Meet Our President

About the President

Dr. Charles Smith was born in Montgomery, Alabama, and came to faith in Christ at a young age through the faithful influence of his parents, Charles and Dottie Smith. Though his early ambitions were aimed at business, law and politics, God redirected his path during college—a time marked by theological study, spiritual growth and a growing conviction that God was calling him into the ministry.

Following that call, Dr. Smith earned his Master of Divinity from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and later completed his PhD in Organizational Leadership at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2020. Over the years, he has served in a variety of leadership roles in theological education, most recently as Senior Vice President for Institutional Relations at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and Spurgeon College.

During his 11-year tenure at Midwestern, Dr. Smith provided oversight for a broad range of institutional functions—from advancement and enrollment to student life and communications. He also served as Assistant Professor of Christian Leadership, teaching at the undergraduate, graduate and doctoral levels, and designed Midwestern’s PhD in Christian Leadership. During his time at Midwestern, the seminary experienced significant growth in enrollment and charitable giving, emerging as one of the fastest-growing schools in North America.

On March 21, 2024, Dr. Smith was unanimously elected as the sixth president of the University of Mobile. As president, he brings a clear vision for the university’s future—one rooted in a commitment to Christ-centered education and a desire to multiply Kingdom Leaders for the glory of God and the good of the world. 

Dr. Smith is married to Ashley, his high school sweetheart, and together they have three daughters: Ellie (15), Annie (12) and Susie (10). Their family is joyfully committed to the local church and to investing in the next generation of leaders who will carry the hope of Christ into every corner of the world.