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.


More about the Presidential Search

Bethany College Baccalaureate and Commencement Speakers

April 2, 2025
LINDSBORG, KS. APRIL 2, 2025 — Bethany College is pleased to announce its Baccalaureate and Commencement speakers for the 2025 graduation ceremonies. Commencement Speaker: Kelli Krase, MD Dr. Kelli Krase, a 2004 graduate of Bethany College, will deliver the Commencement address at this year’s graduation. A native of Hesston, Kansas, Dr. Krase earned her degree in Biology from Bethany College before attending medical school at the University of Kansas. She completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. Dr. Krase has since returned to the University of Kansas, where she currently serves as an Associate Professor, Residency Program Director for Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Assistant Dean for Student Affairs at the School of Medicine. In her professional role, Dr. Krase has been a dedicated educator and clinician, shaping the next generation of doctors. Outside of her academic career, she enjoys traveling and spending time outdoors with her spouse and their two children. Baccalaureate Speaker: Ellie Dieringer Ellie Dieringer will serve as the Baccalaureate speaker, bringing with her a passion for social justice, faith-based advocacy, and international service. An advocate for gender justice and intergenerational equity, Dieringer is a graduate of Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Washington, where she earned degrees in Hispanic Studies and Global Studies, specializing in Development & Social Justice and International Affairs. Her journey has led her to travel extensively and engage in meaningful work with vulnerable communities around the world, including in Uruguay, Mexico, and Washington State.  Dieringer also served as a volunteer with the ELCA's Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM) program in Montevideo, Uruguay, where she collaborated with ecumenical organizations to promote fair treatment and social justice. Her work has also led her to serve as a delegate at the United Nations' Commission on the Status of Women and to participate in the Lutheran World Federation’s Women’s Human Rights Advocacy Training in Geneva, Switzerland. Dieringer’s commitment to lifelong-learning and service will inspire graduates to continue making a positive impact in the world. About Bethany College 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 College Welcomes Over 60 Guests for Annual Waffle Day Preview Event

March 31, 2025
LINDSBORG, KS. MAR. 31, 2025 — In its 15th annual celebration, Bethany College Admissions hosted its “Waffle Day” preview event on Saturday, March 22, coinciding with Lindsborg’s “Våffeldagen” festivities. The event invited high school students and their families to experience a “taste” of college life—while also enjoying a sweet slice of Swedish culture. Over 60 prospective students and families from four different states attended the preview day, which included a campus tour, admissions and financial aid session, a faculty-led academic presentation, and a student panel highlighting campus life. “For several years now, Våffeldagen has been a crowd favorite for both future and current students at Bethany College,” said Sabrina Wollenberg, Associate Director of Admissions and Financial Aid. “Lindsborg is a special part of many students’ college experience—including my own. Families may visit other campuses and not feel a connection to the town, but when they come to Bethany, they fall in love with both the college and the community. For this event, we want to highlight not just the campus, but also one of the most exciting days of the year, giving prospective students a true sense of Bethany. It’s more than just residence halls and classrooms—it’s a vibrant Main Street with local shops and a welcoming community. Plus, nothing appeals more to a 17 or 18-year-old than waffles!” The History Behind Våffeldagen “Våffeldagen,” or Waffle Day, is a Swedish tradition rooted in the Feast of the Annunciation, observed on March 25. The day’s original name, “Vårfrudagen” (Our Lady’s Day), over time morphed into “Våffeldagen,” which sounded similar in Swedish. The accidental shift became a beloved tradition of celebrating spring with waffles and gathering with friends. Lindsborg’s Våffeldagen has grown into a regional favorite, drawing visitors from near and far.This year’s planners for the downtown Våffeldagen event were Tara Killingsworth (The Ivory Thimble), Rachael Breen (Hairymolairys), and Samuel Finch (Blacksmith Coffeeshop and Roastery). The town-wide celebration features waffle-inspired treats and family-friendly activities all across Main Street. Bethany College invites students and families to return for three more hallmark events that showcase the college and community’s shared spirit: Messiah Festival of the Arts, April 11 & 13, 2025 Chalk the Välk, April 12, 2025 Svensk Hyllningsfest, October 17–18, 2025 These events highlight the strong ties between the college and the city, drawing visitors from across the country to experience the unique energy of Lindsborg and its beloved traditions. For more information on upcoming events or to schedule a campus visit, please visit bethanylb.edu/visit-campus To explore more about Lindsborg and its beloved traditions, visit visitlindsborg.com . 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 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.
More News