Office of the President

Dr. Sam Smith serves as the eighth president of Mount Dora Christian Academy & Children’s Home, bringing more than two decades of leadership in Christian education, ministry, and community engagement. His career has been marked by a consistent dedication to equipping students for lives of faith, service, and leadership, and he approaches his role at MDCA&CH with the same passion and purpose.

A Proven Leader in Christian Education

Most recently, Dr. Smith served as president of York University in Nebraska, beginning in 2020. His tenure was defined by growth and transformation. Under his leadership, York achieved the highest total student enrollment in its history and successfully transitioned from York College to York University. He also guided the completion of the institution’s most ambitious fundraising campaign, exceeding goals and securing vital resources to expand academic and campus life opportunities. In addition, Dr. Smith oversaw major campus developments, including the acquisition of a new residence hall and the construction of a state-of-the-art wrestling facility.

Before his time at York, Dr. Smith spent 19 years at Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee. Starting as an assistant resident hall director and campus minister, he went on to serve in roles of increasing responsibility, including resident life director, associate dean of students, and dean of student life. These experiences provided him with a deep understanding of how to shape and support the holistic development of students in a Christ-centered environment.

Dr. Smith holds a Bachelor of Arts in Bible and a Master of Biblical Studies from Lipscomb University, as well as a Doctor of Education from Union University.

Ministry and Community Engagement

Beyond the university setting, Dr. Smith has served congregations in both Florida and Tennessee. His ministry experience includes roles as youth minister at Homestead Church of Christ in Florida and Central Church of Christ in Tennessee.

He has also been active in civic and professional organizations, including Rotary Club, the York County Development Corporation, and the York County Chamber of Commerce, demonstrating his belief in the importance of strong partnerships between schools and their surrounding communities.

A Vision for MDCA&CH

At Mount Dora Christian Academy & Children’s Home, Dr. Smith is committed to building upon a rich legacy while leading the institution into a bold future. He embraces the mission of educating, equipping, and empowering faith-driven world changers in a Christ-centered, loving community.

His leadership is shaped by Paul’s command in Ephesians 5:1, “Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children,” a verse that inspires his vision for the entire campus: that students, faculty, and staff alike would reflect Christ in the classroom, on the field, in the arts, and in every relationship.

Dr. Smith has expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve at MDCA&CH, noting that he is “deeply inspired by the legacy of those who have come before” and is committed to fostering academic excellence, faith development, character formation, and compassionate care for all members of the MDCA&CH family.

Family Life

Dr. Smith and his wife, Lisa, share a strong commitment to faith and family. Together they have three children: Brooklyn, who recently graduated from Oklahoma Christian University and was married in July 2025; Bear, an 11th grader at MDCA; and Boden, a 9th grader at MDCA.

As a family, they are grateful to be part of the Mount Dora community and are excited to invest in the continued growth of both the Academy and the Children’s Home.