Saint Leo University Names New Chaplain

ST. LEO, FL — Saint Leo University’s newest chaplain is no stranger to the school or the community. The Rev. Kyle Smith is an alumnus of Saint Leo and a graduate of Land O’ Lakes High.

Smith’s appointment as the chaplain of University Ministry was announced Monday. In his new position, he will serve to meet the spiritual needs of the university’s students, staff and faulty.

Smith was raised in Land O’ Lakes and graduated from Land O’ Lakes High. The former gator went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in middle school education from Saint Leo in 2007. He enrolled in St. John Vianney College Seminary in Miami in 2009, ultimately earning a bachelor’s degree in philosophy, Saint Leo announced in a media release.

After earning his second bachelor’s degree, Smith went on to the St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach to study theology. He earned his master of divinity in 2014 and became an ordained priest for the Diocese of St. Petersburg in May 2014.

Smith celebrated his first mass at his home church: Our Lady of the Rosary in Land O’ Lakes. He has also served as parochial vicar at Clearwater’s St. Cecelia Catholic Church.

“My first two years as a priest have been exciting and educational,” Smith said. “I look forward to joining the students, faculty, and staff of Saint Leo University this fall as campus minister.”

Photo of the Rev. Kyle Smith courtesy of Saint Leo University/Ben Watters