Ricky Alexander attended Bethany College with a degree in Accounting and Business management in 2017. Originally from Lawton, Oklahoma, Alexander was recruited to play football and stayed after graduation when an accountant position opened up. “I hope to first focus on doing well in my new position of Interim Sports Information Director and secondly, I hope Bethany can come together and support one another in all events, sports, and music,” says Ricky. Ricky is currently pursuing his M.B.A at Kansas Wesleyan University.
Celebrating Black History Month
February 1, 2022
As we step into Black History Month, Bethany College wanted to recognize a few dedicated educators, coaches, and caring mentors who have joined our community to help our students find the path to their purpose.
Bethany College would like to celebrate Ricky Alexander, Interim Sports Information Director, Lorenzo Araujo Head Cheer and Dance Coach, Tyrone Carter, Dean of Student Success and Head Football Coach, Elise Carter, Marketing and Public Relations, Braedon Clopton, Assistant Wrestling Coach, Vincent Grigsby, Offensive Line Coach and Run Game Coordinator, Ruth Mbah, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Business, and Papa Assane Ndiaye, Men’s Soccer Head Coach.
Lorenzo Araujo was born in Santos Domingo, Dominican Republic, and raised in the Bronx, NY. After earning his degree in Business Management in 2010, Araujo attended Kansas Wesleyan University to pursue a Master’s in Business Administration. Similar to Ricky, he rekindled his love for football after his freshman year at Kansas State University. Lorenzo says “In the future, he hopes to bring the level of coaching to his athletes that they deserve.”
Tyrone Carter comes to Bethany from Los Angeles, CA. Carter attended Fresno State where he played football and earned his BS in Human Services Management from the University of Phoenix as well as his Master’s in Management. He is currently working toward his D.B.A. at Felician University. Carter found Bethany College through a job search and soon learned his wife Elise Carter had family close by in Salina. As the head football coach Carter will tell you his goal is to “win some games and graduate his students.”
Elise Carter is originally from Detroit, MI, and was born in Cleveland, OH. Elise has always had a love of singing and acting and made her way to California. She graduated from Fresno State, where she met her husband and earned a BA in Speech Communications. After twenty years working as an actress, it was time to find a more stable career and a move to Kansas. Elise began pursuing her M.B.A. in Marketing at Kansas Wesleyan University and decided to leave restaurant management for a more fulfilling career helping Bethany College flourish. In the future, Elise would like to see Bethany continue to grow and diversify.
Braedon Clopton was born in Champaign, IL, and attended high school in Newburgh, IN. After attending Briar Cliff University in Sioux City, IA he got his degree in Education and Psychology. As luck would have it Bethany was the first school to respond to his employment inquiry and Braedon felt he would enjoy working here. Brandon’s hope is to have a successful wrestling program, one that can win conference titles and have a few all-American/National Champions.
Vincent Grigsby also comes from Los Angeles, CA. Vincent attended California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo and earned his BA in English from National University. He is currently attending Goodwin College to obtain his MS in Organizational Leadership. Grigsby came to Bethany by way of an internet post for an assistant football coach and now hopes to put Bethany football back on top of the KCAC. Our second Grigsby on campus is Cherie who is the wife of Vincent and currently an assistant women’s basketball coach for the Swedes.
Ruth Mbah is originally from Cameroon, Central Africa. She attended the University of Buea | Buea, Cameroon where she earned her B.S. in Accounting, Amity University | Uttar Pradesh in India where she received her M.B.A. in International Business, and Southern University and A&M College | Baton Rouge, LA. for her P.h.D. in Public Affairs and Public Policy Analysis with a concentration in Public Finance Policy. Ruth found a job listing for Bethany on HigherEdjobs, applied and the rest is history. Ruth has published over 10 published articles ranging from the ethics and morality of the death penalty to Public Policy Perspectives of Student Loans and Debt. In the future, she would like to introduce the spirit of academic research and academic conference participation to her students. Ruth believes that research is important especially if there is a desire to further our education or hold important positions. She is also interested in teaching students the real corporate world and not just theory. Ruth shares, “By the grace of God, I have worked in several corporate institutions, and I intend to use my personal experience to get my students prepared for the real world; which can be very unfriendly if you are not mentally ready.”
Papa Assane Ndiaye joined the Bethany coaching staff a month ago and is from Senegal, West Africa. He graduated from Tennessee Tech University with a B.S. in Exercise Science then continued on to Kentucky University earning a Master of Science and Master of Arts degree. On a visit in 2021, Papa visited Bethany College with his Northern Oklahoma College soccer team and very much enjoyed his experience on campus. His future plan is to use soccer to promote the school worldwide with international students. He would also like the men’s soccer program to become the standard in NAIA. Last, Papa wants to create an environment where student-athletes will enjoy their experience and strive for greatness both inside and outside the field. Papa adds, “Black History Month is an important month and we must use this month to educate and teach. I would like also to express my gratitude to all those who paved the way for people like me to have opportunities like this one.”
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.