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The Path to Your Purpose
BETHANY COLLEGE BOARD OF DIRECTORS ANNOUNCES NEW PRESIDENT
August 12, 2020
LINDSBORG, KAN., August 12, 2020 – The Bethany College Board of Directors announced today, that by unanimous decision, Dr. Elizabeth Mauch has been appointed to lead Bethany College as its 15th President. Dr. Mauch has served as the Interim President since July of 2019 and is the first woman to be appointed to serve at Bethany College as President. "Dr. Mauch's tenacious work ethic and her commitment to transparency and openness make her the obvious choice to lead us through these trying times and into a bright future,” said Roper DeGarmo, Chair of the Board of Directors. Plans for a formal celebration will be made at a later date.
Dr. Mauch came to Bethany College as the Vice President of Academic Affairs. Prior to that, she served as the Dean of the College of Education at Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania from 2012 to May of 2017 and before that was Professor of Mathematics and Interim dean from 2009 to 2012. In May of 2018, the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board selected Dr. Mauch for a Fulbright award to Poland. In June 2019, Dr. Mauch went to Lodz University of Technology in Lodz, Poland and taught STEM faculty techniques of flipped classrooms, how to use these techniques for the types of learners educated at Lodz University of Technology, and the best methods for assisting them in understanding STEM subjects.
The Fulbright award was an extension of her research interest in the recruitment and retention of students in STEM disciplines. Her research in this subject began as an undergraduate at Moravian College where she completed an honor’s project on Cooperative Learning in Mathematics Education under the direction of Dr. Robert Mayer. While at Bloomsburg University, she continued her study as she led the Math & Science Resource Center. She broadened the vision of the center and enhanced science, technology, engineering, and mathematics educational experiences with STEM summer campus for local 5th through 12th grade students, and research-based training and development programs for local STEM subject teachers.
During her time as Dean of the College of Education at Bloomsburg University, she was able to work collaboratively with university faculty, regional school districts, superintendents, local politicians, and area business leaders to extend the initiatives she started as Director of the Math & Science Center. Starting as the STEM Magnet Program, her efforts led to what is now known as the Regional STEM Education Center. Dr. Mauch also customized a mathematics program with school districts and industry in the rural central Pennsylvania region, creating a successful rural STEM model.
One of her most significant responsibilities as Dean was to provide fiscal leadership in the on-going operations of the various programs. She worked to secure sustainable funding from regional businesses through a Pennsylvania tax program known as the Educational Incentive Tax Credit system, secured sustainable funding from Bloomsburg University and obtained grants for innovative new programming.
“I am humbled to have been asked to serve as the 15th President of Bethany College. Even though we are entering a semester with many unknowns, I am excited about the future of Bethany College.” Dr. Mauch is currently focused on the upcoming HLC visit that will happen in February of 2021 and maintaining a safe and healthy campus for the upcoming semester.
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. Bethany connects its past, present, and future with distinctive initiatives like the Good Life Scholarship, presenting all local high school graduates with a four-year, full-tuition scholarship to the college. Bethany College is on the Web at www.bethanylb.edu and is located in Lindsborg, Kansas, the fine arts and crafts capital of the state.
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.
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.
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.