DR. WILLIAM C. HACKETT, JR. A TEACHER, A MENTOR, A FRIEND

Over the span of 33 years, DR. WILLIAM

“BILL” C. HACKETT, JR., ’19 (Ed.D.)

has served Southeastern University and its community with integrity. As provost and professor of practical ministry, Dr. Hackett has dedicated his time to students, staff and faculty alike. Following the close of the 2020-21 academic year, he retired from his position as provost and transitioned to the role of provost emeritus while continuing to teach classes on campus.

Dr. Hackett originally began his journey at Southeastern in 1988 as a full-time faculty member. Leading up to that time, he had not even been looking for a job as he was teaching at the Western Bible Institute, now known as Western Bible College, and pastoring a church full time in Phoenix, Ariz. However, a man named Dr. John Higgins, a connection he made in college through his Greek professor, had become the vice president of academic affairs at Southeastern and was looking for a new hire. He came across Dr. Hackett’s old application that had been sent in years before and remembered him. Dr. Higgins offered him the job, and Dr. Hackett was able to meet with his church board and take time to pray with them about making the transition. After receiving many affirmations from the Lord, Dr. Hackett accepted the position and moved to Florida with his wife, Judy, a registered nurse, and their two children, MOLLY OWEN ’94, ’13 (MEEL) and JOSHUA ’97, ’12 (MEEL).

Though he started as a member of the faculty, Dr. Hackett became the vice president of academic affairs after Dr. Higgins left Southeastern and continued to teach classes. When Dr. Mark Rutland became president of Southeastern, Dr. Hackett stepped down from the vice president position back into full-time teaching and into student development. For seven years, he lived on campus as a resident director for the South Apartments, now known as South Pointe. He eventually moved off campus but continued serving in student development for four more years while still teaching full time.

“Teaching has probably been my favorite role,” said Dr. Hackett. “Students give me life — that’s why I’m here.”

Dr. Hackett teaches practical ministry and Bible courses, and for the last 10 years he’s been honored to serve as provost under President Kent Ingle. Dr. Hackett typically teaches two classes a semester. This year he had the opportunity to oversee a few new courses under the master’s degree program in pastoral care and counseling. Out of all the classes he’s taught over the years, new and old, Homiletics is one of his favorites. “It’s just amazing to hear students begin to preach and see them in action,” stated Dr. Hackett.

One of the most significant things Dr. Hackett learned within the classroom was the importance of personal connections between professors and their students.

“I always say, ‘more is caught than taught,’” commented Dr. Hackett. “Students are going to remember you more as who you were as a faculty member — if you took time with them outside of class — rather than the content you taught.” As a long-standing professor, Dr. Hackett has seen many of the students he had at the undergraduate level go on to do great things or even return to Southeastern in administration or as faculty members. “It’s so special to see the fruit of your ministry as God works through you. I’ve been able to see some of my former students get into their divine design and really live it out,” he said.

In his spare time, Dr. Hackett focuses on his many hobbies and passions. Living on a lake has led to one of his favorite pastimes, boating and fishing, which he especially loves to do with his family. Every Sunday after church, Dr. Hackett and Judy get together with Molly and their son-in-law, DR. CHRIS OWEN ’93, ’06 (MAML), their grandchildren ETHAN OWEN ’19 and MADISON (OWEN) GADD ’20 and their spouses for a fun family meal. At times, they are joined by Joshua, his wife and their two children, Declan and Nora.

Exercise is another big part of his life, as he is dedicated to staying healthy and active. He also has a passion and great interest in cars, specifically antique vehicles. He has owned a total of 72 cars and 17 motorcycles in his lifetime.

Although Dr. Hackett is stepping down from his position as provost, he will still be actively involved in leadership meetings as provost emeritus. In the fall, Dr. Hackett plans to take on more classes and even get involved in other areas where he can serve the university.