OFFICE OF ADMISSIONS
J.E. and L.E. Mabee Welcome Center
800.826.2281 x 8113
785.227.3380 x 8113
admissions@bethanylb.edu
The Path to Your Purpose
BETHANY TEACHER EDUCATION PROGRAM PASSES ACCREDITATION
March 25, 2021
LINDSBORG, KAN., March 25, 2021 – Bethany College is pleased to announce that the Teacher Education Program was officially accredited by the Kansas State Board of Education on March 11, 2021, and will continue to be fully accredited until December 31, 2027. The program received high praise from the accreditation team having met all standards required by CAEP, the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation. The accreditation review occurs every seven years, and ensures the quality of the education program leading to teacher licensure for students who are wanting to teach in elementary, middle or secondary levels. Bethany was the first private college in Kansas accredited by NCATE in 1954.
Today, Bethany offers 11 teacher education programs in Art, Biology, Business, Chemistry, Elementary Education, English, Instrumental Music, Mathematics, Physical Education and Health, Social Science, and Vocal Music, including endorsements in Special Education and English Language Learners (ELL). Currently, there are 85 teacher education candidates.
Dr. Gretchen Norland, Associate Professor and Chair of the Education Department, was thrilled to celebrate this accomplishment after preparing for the accreditation for the past two years. “I am grateful for our education team, the teacher education faculty and supervisors, and the advisory council who have been vital to the program. We greatly appreciate the efforts of the campus, community, and school partnerships that continue to support our candidates with rich experiences. The students and alumni are the core and heart of the program – the purpose behind the fine work we have done together. This is truly a reflection of Bethany’s Education Program Vision: "We believe teacher education is a cooperative venture in building relationships and empowering candidates to be knowledgeable, skillful, and inspiring professionals who focus on the interests, welfare, and success of learners."
“The decision by the Kansas State Board of Education is evidence of the effort of the Education Department faculty to continue to strive for excellence in their program. I am proud of their hard work over the years and their continued dedication to prepare our students for success after graduation,” said Dr. Elizabeth Mauch, Bethany College President.
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 located in Lindsborg, Kansas, the fine arts and crafts capital of the state. Find us online at www.bethanylb.edu.
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.
"We are excited to welcome Coach Cockrum to the Swedes Family," said Dean of Athletics, Laura Moreno. "His experiences from being an assistant at a variety of levels, from NCAA Division 2 to NAIA to high school, have prepared him to take this opportunity head-on. "
LINDSBORG, KS. MAR. 6, 2025 — Bethany College has announced the expansion of its partnership with Hutchinson Community College (HutchCC) through a new 2+2 articulation agreement in Criminal Justice. This agreement provides students with a seamless pathway to earn an Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice Administration from HutchCC and transfer to Bethany College to complete a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice. This structured, cost-effective program equips students with the necessary skills and academic foundation for law enforcement, corrections, public safety, and legal studies careers. Bethany College Interim President Steve Eckman emphasized the importance of this partnership for students and their families. "Bethany College is committed to providing students with clear and accessible pathways to a meaningful career. This agreement with Hutchinson Community College is another example of how we are working to make a high-quality education affordable and achievable for students and their families. Criminal Justice is a field that offers stability, purpose, and opportunity, and we are proud to partner with HutchCC to help students take the next step toward a successful and service-oriented career." In December, the institutions announced a similar 2+2 pathway in Digital Arts, allowing students to complete the first two years of their education at HutchCC and earn an Associate of Arts in Animation. Students can then transfer to Bethany College for the remaining two years to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in 3D Computer Animation. The growing collaboration between Bethany College and HutchCC reinforces both institutions' commitment to providing students with accessible, affordable, and career-focused education. Bethany College Registrar Mark Bandré, who played a key role in finalizing this agreement, highlighted its impact, "Having this agreement in place provides Professor Rande Repp, Professor Laura Hultquist, and all involved in recruitment with another valuable tool to assist students in achieving their academic and professional goals. This collaboration ensures that students can transition smoothly between institutions, maximizing their education while minimizing costs." Both institutions will provide academic advising, guidance, and student support services to help students navigate their coursework and career aspirations. Bethany College and HutchCC will also promote this agreement to prospective students, parents, and educators. With a long-standing tradition of excellence in education, Bethany College continues to position itself as a leader in preparing students for meaningful careers. The college's Criminal Justice program focuses on hands-on learning, ethical leadership, and real-world applications, preparing graduates for diverse roles in the justice system. 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. Learn more at www.bethanylb.edu .