Dan Boone, president of Trevecca Nazarene University, announced Thursday that he will retire after more than 20 years at the helm of the Nashville Christian university. Boone, a Trevecca graduate who became the school's 11th president in 2005, said in a press release that he has "felt a deep peace that my season as president is drawing to a close" and plans to remain in the role through the 2026–2027 academic year.
As reported by WSMV, the university's executive committee has retained FaithSearch Partners to conduct a nationwide search for Boone's replacement. Andy Westmoreland of FaithSearch said the firm will "explore the nuances of the presidency" and look for candidates with experience leading higher-education institutions, according to the announcement.
A Long Run on the Hill
Boone's tenure has coincided with notable institutional growth. Combined undergraduate and graduate enrollment climbed sharply, the school added dozens of degree programs, and officials say campus improvements during his presidency have totaled in the hundreds of millions. Those figures and project highlights are detailed by Trevecca Nazarene University, which points to additions such as a new health sciences building and a recently completed residence hall.
Search for a Successor
Boone told the university he felt the timing was right and will continue to lead while the institution looks for the next president. The board's executive committee said it is seeking a leader with deep higher-education experience and has asked FaithSearch Partners to assemble a national pool of candidates, according to Trevecca Nazarene University.
The executive committee plans to keep the campus informed as the search unfolds and said more details will be shared in the coming weeks.
Boone's Wider Footprint
A 1974 Trevecca alumnus, Boone spent decades in pastoral ministry before moving into higher-education leadership and has served in visible national roles tied to Christian colleges. The Council for Christian Colleges & Universities notes Boone's recent service as a board member and as chair, roles that helped raise Trevecca's profile beyond Nashville; the university's leadership page also lists his long-running presidency and credentials.
For now, Boone's announcement starts the clock on a closely watched leadership transition at one of Nashville's long-standing private universities.
