Holmes, Veldkamp Appointed as VPs at Reformed Theological Seminary

Phillip M. Holmes, Vice President for Institutional Communications
David S. Veldkamp, Vice President for Enrollment Management

(JACKSON, Miss.) — Chancellor J. Ligon Duncan III announced the appointment of two vice presidents at Reformed Theological Seminary, installing Phillip Holmes as vice president for institutional communications and David Veldkamp as vice president for enrollment management.

Holmes previously served as director of marketing and communications at RTS. He grew to know and love RTS during his time as a student at Belhaven University where he was actively involved in Reformed University Fellowship. He was mentored by RTS alumni Rev. Chad Smith, former RUF campus minister at Belhaven who now serves as a PCA pastor in Asheville, North Carolina and Rev. Elbert McGowan, former RUF campus minister at Jackson State who currently serves at Redeemer Church in Jackson, MS. He became acquainted with Dr. Duncan, who was serving as senior minister at First Presbyterian Church, Jackson.

“Phillip Holmes has transformed communications at RTS and expanded our vision for how to leverage the significant teaching resources of the institution for the benefit of more people than ever before,” Dr. Duncan commented. “As Vice President for Institutional Communications, his influence and ideas will stretch system-wide, and beyond. At the personal level, I love working with Phillip. He is a friend and encourager. I learn so much from him and love brainstorming with him.”

Holmes, who is currently completing his M.A. at RTS, says RTS has significantly impacted his theological and spiritual formation through the classroom and RTS alumni. He is also encouraged by the work that’s being done under Dr. Duncan’s leadership.

“It’s a tremendous honor that Dr. Duncan would entrust me with the opportunity to be the vice president for institutional communications,” Holmes said. “The office of communications is charged with stewarding the message, story, and experience of RTS. This is no small task. God has entrusted RTS with the distinct privilege of serving the church by preparing pastors, counselors, missionaries, and educators. As someone who has been deeply impacted by this institution, I’m convinced of the gift RTS is to the church and grateful I get to participate in what the Lord is doing here.”

Veldkamp is an alumnus, having earned the M.Div. degree in 2017. Prior to serving as vice president of administration at RTS Orlando, he served as director of admissions for the campus and brings more than a decade of experience working in admissions and higher education at various Christian institutions.

“I am delighted to welcome Dave Veldkamp into the institutional leadership of RTS,” Duncan said. “He has served us well in his significant roles at RTS Orlando, and now he will help support and encourage all of our enrollment efforts system-wide. Dave is a churchman, and an earnest, hard-working and gifted leader. His ideas and energy, and his heart to serve others will help us all at RTS, and be a blessing to our incoming students.”

Veldkamp takes joy in hearing how Christ has been pleased to use RTS alumni to build and shepherd his church.

“One of the richest things about working at RTS has been developing deep friendships with students, and then watching those friends go to minister the gospel all over the world,” he says. “The fields are ripe for the harvest, and I’m grateful to help the Seminary serve alongside the church in recruiting and preparing pastors, missionaries, counselors, and teachers to work the harvest fields.”

Holmes will oversee communications, marketing, and branding for all campuses and continue his role as editor in chief of Ministry & Leadership, the institutional magazine. Veldkamp will oversee recruitment, financial aid, and retention efforts for all campuses.

Holmes and Veldkamp will be two of three institutional vice presidents at Reformed Theological Seminary, joining Matthew Bryant, senior vice president of development.

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