BETHANY COLLEGE BOARD OF DIRECTORS APPOINTS INTERIM PRESIDENT
July 26, 2019
LINDSBORG, KAN., July 26, 2019– The Bethany College Board of Directors has named Dr. Elizabeth Mauch to serve as interim president of Bethany College effective July 26. Dr. Mauch currently serves as vice president of academic affairs and was named acting president on July 8, 2019.
“Dr. Mauch is uniquely positioned and qualified to lead us seamlessly into the fast-approaching 2019-20 academic year and beyond,” said Board Chair, Roper DeGarmo ’00.
Dr. Mauch previously served as Dean of the College of Education at Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, from 2012 to May of 2017 and before that was Professor of Mathematics, and interim dean from 2009 to 2012.
In October, 2017, she was placed on the Fulbright Specialist Roster to be matched with projects designed by host institutions in over 150 countries globally. The Fulbright Program aims to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries. Fullbright alumni include 57 Nobel Laureates, 82 Pulitzer Prize winners, 70 MacArthur Fellows, 16 Presidential Medal of Freedom recipients, and thousands of leaders across the private, public and non-profit sectors.
In May, 2018, the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board selected Dr. Mauch for a Fulbright award to Poland and Dr. Mauch went to Lodz University of Technology in Lodz, Poland, as a Fulbright scholar in June of 2019. She taught STEM faculty members the techniques of flipped classrooms, how to use these techniques for the types of learners the Lodz University of Technology educates and the best methods to assisting them in understanding STEM subjects.
The Fulbright award was an extension of her research interest in the recruitment and retention of students in STEM disciplines. Her research in this area began as an undergraduate at Moravian College where she completed an honor’s project on Cooperative Learning in Mathematics Education under the direction of Dr. Robert Mayer. While at Bloomsburg University, she continued her study as she led the Math & Science Resource Center. She broadened the vision of the center and enhanced science, technology, engineering, and mathematics educational experiences with STEM summer camps for local 5th through 12th grade students, and research-based training and development programs for local STEM subject teachers.
During her time as Dean of the College of Education at Bloomsburg University, she was able to work collaboratively with university faculty, regional school districts, superintendents, local politicians, and area business leaders to extend the initiatives she started as director of the Math & Science Center. Starting as the STEM Magnet Program, her efforts led to what is now known as the Regional STEM Education Center. Dr. Mauch also customized a mathematics program with school districts and industry in the rural central Pennsylvania region, creating a successful rural STEM model.
One of her most significant responsibilities as Dean was to provide fiscal leadership in the on-going operations of the various programs. She worked to secure sustainable funding from regional businesses through a Pennsylvania tax program known as the Educational Incentive Tax Credit system, secured sustainable funding from Bloomsburg University and obtained grants for innovative new programming.
Dr. Mauch has been asked to commit through the HLC visit in February of 2021 to alleviate a division of focus between the HLC visit and presidential search. “I am extremely proud to be able to serve Bethany College in this capacity,” stated Dr. Mauch.
Board Chair, Roper DeGarmo further commented, “Dr. Mauch’s past experience in academic affairs, higher ed leadership, fundraising, and grant writing gives us the utmost confidence that she is the right leader at the right time.”
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 Swedes to Sweden, a free service-learning trip for the sophomore class to Sweden, and 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.
“Dr. Mauch is uniquely positioned and qualified to lead us seamlessly into the fast-approaching 2019-20 academic year and beyond,” said Board Chair, Roper DeGarmo ’00.
Dr. Mauch previously served as Dean of the College of Education at Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, from 2012 to May of 2017 and before that was Professor of Mathematics, and interim dean from 2009 to 2012.
In October, 2017, she was placed on the Fulbright Specialist Roster to be matched with projects designed by host institutions in over 150 countries globally. The Fulbright Program aims to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries. Fullbright alumni include 57 Nobel Laureates, 82 Pulitzer Prize winners, 70 MacArthur Fellows, 16 Presidential Medal of Freedom recipients, and thousands of leaders across the private, public and non-profit sectors.
In May, 2018, the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board selected Dr. Mauch for a Fulbright award to Poland and Dr. Mauch went to Lodz University of Technology in Lodz, Poland, as a Fulbright scholar in June of 2019. She taught STEM faculty members the techniques of flipped classrooms, how to use these techniques for the types of learners the Lodz University of Technology educates and the best methods to assisting them in understanding STEM subjects.
The Fulbright award was an extension of her research interest in the recruitment and retention of students in STEM disciplines. Her research in this area began as an undergraduate at Moravian College where she completed an honor’s project on Cooperative Learning in Mathematics Education under the direction of Dr. Robert Mayer. While at Bloomsburg University, she continued her study as she led the Math & Science Resource Center. She broadened the vision of the center and enhanced science, technology, engineering, and mathematics educational experiences with STEM summer camps for local 5th through 12th grade students, and research-based training and development programs for local STEM subject teachers.
During her time as Dean of the College of Education at Bloomsburg University, she was able to work collaboratively with university faculty, regional school districts, superintendents, local politicians, and area business leaders to extend the initiatives she started as director of the Math & Science Center. Starting as the STEM Magnet Program, her efforts led to what is now known as the Regional STEM Education Center. Dr. Mauch also customized a mathematics program with school districts and industry in the rural central Pennsylvania region, creating a successful rural STEM model.
One of her most significant responsibilities as Dean was to provide fiscal leadership in the on-going operations of the various programs. She worked to secure sustainable funding from regional businesses through a Pennsylvania tax program known as the Educational Incentive Tax Credit system, secured sustainable funding from Bloomsburg University and obtained grants for innovative new programming.
Dr. Mauch has been asked to commit through the HLC visit in February of 2021 to alleviate a division of focus between the HLC visit and presidential search. “I am extremely proud to be able to serve Bethany College in this capacity,” stated Dr. Mauch.
Board Chair, Roper DeGarmo further commented, “Dr. Mauch’s past experience in academic affairs, higher ed leadership, fundraising, and grant writing gives us the utmost confidence that she is the right leader at the right time.”
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 Swedes to Sweden, a free service-learning trip for the sophomore class to Sweden, and 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 is proud to announce the appointment of Christie Denniston as Vice President of Advancement & Alumni Engagement. Denniston brings more than three decades of experience in marketing, strategic communications, and higher education engagement to her new role at Bethany College.
LINDSBORG, KS. MAY 9, 2025 — Bethany College held an employee recognition dinner on May 6 to celebrate the end of the academic year. Faculty and staff celebrating service anniversaries included Denise Carson, Director of the Wallerstedt Library (40 years); Frank Ballew, Director of Publications (25 years); Andrea Ring, Chair of the Department of Psychology and Associate Professor of Psychology (15 years); Marcus Hensel, Assistant Professor of English (10 years); and Kelley Menke, Thomas DeWitt, Adam Long, Dala Roberts, Brian Powers, and Jenni Snider (5 years). These dedicated individuals exemplify the lasting commitment that helps define the Bethany experience. We’re proud to celebrate their continued service and the strength they bring to our campus community. The Donna Meredith Humphreys Award for Teaching was presented to Dr. Rob Habiger , Class of 1969, in recognition of his exceptional mentorship and dedication to his students. The award, established by Don and Alice Humphreys of Great Bend, Kansas, honors the memory of their daughter, Meredy, who earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Bethany in 1991. It is given annually to a faculty member who demonstrates outstanding teaching ability, inspires intellectual curiosity in both students and colleagues, and takes a genuine interest in students’ personal growth. The recipient must also encourage leadership and the development of strong character. Dr. Habiger, who recently moved back to Colorado with his wife Celeste, played a significant role in leading the Presidential Search Committee and teaching physics during his time in Lindsborg. Over the past year, Rob and Celeste became deeply involved in the Bethany College community, attending nearly every event, founding a scholarship, hosting gatherings, mentoring students, and generously volunteering their time throughout the town. In addition to the Meredy Humphreys Award, Rob and Celeste were honored with the special TTT (Time, Talent, Treasure) Award for their exceptional contributions to the campus. Bethany College is deeply grateful for their dedication and service. Dr. Marcus Hensel , Associate Professor of English, was named the recipient of the Mortvedt Teaching Excellence and Campus Leadership Award . Established in honor of former Bethany President Robert Mortvedt, the award recognizes individuals who demonstrate outstanding teaching, distinctive leadership, and a commitment to strengthening the college’s academic and campus life. Dr. Hensel was selected for his engaging classroom approach, commitment to student success, and meaningful contributions to the academic life of the college. Crystal Houp , Admissions Operations Manager, received the Ken Sjogren Annual Staff Service Award , which recognizes a full-time staff member who exemplifies hospitality, servant leadership, collaboration, and steadfast support for the mission of Bethany College. Crystal has served Bethany College for nearly two decades, consistently demonstrating dedication, professionalism, and care in her work. Her impact on the campus community, particularly within the Admissions Office, has been both broad and lasting. Colleagues and nominators described her as dependable, detail-oriented, and a true steward of hospitality. “Over the many years that Crystal has been at Bethany, she has served hundreds of families along with our faculty and staff,” one nomination read. “Her work may go unnoticed to many, but to the team she works with and those she serves, it’s something you can’t miss.” The Ken Sjogren Annual Staff Service Award honors the legacy of Kenneth “Ken” Edward Sjogren ’57, who served Bethany College for 23 years in various leadership roles. The award celebrates the vital role staff play in the life of the college and their partnership in supporting students and faculty. Bethany College is grateful for Crystal’s outstanding contributions and is proud to recognize her with this year’s award. 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. MAY 6, 2025 — As Bethany College celebrates the accomplishments of the Class of 2025, one graduate's walk across the stage represents an unfinished dream now fulfilled more than five decades later. In 1970, Marilyn Allen Peterson was just one class away from earning her degree in elementary education from Bethany College. But when her husband, Dr. Thomas Peterson (Bethany Class of 1968), was called into military service during the Vietnam War, the couple relocated to Arizona with little notice. In the midst of the move, Marilyn was unable to complete her final requirement: a single science elective. Earlier this year, Dr. Peterson contacted Bethany College to share his wife’s story and asked a simple question: Could she still finish what she started? Thanks to the efforts of faculty and staff who dug into old catalogs, found the transcripts stored on microfilm, and brainstormed creative solutions for completing that final requirement, we are proud to say: yes, she could—and she did. With her final credit completed, Marilyn became eligible to receive her degree. At age 76, Marilyn Allen Peterson officially joins the Bethany College Class of 2025. During Commencement, she was recognized with heartfelt applause from the entire Bethany community. "Marilyn, on behalf of Bethany College, we celebrate your dedication, your patience, and your enduring Swede spirit," said Dr. Laura Crawley, President of Bethany College. "Let this moment remind us all that it’s never too late to finish what we start, and that some of the most meaningful victories are the ones that take a little longer to reach." Marilyn’s story is not only a tribute to personal perseverance, but also a testament to the lifelong bonds formed at Bethany College and the value of returning to one’s roots to complete the journey. The full Commencement Ceremony is available to view online at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0Dee6oUH3k Photos from the event can be found at: https://jimturner.zenfolio.com/bethanygraduation2025 Learn more about our Baccalaureate and Commencement speakers here: https://www.bethanylb.edu/bethany-college-baccalaureate-and-commencement-speakers The full graduation press release can also be found on our website at: https://www.bethanylb.edu/congratulations-2025-graduates 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.