New Academic Appointments | Reformed Theological Seminary

The Executive Committee, at its meeting on July 21, 2005 made the following academic appointments, effective September 1, 2005:

Dr. Robert Cara to Full Professor of New Testament, RTS Charlotte, and Chief Academic Officer, RTS System
Dr. Mark Futato to Academic Dean, RTS Orlando
Dr. Mike Kruger to Associate Professor of New Testament and Academic Dean, RTS Charlotte

As you know, Dr. Frank James has been serving in two major capacities since the RTS System was restructured in June of 2004. Due to his heavy involvement in the accreditation process and the follow up that was necessary, it was important that he remain as Chief Academic Officer for a period of time. During that time, and in an effort to help Dr. James focus on his new duties as President of RTS Orlando, Dr. Robert Cara was asked to assist him in the duties of Chief Academic Officer until the appropriate time at which a new Chief Academic Officer would be named.

The time has come for Dr. James to focus his full attention on the important work of President at RTS Orlando and Dr. Cara has been appointed to step into the position of Chief Academic Officer for the RTS System.

Taking Bob Cara’s place as Academic Dean for RTS Charlotte is Dr. Mike Kruger. Dr. Kruger has recently been assisting Dr. Cara in his duties as Academic Dean for RTS Charlotte and is well equipped to carry on the work of academic dean on that campus. Dr. Kruger will serve under Mr. Frank Reich, the President of the Charlotte campus.

Dr. Mark Futato has been serving as interim Academic Dean at RTS Orlando and has now been appointed to the position of Academic Dean for that campus. He has served in an outstanding way as an interim and will be an excellent academic dean. Dr. Futato will serve under Dr. Frank James, the President of the Orlando campus.

In addition, we have made the following key administrative appointment. Mr. John Sowell has been appointed as the Executive Vice President for Extensions. John has served as the Vice President for the RTS Atlanta Extension for over five years. In his new position as Executive VP for Extensions, John will supervise all RTS extension campuses in the US until they become complete residential campuses. Providing leadership and administrative oversight, this Cabinet-level position serves as the administrative liaison between the Chancellor and the Seminary’s non-residential sites, through close collaboration with other RTS administrative and academic personnel. John has already been serving as a member of the Chancellor’s Cabinet as a representative of the various RTS extensions. He will continue to serve on the Chancellor’s Cabinet but now as a part of the Office of the Chancellor with a primary responsibility to guide and develop the RTS extensions.