The Orlando campus opened in 1989 in a fertile field of population growth and church planting opportunities. Originally located in Maitland, RTS Orlando was the first accredited Protestant seminary in the state, and it soon became a hub of a growing evangelical community.
In 1999 the Orlando campus moved to its permanent home in the northeast quadrant of metro Orlando in the city of Oviedo. Situated on 65 scenic acres of a former orange grove on Long Lake, the campus attracts students from across the United States and around the world.
The Orlando campus is also home to the largest theological library in the state. It houses the Roger Nicole Collection, one of the largest private theological collections in the world, comprising over 20,000 volumes of books, periodicals, and antiquarian material – some dating back to the 16th century.
Since opening its doors, RTS Orlando has conferred over 1,800 degrees in divinity, counseling, biblical studies, and theological studies. Alumni serve around the globe as pastors, counselors, missionaries, church planters, educators, active duty chaplains, campus ministers, and lay leaders.
In 2018 the Board of Trustees moved to name the campus after David H. Lucas, long-time board member, benefactor, and instrumental strategist for the process to secure the Oviedo location that RTS enjoys today.