In 1833, Sears, then a professor in ancient languages at what is today Colgate University, visited Germany for studies.

[1] Having heard the story of Johann Gerhard Oncken, a German preacher who had recently become a Baptist and desired to be baptized in the faith, Sears made it a point to find and speak to him.

Sears was general agent of the fund from 1867 until February 1880 and was succeeded by Jabez Lamar Monroe Curry.

Sears travelled extensively throughout the south promoting Southern education, "free schools for the whole people".

"[This quote needs a citation] Sears served between 1855 and 1867 as the president of Brown whose Encyclopedia Brunoniana offers a more detailed biography.