Coach K Pens Memoir of the “Kessinger Years”

December 16, 2021

Coach K’s emails to his players always end with “HUG YOUR LOVED ONES! TAKE THE LORD WITH YOU!” His signature “all caps” style represents much of his coaching philosophy: keep your priorities—faith, family, and character. He writes in all caps, for he wishes his messages to convey the passion of his intent---football contains life lessons we all need to heed. His passion for his job throughout his coaching tenure (1976-2003) at Bethany College is legendary. His accolades are many: 11-time conference coach of the year; 4-time NAIA District Coach of the Year; 10 playoff appearances and in his final season; a State of Kansas Sports Hall of Fame induction and the National College Football Hall of Fame honoree. He is also a member of the NAIA Hall of Fame and the KCAC Champions of Character award is named in his honor. During his tenure, Ted Kessinger was the “winningest active coach in both percentage and total wins.”  Even with all of this success, it is often a magical quality of Coach K that continues to bring his players back to his door. His ability to touch lives, inspire players, and win games is well known; however, it is his ability to always place people first that makes him memorable. Coach K remains in contact with many of his players today.


Coach K’s philosophy of recruiting young men from all walks and backgrounds and transforming them into young men of character fits well within the perspective of Bethany College. His memoir is a litany of individuals who are the bedrock of Bethany College culture, but Coach K has never been a man to celebrate his own accolades. “Good guys do finish first” if you note Ted. Coach K’s 28-year reign was so much more than successful seasons, championships, and awards. It is a patchwork of stories and experiences woven together with faith and character. His memoir is a collection of events, battles, and anecdotes, but more than that, it is a reflection of the man himself. 


“I made a recruiting trip to a high school where one of my former players was coaching. I stopped by his classroom to say hello and asked him how he was doing. I remember to this day his response: ‘Coach I am really hurting’, and that did it for me. I went home and read the Christian book Purpose Driven Life and decided that I needed to stay in touch with my players, and be available.” (pg. 85)



In retirement, Coach K walks his dog Victory daily, lives life with his wife Nancy to the fullest, celebrates joy with his family, and supports Bethany College. Blue and gold still runs through his veins, and he continues his work for Bethany College. You can expect to see Ted on campus as he rallies support for campaigns, hear from him as he pens a note of concern, or see him as he appears on a sports Zoom on behalf of Bethany College. His memoir, a gathering of stories of Ted’s journey from athlete to coach to Bethany icon was completed earlier this year. It is available for purchase here→ 


Ted also continues to share inspiration with his players and contacts. If you wish to be included in his email list or to update your email contact, please reach out to Coach K by emailing him at the following: kessingerted@gmail.com. If you pass him on a walk or at an event, he will share a wry smile and a joke. His communications online will continue to share “HUG YOUR LOVED ONES! TAKE THE LORD WITH YOU!” If you wish to define influence, the “Kessinger Years” continue today. #BethanyBlessed


Bethany College Welcomes Christie Denniston as Vice President of Advancement & Alumni Engagement

Bethany College Welcomes Christie Denniston as Vice President of Advancement & Alumni Engagement

June 11, 2025
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.

Bethany College Honors Faculty and Staff for Service and Achievement

May 9, 2025
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.

A Degree 55 Years in the Making

May 6, 2025
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.
More News