Autry to Address Graduates at Spring Commencement on May 9
Posted on: April 24, 2025
Tigerville, SC — Dr. Brian Autry, Executive Director of the Southern Baptist Convention of Virginia, will deliver the Commencement Address at North Greenville University’s Spring Commencement on Friday, May 9, in Tigerville.
Autry has served in his current post since 2012, coordinating a partnership of more than 800 Southern Baptist churches. The SBCV has a stated mission to “come alongside local churches to advance the Gospel of Jesus Christ together to reach our neighbors and the nations.”
“We look forward to welcoming Dr. Autry back to campus,” said NGU President Dr. Gene C. Fant, Jr. “We have increasing partnerships with churches in Virginia and we are excited for the encouragement he is planning to bring to our graduates.”
Before moving to the convention leadership post, Autry was senior pastor of Parkway Baptist Church in Moseley, VA, for 10 years. He also served Kempsville Baptist Church and served as the state director for student ministries for the SBC of Virginia. Autry and his wife, Jennifer, previously served as missionaries for the Southern Baptist North American Mission Board in evangelism and church planting.
Autry has served as a trustee for Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and Liberty University. He is a graduate of James Madison University and earned a Master of Divinity degree at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He completed a Doctor of Ministry degree from Southern Seminary and a Doctor of Philosophy degree from Southeastern Seminary. He also is an adjunct professor for Southeastern Seminary and Liberty University, teaching Christian leadership and spiritual formation.
The Autry’s have three children and one grandchild. Their son, Mark, is a 2024 NGU graduate.
Autry is currently serving as President of Innovative Faith Resources, a media and financial services firm for churches and ministries.
NGU’s Spring Commencement will begin at 7 p.m. on May 9 at Melvin and Dollie Younts Stadium. Those unable to attend can find a livestream of the event at go.ngu.edu/commencement. More information can be found at ngu.edu.
