Southeastern University Appoints New Provost

Southeastern University President Kent Ingle announced April 13 the selection of William Hackett as provost, effective July 1.

Hackett has currently been serving Southeastern as the interim vice president for academic affairs. He is widely recognized for his dedicated leadership and charismatic teaching, and for his service to the academic community and beyond.

“Dr. Hackett understands Southeastern University’s mission, its unique position in central Florida and the world and its extraordinary opportunities,” said President Ingle. “He has a strong record of engaging students and working collaboratively and effectively with colleagues. Those skills will help us build an ever stronger faculty and continue to enhance the academic experience of our students.”

Hackett has more than 24 years of experience as an administrator and professor at one of the Assemblies of God’s most well-known universities. He has served Southeastern since 1988, holding positions in teaching, administration and student life, including a five-year tenure as vice president for academic affairs. He was again appointed interim VPAA in 2011.

Hackett also has an extensive background in practical ministry. Prior to coming to Southeastern, he held positions as a senior pastor, an associate pastor, a youth pastor and a college professor.

His awards and honors have included the Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award and the Honorary Chair of both Practical Ministry and Pastoral Ministry.

“I am honored that Southeastern University has selected me to serve as its provost. I look forward to continuing to work as a member of President Ingle’s team to build true community and shared governance. This is not meant to be the work of merely one individual, but all of us—faculty, staff and students—coming together,” said Dr. Hackett. “Southeastern is one of the most exciting educational institutions in the world, and I am privileged to be a part of it.”

Hackett received his Bachelor of Science from Valley Forge Christian College. He also completed both his Master’s of Religious Education and Master’s of Divinity from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Additionally, Dr. Hackett received his Doctor of Ministry from Talbot Theological Seminary, Biola University.

The search was initiated in conjunction with the ongoing effort to restructure the university’s organizational design, part of which is a change in nomenclature from vice president for academic affairs to provost. This change reflects the university’s increasing emphasis on academics, which is an integral part of Southeastern’s culture.

President Ingle was deeply involved in the search committee’s interviews of the three final candidates in the rigorous nationwide search. As part of the search process, candidates were brought to campus to meet with various stakeholders, including student and faculty groups. The faculty made their recommendations to President Ingle, strongly in support of Hackett.

Samuel Bennett, professor of education, led the search committee, composed of administrators, faculty and staff, along with a student representative.

“We were looking for someone who can take our university to the next level. As the chief academic officer of Southeastern University, Dr. Hackett, our new provost, will lead the charge in taking the university to new heights with our existing and future academic programs,” said Bennett. “The fact that he was selected from such a strong pool is testament to his excellent reputation and talents.”

Southeastern University has more than 2,500 students. It is a private, liberal arts school accredited to offer 45 programs leading to bachelor’s degrees and 10 programs leading to master’s degrees.