Bethany College Leadership

Bethany College is led by the president and the Cabinet, who work collaboratively with the Board of Directors to achieve the educational and institutional outcomes articulated in the mission, vision and core values. Governance processes incorporate participation from faculty, students, administration and staff through a variety of channels.

Dr. Crawley joins Bethany College as the 16th president. With an impressive career spanning more than two decades in higher education, Dr. Crawley most recently served as Vice President of Mission, Engagement, and Innovation at Lenoir-Rhyne University in Hickory, North Carolina, where she spearheaded initiatives that strengthened student success, expanded community partnerships, and enhanced institutional mission alignment. Her leadership was instrumental in increasing student retention, securing significant endowment gifts, and developing innovative programs to support both traditional and non-traditional students.


Prior to her role at Lenoir-Rhyne, Dr. Crawley held key leadership positions at the University of Georgia, including Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs and Director of the Gwinnett Campus. She played a pivotal role in expanding graduate education, fostering economic development partnerships, and implementing strategic initiatives that positioned the university for sustained growth. Additionally, her tenure as Director of the Executive MBA Program at Georgia State University saw a marked rise in national rankings and program expansion.


Dr. Crawley holds a Ph.D. and M.A. in Women’s Studies from Emory University and a B.A. with Honors in American Studies from The University of Texas at Austin. A dedicated advocate for higher education and community engagement, she has served on numerous boards, facilitated leadership development programs, and contributed extensively to academic and professional conferences.

Dr. Laura Crawley

President's Cabinet

Board of Directors & Trustees

To contact the Bethany College Board of Directors, email board@bethanylb.edu

Board Executive Committee

  • Cheryl Rasmussen, Chair
  • Rob Habiger, Vice-Chair
  • Marie Friedemann, Secretary
  • Becky Anderson
  • Nick Okeson
  • Jim Martin
  • Shane Reif
  • Paul Fishburn

Bethany College Trustees

  • Dr. Steve Eckman, Bethany College Interim President
  • Tad Doering ’81, Trust Chair
  • Scott Simmelink ‘82
  • James “Jim” Martin ‘68
  • Ryan Swartz ‘00
  • Cheryl Rasmussen '82


Begin the journey down your path.