Ricky Alexander attended Bethany College with a degree in Accounting and Business management in 2017. Originally from Lawton, Oklahoma, Alexander was recruited to play football and stayed after graduation when an accountant position opened up. “I hope to first focus on doing well in my new position of Interim Sports Information Director and secondly, I hope Bethany can come together and support one another in all events, sports, and music,” says Ricky. Ricky is currently pursuing his M.B.A at Kansas Wesleyan University.
Celebrating Black History Month
February 1, 2022
As we step into Black History Month, Bethany College wanted to recognize a few dedicated educators, coaches, and caring mentors who have joined our community to help our students find the path to their purpose.
Bethany College would like to celebrate Ricky Alexander, Interim Sports Information Director, Lorenzo Araujo Head Cheer and Dance Coach, Tyrone Carter, Dean of Student Success and Head Football Coach, Elise Carter, Marketing and Public Relations, Braedon Clopton, Assistant Wrestling Coach, Vincent Grigsby, Offensive Line Coach and Run Game Coordinator, Ruth Mbah, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Business, and Papa Assane Ndiaye, Men’s Soccer Head Coach.
Lorenzo Araujo was born in Santos Domingo, Dominican Republic, and raised in the Bronx, NY. After earning his degree in Business Management in 2010, Araujo attended Kansas Wesleyan University to pursue a Master’s in Business Administration. Similar to Ricky, he rekindled his love for football after his freshman year at Kansas State University. Lorenzo says “In the future, he hopes to bring the level of coaching to his athletes that they deserve.”
Tyrone Carter comes to Bethany from Los Angeles, CA. Carter attended Fresno State where he played football and earned his BS in Human Services Management from the University of Phoenix as well as his Master’s in Management. He is currently working toward his D.B.A. at Felician University. Carter found Bethany College through a job search and soon learned his wife Elise Carter had family close by in Salina. As the head football coach Carter will tell you his goal is to “win some games and graduate his students.”
Elise Carter is originally from Detroit, MI, and was born in Cleveland, OH. Elise has always had a love of singing and acting and made her way to California. She graduated from Fresno State, where she met her husband and earned a BA in Speech Communications. After twenty years working as an actress, it was time to find a more stable career and a move to Kansas. Elise began pursuing her M.B.A. in Marketing at Kansas Wesleyan University and decided to leave restaurant management for a more fulfilling career helping Bethany College flourish. In the future, Elise would like to see Bethany continue to grow and diversify.
Braedon Clopton was born in Champaign, IL, and attended high school in Newburgh, IN. After attending Briar Cliff University in Sioux City, IA he got his degree in Education and Psychology. As luck would have it Bethany was the first school to respond to his employment inquiry and Braedon felt he would enjoy working here. Brandon’s hope is to have a successful wrestling program, one that can win conference titles and have a few all-American/National Champions.
Vincent Grigsby also comes from Los Angeles, CA. Vincent attended California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo and earned his BA in English from National University. He is currently attending Goodwin College to obtain his MS in Organizational Leadership. Grigsby came to Bethany by way of an internet post for an assistant football coach and now hopes to put Bethany football back on top of the KCAC. Our second Grigsby on campus is Cherie who is the wife of Vincent and currently an assistant women’s basketball coach for the Swedes.
Ruth Mbah is originally from Cameroon, Central Africa. She attended the University of Buea | Buea, Cameroon where she earned her B.S. in Accounting, Amity University | Uttar Pradesh in India where she received her M.B.A. in International Business, and Southern University and A&M College | Baton Rouge, LA. for her P.h.D. in Public Affairs and Public Policy Analysis with a concentration in Public Finance Policy. Ruth found a job listing for Bethany on HigherEdjobs, applied and the rest is history. Ruth has published over 10 published articles ranging from the ethics and morality of the death penalty to Public Policy Perspectives of Student Loans and Debt. In the future, she would like to introduce the spirit of academic research and academic conference participation to her students. Ruth believes that research is important especially if there is a desire to further our education or hold important positions. She is also interested in teaching students the real corporate world and not just theory. Ruth shares, “By the grace of God, I have worked in several corporate institutions, and I intend to use my personal experience to get my students prepared for the real world; which can be very unfriendly if you are not mentally ready.”
Papa Assane Ndiaye joined the Bethany coaching staff a month ago and is from Senegal, West Africa. He graduated from Tennessee Tech University with a B.S. in Exercise Science then continued on to Kentucky University earning a Master of Science and Master of Arts degree. On a visit in 2021, Papa visited Bethany College with his Northern Oklahoma College soccer team and very much enjoyed his experience on campus. His future plan is to use soccer to promote the school worldwide with international students. He would also like the men’s soccer program to become the standard in NAIA. Last, Papa wants to create an environment where student-athletes will enjoy their experience and strive for greatness both inside and outside the field. Papa adds, “Black History Month is an important month and we must use this month to educate and teach. I would like also to express my gratitude to all those who paved the way for people like me to have opportunities like this one.”
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.
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.
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.