Dr. Irving, who currently serves as Pastor of Woodland Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Hattiesburg, MS, will succeed Dr. Ligon Duncan, who has served as Interim President in addition to his role as Chancellor and CEO of RTS. Dr. Irving holds a Master of Divinity from Reformed Theological Seminary (2013) and a PhD from the University of Mississippi. He is the author of “Devote Yourself to Prayer: A Call to Pastors” (Reformation Heritage Books, 2023) and has served the church faithfully in pastoral ministry.

JACKSON, Miss. – Reformed Theological Seminary (RTS) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. David T. Irving as President of RTS Jackson, effective June 1, 2025. Dr. Irving, who currently serves as Pastor of Woodland Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Hattiesburg, MS, will succeed Dr. Ligon Duncan, who has served as Interim President in addition to his role as Chancellor and CEO of RTS.

Dr. Irving holds a Master of Divinity from Reformed Theological Seminary (2013) and a PhD from the University of Mississippi. He is the author of “Devote Yourself to Prayer: A Call to Pastors” (Reformation Heritage Books, 2023) and has served the church faithfully in pastoral ministry.

“We are delighted to welcome Dr. Irving to lead RTS Jackson,” said Dr. Ligon Duncan, Chancellor and CEO of Reformed Theological Seminary. “His pastoral heart, theological acumen, and commitment to preparing the next generation of church leaders make him ideally suited for this role. I have great confidence that under his leadership, RTS Jackson will continue to serve the church by providing excellent theological education in the Reformed tradition.”

RTS Provost Dr. Robert Cara noted, “Dr. Irving’s combination of pastoral experience and academic training will be a tremendous asset to RTS Jackson. His leadership will further strengthen our commitment to training pastors who are both academically excellent and spiritually mature.”

Upon his appointment, Dr. Irving shared, “I am deeply honored by this opportunity to serve Reformed Theological Seminary, an institution that has shaped my own understanding of ministry and theology. I look forward to building on RTS Jackson’s strong foundation and working alongside its excellent faculty to prepare faithful servants of the Word. My prayer is that we will continue to equip men and women who will serve Christ’s church with theological depth and pastoral wisdom.”

Dr. Irving is married to Sarah Grafton Irving, and they have four children.