Reformed Theological Seminary is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. D. Blair Smith as Academic Dean of RTS Dallas and RTS Houston, effective June 1, 2022.
In his new role, Dr. Smith oversees the academic administration of both Texas campuses, a position previously held by Dr. Guy Waters.
Dr. Smith joined the faculty of RTS Charlotte in 2016 and will continue there as Associate Professor of Systematic Theology. He earned a Th.M. at Harvard Divinity School and a Ph.D. in Historical Theology at Durham University under the supervision of Lewis Ayres.
In addition to his scholarly responsibilities, Smith has served on the seminary’s Academic Administration Committee and Quality Enhancement Plan Steering Committee and is co-editor of Reformed Faith & Practice, the RTS faculty journal, along with John Muether.
“As Provost, I am happy to have Dr. Smith join the Academic Deans’ Committee as a new Academic Dean,” shared Dr. Robert Cara. “Dr. Smith was my student and has been my professorial colleague for several years. He knows RTS well and will work to continue the winsomely Reformed ethos that already exists at RTS Dallas and Houston.”
Prior to his doctoral studies, Dr. Smith served as Pastor of Adult Education at Fourth Presbyterian Church in Bethesda, Md. He is currently the Adult Education Coordinator at Christ Covenant Presbyterian in Matthews, N.C. Past presbytery responsibilities include serving on the Candidates and Credentials Committee for the Great Lakes and Ohio presbyteries (PCA).
RTS Dallas and Houston Executive Director Dr. Mark McDowell said, “It is with some measure of sadness that we say farewell to Dr. Guy Waters, who leaves the role of Academic Dean in Dallas and Houston to take up the same position in Jackson. I can’t thank Dr. Waters enough for his service to Texas, but I also can’t think of anyone better to succeed him than Dr. Smith. Blair brings theological wisdom, pastoral sensitivity, and administrative experience to the role. He is known for investing deeply in students and I am excited that our students in Texas will be blessed by his fervent desire to see them equipped to serve Christ and his church.”
Markus Berger, Campus Administrator at RTS Houston, added, “Dr. Blair Smith is a splendid addition to the RTS Texas community. While Dr. Waters will be missed, there is no loss with Smith’s appointment. He will continue the duties of the Academic Dean with excellence. Our staff and students look forward to getting to know him.”
RTS has been preparing ministry leaders in Texas for over a decade. To learn more about the Houston or Dallas campuses, visit rts.edu/houston or rts.edu/dallas.