Bethany College Announces Appointment of Dr. Tash Smith as Provost

LINDSBORG, Kan. October 5, 2026 – Bethany College today announced the appointment of Dr. Tash 

Smith as its new Provost for the college. Dr. Smith previously served in the role of Academic Dean. In 

his new role, Dr. Smith will provide academic leadership across the college, fostering excellence in 

teaching and learning while supporting student success.



As Provost, Smith will serve as the College’s chief academic officer and provide leadership for 

Bethany’s academic programs, faculty, curriculum, retention efforts, Registrar, and academic priorities. 

He will work closely with President Laura Crawley, faculty and campus leadership to advance the 

College’s academic mission and strengthen the student learning experience.

Smith has served as Bethany’s Academic Dean, providing leadership across the academic division and 

working closely with faculty on curriculum, academic programming, and student success. In that role, he 

has been a visible advocate for the value of a Bethany liberal arts education and the importance of 

preparing students to lead lives of purpose, service and engagement.

“Dr. Tash Smith has demonstrated a deep commitment to our students, our faculty, and the academic 

mission of Bethany College,” said Dr. Laura Crawley, President of Bethany College. “His leadership as 

Academic Dean has positioned him well to take on this expanded responsibility. As Provost, he will help 

us continue building an academic experience that challenges students, supports faculty excellence, and 

prepares our graduates for meaningful lives and careers.”

Smith has also played a role in advancing innovation across the College. Most recently, he has been 

involved in the launch of the student success center, and the College’s efforts to thoughtfully integrate 

artificial intelligence into curriculum and institutional operations through the AI Center for Rural 

Initiatives.

“Bethany College has an extraordinary faculty and a community that believes deeply in the 

transformative power of education,” said Smith. “I am honored to serve as Provost and grateful for the 

opportunity to work alongside our faculty, staff, and students as we continue to strengthen the academic 

experience at Bethany College. Our work is ultimately about helping students discover their purpose, 

develop their gifts and prepare to contribute meaningfully to their communities and the world.”

During his tenure as Academic Dean, Smith has been involved in initiatives supporting academic 

achievement, faculty engagement and student opportunity. He has also represented the academic 

division in college initiatives, including the First 4U Scholarship, which connects Bethany’s liberal arts 

mission with leadership, vocation, service and opportunities for students from small communities. 

Smith’s promotion comes at an important time for Bethany College as the institution continues to build 

upon its academic offerings, strengthen student success, and prepare students for an evolving world 

while remaining grounded in its longstanding mission.

About Bethany College

Bethany College (bethanylb.edu) is a higher educational institution located in Lindsborg, Kansas. 

Bethany College was established by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881. For more than 140 years, 

Bethany College has been dedicated to educating, developing, and challenging individuals to pursue 

truth and excellence while leading lives of faith, learning, and service. At Bethany College, students join 

a community of dedicated educators and caring mentors who support them as they discover, explore, 

and navigate their purpose. Bethany College is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in 

America.

CONTACT: 

Christie Denniston, APR

Vice President of Strategic Engagement

303-827-5164 

Bethany College

335 East Swensson Street

Lindsborg, KS 67456