The John Leland Center for Theological Studies Announces Rev. Dr. Kenneth R. Pruitt as President

The John Leland Center for Theological Studies Board of Trustees voted unanimously on Thursday, March 17, 2022, to appoint Rev. Dr. Kenneth R. Pruitt as its President. The John Leland Center for Theological Studies, also known as Leland Seminary, is located in Arlington, Virginia, a vibrant and growing part of the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area.

Pruitt succeeds Provost and Acting President Michael Hines who faithfully stepped up during the presidential search process which launched upon the retirement of former president William H. Smith.

The selection and announcement followed a search process led by the Leland Board of Trustees. The search committee was comprised of representatives from the Board of Trustees, faculty, alumni, and students.

Pruitt is in his third year of service on the Leland Board of Trustees. He is a Leland Board of Trustees officer, member of the Executive Committee, and is an adjunct Leland faculty member who teaches New Testament and Formation of Ministry.

“It is with much joy and anticipation that I accept this appointment as Leland’s new President,” said Pruitt. “After many years as a pastor and teacher, I look forward to advancing Leland’s mission to equip transformational leaders for the global ministry of Jesus Christ. Leland is strategically placed in one of the most important metropolitan areas of our day, and we stand ready as the seminary of choice for those in this region and beyond who hear God’s call as pastors and lay leaders—for full-time, bi-vocational, or volunteer ministry and service.”

Pruitt earned his Doctor of Ministry (D.Min) in Preaching and Theology from Baylor University, Truett Seminary, Waco, Texas; his Master of Divinity (M.Div.) with Biblical Languages from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, School of Theology, Fort Worth, Texas; and his Bachelor of Art (B.A.) in Religious Studies from Charleston Southern University, Charleston, South Carolina. He also studied for one year in the School of Religious Education at Southwestern Seminary with a concentration in Marriage and Family Counseling.

Before being called to serve as Leland’s President, Pruitt was full-time Senior Pastor at King’s Grant Baptist Church in Virginia Beach, VA. Prior to that, he had fruitful ministries in other churches in South Carolina, Texas, and North Carolina. In addition to his pastoral duties, as well as his teaching and Board duties at Leland, Pruitt is active in the Baptist General Association of Virginia, his local community, and speaking and leading seminary conferences in India.

“We enthusiastically welcome Ken as the new President. The Board unanimously supported the recommendation of the search committee following earnest prayer and a deliberative process,” said Board of Trustees Chair Donna K. Alexander. “Our confidence in Ken, his spirit of innovation, fresh energy, and clear vision of Leland’s mission, marks an exciting new chapter for Leland. Ken’s pastoral heart reflects our diverse community of students, alumni, partners, and the Church we seek to serve.”

Pruitt will transition to his new role effective March 21, 2022. His official installation service will be announced at a later date.

Pruitt and his wife Terry have three daughters, Nichole (24), Bethany (21), and Sarah Joy (9).