Dr. Smith earned his Ph.D. in Historical Theology (Patristics) from Durham University in England under Professor Lewis Ayres, one of the world’s leading patristic scholars. He holds a Th.M. in Theology from Harvard Divinity School and an M.Div. from Reformed Theological Seminary, Charlotte. During his doctoral studies, Dr. Smith served as a Research Visitor at The University of Notre Dame.

CHARLOTTE, NC — Reformed Theological Seminary is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. D. Blair Smith as the next President of its Charlotte campus, effective June 1, 2025. Dr. Smith, who currently serves as Associate Professor of Systematic Theology at RTS Charlotte and Academic Dean for RTS Dallas and Houston, will succeed Dr. Michael Kruger, who has led the campus with distinction for 12 years.

“Dr. Smith brings to this role a rare combination of theological depth, pastoral wisdom, and academic excellence,” said Dr. Ligon Duncan, Chancellor and CEO of Reformed Theological Seminary. “His commitment to Reformed theology and his heart for preparing men and women for ministry make him uniquely qualified to lead RTS Charlotte into its next chapter.”

Dr. Smith earned his Ph.D. in Historical Theology (Patristics) from Durham University in England under Professor Lewis Ayres, one of the world’s leading patristic scholars. He holds a Th.M. in Theology from Harvard Divinity School and an M.Div. from Reformed Theological Seminary, Charlotte. During his doctoral studies, Dr. Smith served as a Research Visitor at The University of Notre Dame.

An ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church in America, Dr. Smith served for more than seven years as the Pastor of Adult Education at Fourth Presbyterian Church in Bethesda, MD, and as a part-time associate Pastor at Michiana Covenant Presbyterian Church near South Bend, IN.

“I am deeply honored by this appointment and grateful for the opportunity to serve RTS Charlotte in this new capacity,” said Dr. Smith. “This seminary has a rich legacy of equipping pastors, counselors, educators, and missionaries who faithfully serve the church worldwide. I look forward to building upon the strong foundation laid by Dr. Kruger and those who came before him.”

Dr. Bob Cara, Provost of Reformed Theological Seminary, expressed his enthusiasm for the appointment: “Dr. Smith has already distinguished himself as a scholar, teacher, and pastor during his time at RTS Charlotte. His expertise in historical and systematic theology, combined with his pastoral experience, makes him exceptionally well-prepared to lead our Charlotte campus. We are confident that under his leadership, RTS Charlotte will continue to excel in its mission of training faithful servants of Christ’s church.”

Dr. Smith is a respected scholar whose forthcoming publications include “Our Father in Heaven: Rediscovering and Embracing the Fatherhood of God” (Crossway), “Reformed Confessionalism” (P&R), and “One God Almighty: The Biblical Doctrine of the Triune God” (Lexham Press). He recently co-edited “Generation to Generation: Essays in Honor of Douglas F. Kelly” (Mentor, 2023).

Dr. Smith and his wife, Lisa, have six children.