Trevecca president Dan Boone to retire after 21 years

By Lauren Steinbrook

News and Engagement Editor

Trevecca Nazarene University President Dan Boone announced he will retire in July 2027 after more than two decades leading the university.

A 1974 graduate of Trevecca, Boone became the university’s 11th president in 2005. 

According to a press release from Trevecca, during Boone’s time at Trevecca, the University grew from approximately 2,000 students to nearly 4,000 and expanded its academic offerings to more than 100 programs, ranging from associate degrees to doctoral programs. The university also invested more than $250 million in campus construction and renovation while strengthening its reputation for academic excellence and student support.

In an email sent to the university community March 19, 2026, Boone said he had informed the Trevecca Board of Trustees of his decision.

“Over the coming year, we will continue to serve Trevecca wholeheartedly as we celebrate where we are today and lay the groundwork for Trevecca’s next president. This was a slow, thoughtful, careful decision, and we feel at peace and fully confident that God will provide a dynamic leader who will carry on the incredible momentum Trevecca is experiencing,” Boone said in the email.

Boone said the university has partnered with FaithSearch Partners to lead the presidential search.

“The search will seek an experienced higher education leader who can build on Trevecca’s strong foundation while guiding the university in preparing the next generation of students, from traditional undergraduates to doctoral candidates and lifelong learners,” Boone said.

Over the next several weeks, FaithSearch Partners will begin consulting with the Trevecca community, including opportunities for students to share their perspectives as part of the search process.

Trevecca Board of Trustees Chair Dr. Brian Wilson commended Boone’s leadership in a university press release.

“We are profoundly grateful for the outstanding and visionary leadership of Dr. Dan Boone and his stewardship of the university with wisdom, competence and unwavering diligence,” Wilson said. “So much could be said about his accomplishments, from record enrollment to the addition of modern academic and residential facilities and dozens of new academic programs.”

Wilson added that Boone and his wife, Denise, are deeply valued by the Trevecca community and expressed confidence in the university’s leadership transition.

“The landscape of higher education in the United States has changed considerably over the past 20 years, and the role of university president is one of the most challenging anywhere,” Wilson said. “Yet, we are confident that the next leader will continue to move Trevecca forward.”

The executive committee of the Board of Trustees has retained FaithSearch Partners to assist in conducting a national search for the university’s next president. The firm will work with university leadership and stakeholders to develop a framework for the search.

Boone plans to continue serving through the 2026-27 academic year to ensure a smooth transition.

“Throughout my long relationship with Trevecca, I’ve believed deeply that the work of this university is part of God’s work in the world,” Boone said. “Trevecca is at an exceptionally strong moment in its nearly 125-year history, and I’m confident the next leader will continue building on that foundation.”

“Denise and I love you,” Boone added. “The privilege of serving you has been one of the greatest joys of our life.”