Evangelical Seminary Deans' Council Annual Meeting 2026

The ESDC Annual Meeting provides a forum for fellowship, networking, prayer, and mutual support among evangelical seminary academic deans. Members and invited guests gather each year in the Phoenix area, for what has become, for many "the most important meeting of the year."

Date: February 12-14, 2026

Pre-Conference Session: "Getting to Know the ESDC"

• February 12, 2:00-3:00pm
• First-time attendees, select this option when you register and plan your flights accordingly. This brief session will help you get the most out of the meeting.

Annual Meeting Schedule (detailed agenda):

• Begins February 12 at 3:15pm
• Ends February 14 at 11:45am

Registration Deadline: December 20, 2025

ESDC Statistics Report (members only)

Members are encouraged to participate in the ESDC Statistics Report! You can do so by submitting your data for the report through this online form. Note the following:

• The statistics report is an optional benefit for members. Only those who complete the form will receive a copy of the report.
• Online Form Link: https://forms.gle/AZbbvs6sHHDHaSkC9
• Questions about the statistics report or required data can be sent to christopher.rose@denverseminary.edu or office@esdc.community.

Submission Deadline: January 1, 2026

Omni Tempe Hotel at ASU

7 East University Drive, Tempe, Arizona 85281 (website)

• Room Rate: $309 USD (single/double)
• Ask for ESDC Rate
• Make reservations online. 
• NOTE: Our room block for Wednesday evening, the night before the annual meeting, is very limited. If the hotel has rooms available, the rate may be different. If you are unable to get a room at the Omni on Wednesday, please find other accommodations for that first night and make a reservation at the Omni for Thursday and Friday. That will help us meet our contracted sleeping room commitment. 

Reservation Deadline: January 21, 2026

Speakers

David Dockery, Ph.D. | Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary

Dr. David Dockery will be our featured speaker and banquet presenter. He serves as President of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary as well as Distinguished Professor of Theology, Executive Editor of the Southwestern Journal of Theology, and Director of the Dockery Center for Global Evangelical Theology. He is also serving as the President of the International Alliance for Christian Education (IACE). Prior to his current role, Dockery served as President of Union University and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School as well as the Chief Academic Officer at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He has authored or edited more than 40 volumes and contributed to more than 80 other books over his career. Dockery brings a wealth of leadership and academic experience within evangelical theological education, and we are honored to have him join us in 2026 to encourage and empower ESDC members in their crucial roles in the Kingdom. Dockery holds degrees from the the University of Texas (Ph.D.), Grace Theological Seminary (M.Div.), Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (M.Div.), Texas Christian University (M.A.), and the University of Alabama-Birmingham (B.S.). 

Emanuel Naydenov, Ph.D. | Association of Theological Schools

Dr. Emanuel Naydenov will provide the annual accreditation update from ATS. Naydenov serves as director of accreditation for ATS and is responsible for facilitating accrediting reviews, providing education and support to member schools about the process of accreditation, and providing staff support to the work of the Board of Commissioners of the ATS Commission on Accrediting. Prior to his current role, Naydenov served at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (TEDS) as director of the master’s programs and director of the MA in Theological Studies Program, and he led the Office of Extension and Affiliated Education. He recently served on the Board of Commissioners of the ATS Commission on Accrediting where he contributed to the work of the Global Awareness and Engagement Initiative of ATS. Naydenov holds degrees from Marquette University (Ph.D.) and Bethel Theological Seminary (M.Div.).

George Hillman, Ph.D. | Dallas Theological Seminary

Dr. George Hillman will lead an interactive workshop on best practices for faculty pedagogy in different educational modalities (e.g., in-person, online sync, online async, hybrid, hyflex). Each modality presents strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and challenges, and this workshop will engage attendees in discussion about what has been most effective in your contexts and how to use these modalities creatively and faithfully for robust student learning. Hillman serves as the Vice President for Education and Professor of Educational Ministries and Leadership at Dallas Theological Seminary. George came to DTS with years of pastoral experience in churches and parachurch organizations in Texas and Georgia. He holds degrees from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (Ph.D, M.Div.) and Texas A&M University (B.S.). George has a passion for education, spiritual formation, and leadership development.  

About the ESDC

The Evangelical Seminary Deans’ Council (ESDC) is a growing network of seminary deans who meet annually to support each other in their work of academic administration. Through speakers, workshops, prayer and dialogue on current issues, the ESDC provides a non-competitive environment of mutual trust and support. Chief Academic Officers, VPs of Academic Administration, Academic Deans and Associate Deans involved in academic administration are able to connect and build relationships with those serving in similar roles.

2025-2026 ESDC Members

• Beeson Divinity School
• Bethel Seminary
• Canadian Southern Baptist Seminary
• Central Baptist Theological Seminary
• CIU Seminary & School of Ministry
• Cornerstone Theological Seminary
• Covenant Theological Seminary*
• Dallas Theological Seminary*
• Denver Seminary
• Erskine Theological Seminary
• Gateway Seminary
• Grace Theological Seminary*
• The Master’s Seminary
• Moody Theological Seminary
• Multnomah Biblical Seminary
• New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary
• Phoenix Seminary
• Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary
• Reformed Theological Seminary*
• Regent College
• Shepherds Theological Seminary
• Southern California Seminary
• Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
• Talbot School of Theology*
• Trinity Evangelical Divinity School*
• Western Seminary*
• Westminster Theological Seminary (PA)
• Westminster Seminary California
• Wheaton Graduate School

*Charter Members

Questions? Contact office@esdc.community.

Refund Policy: Refunds up to 30 days before event. Ticketstripe's processing fees are nonrefundable.