Bethany College Announces Melissa Woeppel as Dean of Spiritual Life and Campus Pastor

LINDSBORG, Kan. May 26, 2026 - Bethany College today announced Melissa Woeppel ‘15 as the institution’s new Dean of Spiritual Life and Campus Pastor, expanding her leadership role in guiding the college’s spiritual life and mission-centered student experience. This is a new position created to address the College’s commitment and vision for fostering whole-person development, strengthening spiritual engagement across campus, and further integrating faith, learning, leadership, and service into the student experience.

Woeppel ‘15, who has faithfully served as Campus Pastor for three years and is a Bethany College alumna, will continue leading worship, spiritual programming, and faith-centered engagement opportunities while taking on broader leadership responsibilities connected to the college’s mission and student formation. In this expanded position, she will help further integrate faith, learning, and purpose across the Bethany College experience.

“I’m excited to step into this expanded role, continuing to create space where students can ask big questions about meaning and purpose, where possibilities can be explored with courage and curiosity,” said Woeppel. “This is what Lutheran higher education has always been about. Jesus taught by asking, listening, challenging assumptions, and inviting people to see the world differently. That’s the model we follow at Bethany. Here, faith and learning begin with honest questions. Here, curiosity and spirituality belong together. Here, our mission is about forming whole people who can live meaningful lives of service, wherever that leads them.”

As Dean of Spiritual Life and Campus Pastor, Woeppel will continue fostering a welcoming and thoughtful campus environment where students of all backgrounds are encouraged to explore faith, vocation, service, and community. Her leadership reflects Bethany College’s commitment to whole-person education rooted in the traditions of Lutheran higher education.

“Melissa has consistently demonstrated a passion for students and a deep commitment to Bethany College’s mission,” said President Laura Crawley. “Her leadership has already had a meaningful impact on our campus community, and this expanded role recognizes the important work she continues to do in helping students grow academically, spiritually, and personally,” said Crawley.

Bethany College remains committed to creating transformative educational experiences that prepare students for lives of leadership, service, and purpose. Woeppel’s expanded role further strengthens the college’s dedication to nurturing intellectual curiosity alongside spiritual exploration.

About Bethany College

Bethany College (bethanylb.edu) is a higher educational institution located in Lindsborg, Kansas. Bethany College was established by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881. For more than 140 years, Bethany College has been dedicated to educating, developing, and challenging individuals to pursue truth and excellence while leading lives of faith, learning, and service. At Bethany College, 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.

CONTACT: 

Christie Denniston, APR

Vice President of Strategic Engagement

303-827-5164 

Bethany College

335 East Swensson Street

Lindsborg, KS 67456