Distinguished alumni bring decades of leadership, governance, and higher education experience to
support Bethany College’s future
LINDSBORG, Kan. Aug., 7, 2026 - Bethany College is pleased to announce the appointment of
Bethany College is pleased to announce the appointment of two distinguished alumni, Eric Doering ’77,
Dr. Rachel Kohman ’10, and community member, Derek Lee, to its Board of Directors. Collectively,
they bring decades of leadership experience in higher education, public service, nonprofit governance,
and community engagement that will help guide the College as it advances its mission and strategic
vision.
“Bethany College is strengthened by leaders who are deeply committed to our mission and understand
the transformative power of a Bethany education,” said President Laura Crawley. “Eric, Rachel, and
Derek each bring exceptional leadership experience, a passion for service, and a profound love for
Bethany. We are honored to welcome them to the Board of Directors and look forward to the insight and
guidance they will provide as we continue building a strong future for the College.”
Doering, a 1977 Bethany College graduate, has dedicated his career to public service, nonprofit
leadership, church administration, and municipal government. He earned a Master of Public
Administration from the University of Colorado and has served in leadership roles ranging from church
administration and mediation consulting to District Manager of the St. Vrain Sanitation District in
Colorado.
A longtime civic leader, Doering served on the Longmont City Council, as Mayor of Frederick,
Colorado, and on numerous state and regional commissions by appointment of the Governor of
Colorado. His extensive volunteer service includes leadership within the Evangelical Lutheran Church
in America, school foundation boards, and organizations focused on serving vulnerable populations. He
previously served on the Bethany College Board of Directors, including as Board Secretary, and now
returns to continue supporting the institution that helped shape his lifelong commitment to leadership
and service.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to once again serve Bethany College," said Doering. "Bethany has
played an important role in my life, and I look forward to helping ensure that future generations of
students experience the same life-changing education and sense of purpose that I did.”
Joining Doering on the Board is Dr. Rachel Kohman, a 2010 Bethany College graduate whose career has
focused on student success, leadership development, entrepreneurship education, and higher education
administration.
Currently serving as Assistant Dean of Entrepreneurship Education at Missouri University of Science
and Technology, Kohman leads innovative student success initiatives, develops entrepreneurial
programming, and works across campus to strengthen student engagement and retention. Her career has
included leadership positions at Emporia State University, Gillette College, Kansas State University, and
Missouri S&T, where she has built nationally recognized student leadership and retention programs.
Kohman earned her Doctor of Education in Higher Education Administration from the University of
Wyoming, where her research focused on adaptive leadership and empowering women in higher
education. She also holds a master's degree in Counseling and College Student Development from
Kansas State University and bachelor's degrees in Business and Economics from Bethany College.
Throughout her career, Kohman has demonstrated a commitment to student success by creating
innovative scholarship and leadership programs, improving retention outcomes, teaching collegiate
leadership courses, and mentoring future leaders.
“Bethany College gave me the foundation to pursue a career dedicated to helping students discover their
potential,” said Kohman. “It is an incredible honor to return and serve the College as a member of the
Board of Directors. I look forward to helping Bethany continue to innovate while remaining true to its
mission and values.”
Also joining the Bethany College Board of Directors is Derek Lee, a dedicated and longtime supporter
of the College. Lee brings valuable experience in leadership, strategic planning, and philanthropy, along
with a deep commitment to Bethany's mission of preparing students for lives of leadership, service, and
purpose. His passion for strengthening opportunities for future generations of Swedes and his continued
dedication to leading community support for the College make him a welcome addition to the Board as
Bethany advances its strategic priorities.
“Bethany College has long been a cornerstone of the Lindsborg community, and its success is deeply
connected to the success of our region. Through the Viking Field project, I've had the privilege of seeing
firsthand what can be accomplished when the College, the Smoky Valley School District, local leaders,
and community members come together around a shared vision. That spirit of collaboration has been
inspiring, and I'm honored to continue serving Bethany in this new capacity. I look forward to helping
ensure the College remains a vibrant educational and cultural asset for generations to come.”
The appointments of Doering, Kohman, and Lee reflect Bethany College's commitment to engaging
accomplished alumni whose diverse professional experiences will help advance the College's strategic
priorities and prepare students for lives of leadership, service, and purpose.
For more information about Bethany College’s fine arts programs, visit www.bethanylb.edu.
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





