In its existence, Southern has called only nine men to serve as president. Each of the nine are notable, and several have shaped Baptist history. In the sections to the right, the leadership of Southern's presidents finds its just remembrance.
James P. Boyce, the first President of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, was born on January 11, 1827 at Charleston, South Carolina. Soon after entering Brown University in 1845 at age eighteen, Boyce professed his faith in Christ. He then proceeded to fall deeply in love when in Washington, Georgia at a friend’s wedding. Just two days after meeting Lizzie Fincklen, Boyce asked her to marry him.
