Dr. David M Battle was elected President of Southern Methodist College in September 2022 and assumed the office on January 1, 2023. His diverse educational background enhanced his appreciation of John Wesley and the rich heritage that is found in the Articles of Religion.
Dr. Battle was born in June 1965 to missionaries Cooper and Dotty Battle in Bolivia, and spent his early years on the mission field in Peru. He committed his life to Christ at an early age.
The Lord began calling him to full time ministry during high school. He enrolled at Southern Methodist College where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree. After graduating in 1988 with a B.A., he went on to Evangelical Theological Seminary (graduating with a M.A. in 1991) and then to the University of South Carolina (graduating with a M.A. in 1995). In 1993, he began teaching at Southern Methodist College. In 1997 he began doctoral studies at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and was granted a Doctor of Philosophy degree (Ph.D.) in Old Testament History and Archaeology in 2003,
He has served as a faculty member at a number of institutions of higher learning including Southern Methodist College, Southern Wesleyan University, Claflin University, Grand Canyon University, and Cummins Memorial Theological Seminary.
He is an ordained Elder in the Southern Methodist Church. He has served as a pastor at several churches and currently pastors the Cameron Southern Methodist Church. He also serves as the Vice-President of the Eastern Annual Conference.
Dr. Battle is married to his wife of thirty-one years, Judy, with whom he has two sons: Wesley and Caleb. He enjoys Biblical research and writing, and cross-cultural ministry.