Bethany College Announces Selection of Presidential Search Committee Members

April 30, 2024

LINDSBORG, KAN. APR. 27, 2024 - Following a comprehensive selection process, the Bethany College Board of Directors announces members of the Presidential Search Committee appointed during their board meeting on April 26, 2024. The committee composition aligns with board by-laws, showcasing diverse viewpoints within the Bethany College community.

Dr. Rob Habiger ‘69, Vice Chair of the Board of Directors, leads the committee as Chair. Habiger brings a wealth of expertise from his career in management and technical roles at Conoco Phillips and Spectraseis, complemented by his unwavering dedication to Bethany College as a former visiting faculty member and current board member. He and his wife, Celeste '69, received the 2018 Bethany College Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of their service in and beyond the Bethany community.

Becky Anderson '69, secretary of the board and a well-known Lindsborg resident, will also serve on the committee. Anderson's background in development and public service, including her tenure in Bethany College's Advancement Office and her role as mayor of Lindsborg, enriches the committee with invaluable insights.

The committee is further supported by appointing committed board members Shane Reif '09, Paul Fishburn '91, and Dr. Marie Friedemann, each contributing unique expertise and leadership. Reif, with a background in human resources management, serves as Chair of the Board's Governance Committee. Fishburn, President of the Healthcare Group at Outlier, brings extensive experience in business operations and strategic leadership and will serve as the Chair of the Business and Finance Committee beginning July 1. Friedemann, Director of Jesuit Worldwide Learning at Regis University, offers over 30 years of invaluable experience in higher education and is currently Chair of the Student Experience and Outcome Committee.

The committee includes distinguished faculty members Associate Professor Marcus Hensel, Associate Professor Laura Jackson-Stenlund, and Assistant Professor Christi Wicks. Hensel, specializing in English teaching for grades 6-12, has received prestigious teaching awards. He has served at Bethany since 2014. Jackson-Stenlund, Chair of the Exercise Science Department, has made significant contributions to Bethany College's athletic training and exercise science programs since joining the faculty in 2011. Wicks has served Bethany since 2022 as an assistant professor of psychology and Title IX coordinator. Wicks brings substantial expertise to the committee.

Representing the staff, Tessa Peters '14, Bethany College Dean of Student Affairs, is committed to enhancing student well-being. Her contributions will be invaluable in ensuring student input throughout the search process. Peters is highly involved in the community and serves as co-chair of the Hyllningsfest Committee.

Laura Moreno '09, Dean of Athletics, will bring an understanding of the student-athlete, who represents 80% of the student body at Bethany. She brings a wealth of experience from her tenure in various roles within Bethany College's athletics department.

Jody Baker '84 devoted 31 years to elementary education as a teacher and principal. She was recognized as elementary school principal of the year in 2011 by the Kansas State Board of Education. Following her educational career, Baker transitioned into consulting, currently focusing on coaching school leaders in Missouri on implementing positive behavior support systems. She continues to be actively involved with Bethany College as a devoted member of the Alumni Council.

Additionally, the committee benefits from representing the Lindsborg community through Larry Van Der Wege '94, CEO of Lindsborg Community Hospital and 2023 recipient of Bethany College's Distinguished Graduate Award. The Kansas Hospital Association recently recognized Van Der Wege's exemplary leadership during the pandemic. His connection to Bethany College, Lindsborg stakeholders, and strategic visioning experience will be invaluable to the search committee.

Cheryl Rasmussen, Board Chair, expressed confidence in the committee's leadership, stating, "We are fortunate to have someone with Rob's experience chairing our search committee. I am very confident in his ability to lead the committee's work." Rasmussen continued, "We are also indebted to all of the talented members of the search committee for their commitment to Bethany College. This search is a vital undertaking, and the committee's work over the next year is crucial to the success of Bethany College."

The newly appointed Presidential Search Committee will commence their work immediately, aiming to recommend a candidate for Bethany College's 16th president to the board by the April 2025 board meeting.

Bethany College, established by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881, is a college of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The mission of Bethany College is to educate, develop, and challenge individuals to reach for truth and excellence as they lead lives of faith, learning, and service. At Bethany, students join a community of dedicated educators and caring mentors who walk alongside them as they discover, explore, and navigate the path to their purpose. Bethany College is online at bethanylb.edu and is located in Lindsborg, Kansas, the fine arts and crafts capital of the state.

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Bethany College Raises Over $168,000 for Student Scholarships

March 28, 2025

LINDSBORG, KS. MAR. 28, 2025 — Bethany College raised $168,167.87 during its annual Giving Day campaign this year, with every dollar going directly to student scholarships. The support ensures more students can afford a Bethany education and take part in the life-changing opportunities that come with it. This year, the Bethany Backers campaign ran separately. Combined, both efforts brought in a total of over $240,000, surpassing last year’s collective giving total and underscoring the strong support from the Bethany and Lindsborg community. “Both Giving Day and the Bethany Backers campaign have been an incredible success,” said Hayley Samford, Director of Alumni Development and Engagement. “We are incredibly grateful for the continued generosity of our alumni, friends, and supporters. We’re excited to use these funds to support the students who are here now—and those who will be joining the Bethany family soon.” If you are interested in giving and supporting Bethany College’s mission, please click here . Bethany College is a liberal arts institution located in Lindsborg, Kansas, and was established by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881. For over 140 years, Bethany has been dedicated to educating, developing, and challenging individuals to pursue truth and excellence while leading lives of faith, learning, and service. At Bethany, 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.

Former Governor John Carlin Speaks to Bethany Education Students

March 27, 2025

LINDSBORG, KS. MAR. 27, 2025 — Students in Professor James Baker’s Elementary Social Studies Methods class had a unique opportunity to hear from distinguished guest speakers, the Honorable John Carlin and Bethany College alumnus Ryon Carey '95, during a recent session focused on history, government, and education. The event brought together students from both Professor Baker’s course and Dr. Rana Razek’s class for an engaging discussion on the branches of government, the role of the U.S. Department of Education, and the importance of civic understanding in the classroom. Governor Carlin, who also served as the Archivist of the United States following his tenure as Kansas Governor, offered students a personal perspective on his career in public service and shared insights into the responsibilities of preserving key national documents such as the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights. His reflections underscored the value of historical records in shaping democracy and educating future generations. Ryon Carey, a 1995 Bethany graduate, also contributed to the discussion, offering his perspective on leadership and public service. “It was a privilege to welcome Governor Carlin and Ryon Carey to speak with our students,” said Professor James Baker. “Opportunities like this deepen our students’ understanding of the material and remind us all of the importance of connecting real-world experience to classroom learning. I’m incredibly grateful to both of our speakers for sharing their time and insights.” You can learn more about our Education Department at bethanylb.edu/education . Bethany College is a liberal arts institution located in Lindsborg, Kansas, and was established by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881. For over 140 years, Bethany has been dedicated to educating, developing, and challenging individuals to pursue truth and excellence while leading lives of faith, learning, and service. At Bethany, 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.

Bethany Backers Raises More Than $72,000

March 25, 2025

LINDSBORG, KS. MAR. 25, 2025 — Bethany Backers has achieved its most successful fundraising effort to date, raising more than $72,000—more than double any previous year’s total. Thanks to the generosity of over 200 donors, these funds will directly enhance the student experience at Bethany College. Each year, Bethany Backers selects a project based on student suggestions, with donations traditionally starting at $50. A portion of the funds raised also supports student scholarships. Past projects have included creating a mock courtroom for criminal justice students, adding additional seating in campus greenspaces, and purchasing games for common areas. The first project funded by this record-breaking total will be the purchase of new cardio equipment for the college’s fitness center, providing students with upgraded resources to support their health and wellness. Additionally, because of the unprecedented amount raised, Bethany Backers will be able to complete a second project, which will be determined through a vote among this year’s donors. “On behalf of the Bethany College Alumni Association, I want to extend my enthusiastic gratitude to every Bethany Backer who contributed to the 2025 “Swedes Around The World” campaign,” said Olivia Peterson, President of the Bethany College Alumni Association and a 2013 graduate. “This year marked our most ambitious project yet, and our alumni and friends exceeded our goals! Not only will this effort provide upgraded training tools for our student-athletes but, most importantly, it will encourage and motivate all students to move their bodies!” Peterson continued, “I especially want to thank Kelly and Alan Clayton for the generous $10,000 matching grant opportunity and Angie Gaeddert for her wonderful $25,000 gift in honor of her late husband, Dr. Wade Gaeddert. Their generosity inspired others to give and helped us fund the project in full. I am humbled by the collective spirit and commitment of our community. Bethany has shaped us all—and now, we’re ensuring that future generations of Swedes have access to the same transformative experiences. The future is bright, friends! Tusen täck!” The goal is to have both projects ready to launch when students return to campus this fall. Bethany Backers extends its heartfelt gratitude to all who contributed, making this milestone achievement possible. For more information about Alumni projects and how to get involved, visit bethanylb.edu/alumni Bethany College is a liberal arts institution located in Lindsborg, Kansas, and was established by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881. For over 140 years, Bethany has been dedicated to educating, developing, and challenging individuals to pursue truth and excellence while leading lives of faith, learning, and service. At Bethany, 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.

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