Founding Board Members
Dr. Jay Smith, President
A native Oklahoman, Dr. Smith holds degrees in music education and composition from Sam Houston State University and Howard Payne University; with advanced degrees from Baylor University, Regent College, Carey Theological College, and Trinity College at the University of Bristol, England. He is an accomplished educator, musician, composer, and theologian, and has taught at the middle school, high school, seminary, and university levels. He writes instrumental and choral music, and, has authored several books, chapters in collections, and numerous journal articles on the topics of theology and the church.
Initially a music educator and composer, Dr. Smith served as band director in several public and private schools in Texas and Virginia before becoming the Director of the United States Naval Academy Drum & Bugle Corps, and eventually, Lecturer of University Bands at Baylor University. Dr. Smith has arranged or composed over 700 pieces of music for band, choir and orchestra. He is the staff arranger for Montana State University Bands. He is in demand as a composer, arranger, and adjudicator throughout the country.
Since 2014, Dr. Smith has served as the President and Bridger Professor of Theology and Ethics at Yellowstone Theological Institute, in Bozeman, Montana. Dr. Smith was one of the founding board members of the Institute, and has seen it grown from seven initial students to over 30 resident students and another 27 extension students. He is married to Melissa, his wife of 36 years. The Smiths have two adult daughters, Catherine and Hannah.