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 COLLEGE ANNOUNCES TEST OPTIONAL ADMISSION FOR FIRST TIME FRESHMAN FALL 2020
Apr 03, 2020
LINDSBORG, KS: April 8, 2020: Bethany College has announced that they will eliminate the requirement for an ACT and/or SAT score for first-time freshman applying for the fall 2020 academic year. Referred to as the test-optional approach, this aligns with the mission of the admissions department, who has always taken a holistic approach in review of the applications. Extending this approach to students without an ACT or SAT test score is timelier than ever in light of the ACT & SAT test cancellations, and additional complications created by the unforeseen COVID-19 pandemic. The Bethany College Board of Directors, cabinet members and faculty hope the test-optional approach will remove a barrier that might otherwise prevent a student from pursuing a degree in higher education. “It was important for us, as a college community, to adapt to the situation to reassure students that gaining access to a life-changing college experience that Bethany offers is still possible. Removing the barrier of the ACT/SAT score will help alleviate some of the uncertainties and anxieties that high school seniors are facing,” stated Matthew Pfannenstiel, Vice President of Enrollment Management. Acceptance through the test-optional pathway may include an interview with an admissions representative, as well as a writing sample. Students can submit their application through www.bethanylb.edu/apply.
For convenience, please visit our website www.bethanylb.edu for additional information and virtual options. Bethany leadership will continue to work on additional ways to remove barriers in its efforts to support prospective and current students as we move forward from COVID-19.
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.
Bethany College conferred degrees upon 99 students in Presser Hall Auditorium on April 27, 2024. The ceremony honored students who earned Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Music, and Bachelor of Music Education from the college during the 2023-2024 academic year. Summer, fall, and spring graduates were honored during a Baccalaureate worship service at 10:30 a.m. in Presser Hall, followed by Commencement at 2 p.m. Campus Pastor Melissa Woeppel led the Baccalaureate Service, and Rev. Lamont Wells, Executive Director of the Network of Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and Co llege and Universities (NECU). Gracelyn Gaskill '24, a chemistry and music major from Lindsborg, Kansas, provided special music for Commencement. Senior class speakers Inioluwa "Enoch" Ojo '24, a biology major from Katy, Texas, and Benjamin "Ben" Turner '24, a History and Political Science Major from Peyton, Colorado, gave thoughtful remarks on their time at Bethany College, taking time to thank their friends, faculty, and coaches. Dr. Brent Mai '85, Dean of University Libraries at Wichita State University, gave the commencement address, encouraging this year's graduates to go out into the world and exercise the four tenets of stoicism: wisdom, courage, temperance, and justice.
Interim President Steve Eckman commended the efforts of the faculty and staff in securing the grant, stating, "We are immensely grateful to the McPherson County Community Foundation for their incredible generosity. This grant will benefit our students and enrich the educational experiences available in the Smoky Valley community."
The newly appointed Presidential Search Committee will commence their work immediately, aiming to recommend a candidate for Bethany College's 16th president to the board by the April 2025 board meeting.