the Black college community and developing the future of HBCU leadership. We use our combined experiences in higher education and executive search to partner with institutions to build highly effective and functioning leadership through increasing the quality of talent acquisition and developing strategic leaders. TM² Executive Search serves as the official educational talent search subsidiary of Thurgood Marshall College Fund. For more information about TM² Executive Search, visit tm2search.com.

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