CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Reformed Theological Seminary is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. James Anderson as Academic Dean of the Charlotte campus, effective June 1, 2023.
Dr. Anderson has taught theology and philosophy at RTS Charlotte for 14 years, serving for eight years as Academic Dean of RTS New York City and 10 years as Academic Dean of RTS Global. After more than 10 years, Dr. Richard Belcher will be stepping down as Charlotte campus Academic Dean in order to devote more time to the classroom.
“For the last decade, I have been so blessed to work with Dick Belcher as our Academic Dean,” said Dr. Michael J. Kruger, RTS Charlotte President. “The Charlotte campus is as strong as it’s ever been academically, and he’s played a large role in our growth. I am happy for him as he gets to return to his first love, teaching OT in the classroom. In addition, I couldn’t be more pleased to welcome James Anderson into the Academic Dean role. Dr. Anderson is not only a top-notch scholar, but a proven leader in his prior roles at the NYC and Global campuses. The future looks bright at the Charlotte campus.”
Dr. Anderson came to RTS from Edinburgh, Scotland, and is an ordained minister in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. He specializes in philosophical theology, religious epistemology, and Christian apologetics. His doctoral thesis at the University of Edinburgh explored the paradoxical nature of certain Christian doctrines and the implications for the rationality of Christian faith. His research and writing have also focused on the presuppositionalism of Cornelius Van Til, particularly his advocacy of the transcendental argument.
Before studying philosophy, Dr. Anderson also earned a Ph.D. in computer simulation from the University of Edinburgh. He is a member of the Society of Christian Philosophers, the British Society for the Philosophy of Religion, and the Evangelical Philosophical Society. Prior to joining RTS Charlotte, Dr. Anderson served as an assistant pastor at the historic Charlotte Chapel in Edinburgh, where he engaged in regular preaching, teaching, and pastoral ministry.
“I have greatly enjoyed my time as Academic Dean here at RTS Charlotte and it is without pause that I hand the reigns to Dr. Anderson,” said Dr. Belcher. “James has the necessary administrative skills, embodies the RTS ethos, and is committed to the Charlotte campus.”
Dr. Belcher will assume the role of Academic Dean of the New York City campus—a lighter administrative load that will allow him to stay in the classroom full time—and will continue as the Academic Dean for the Atlanta campus. Dr. Gregory Lanier assumed the role of Academic Dean for RTS Global on August 1, 2022.