CHARLOTTE, NC – Reformed Theological Seminary (RTS) announced that its Executive Committee has officially approved Dr. Richard Belcher’s appointment as Academic Dean for both RTS Dallas and RTS Houston, effective immediately. This expanded role adds to his current responsibilities as Academic Dean at RTS Atlanta and Professor of Old Testament at RTS Charlotte.
Dr. Belcher will now serve in the unique capacity of Academic Dean for three RTS campuses – Atlanta, Dallas, and Houston – while continuing his distinguished teaching career in Old Testament studies. This appointment reflects RTS’s commitment to academic excellence and strategic leadership across its expanding network of seminaries.
“I am deeply honored by the trust placed in me by the Executive Committee and look forward to serving the students, faculty, and broader RTS community in this expanded capacity,” said Dr. Belcher. “The opportunity to help shape academic programs across multiple campuses while continuing to teach is both exciting and humbling. I’m committed to maintaining the high standards of theological education that RTS is known for while fostering innovation and growth at each campus.”
The appointment comes as RTS continues to strengthen its academic programs and expand its influence in theological education. Dr. Belcher’s extensive experience in both classroom instruction and academic administration positions him well to oversee curriculum development, faculty coordination, and student academic success across the three campuses.
Dr. Robert Cara, Provost and Chief Academic Officer of RTS, commented on the appointment: “Dr. Belcher brings exceptional academic credentials and proven administrative experience to this role. His deep commitment to biblical scholarship and his track record of academic leadership at RTS make him ideally suited to guide our academic programs in Dallas and Houston.”
The multi-campus leadership structure represents an innovative, OneRTS approach to academic administration. It allows for greater coordination between RTS locations while maintaining each campus’s distinct character and community focus.
Dr. Mark McDowell, Executive Director of RTS Dallas and RTS Houston, expressed enthusiasm about the appointment: “We’re thankful to have Dr. Belcher’s academic leadership expertise available to our Dallas and Houston communities. His value of theological education and commitment to academic excellence align with our mission to prepare students for faithful ministry. This appointment will enhance collaboration between our campuses and strengthen our academic offerings.”
Dr. Belcher’s appointment reflects RTS’s ongoing commitment to providing world-class theological education while maintaining the personal attention and community focus that characterizes each campus. His role will oversee academic policies, curriculum development, faculty relations, and student academic affairs across the three locations.
Reformed Theological Seminary, founded in 1966, is committed to serving the church through training church leaders in Bible-centered, confessionally Reformed, and practically oriented graduate theological education.