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
Mark Bandré named Registrar for Bethany College
Jun 07, 2019
LINDSBORG, KAN., June 7, 2019- Mark A. Bandré, Ed.D., was recently named Registrar for Bethany College. Mark will serve as Registrar in addition to his current position as Director of Financial Aid, creating a new dual role. Mark previously worked at Bethany as Associate Director of Admissions from July 1991 to June 1995 and came back to serve as Director of Financial Aid in September 2017.
Now in his 31st year working in higher education, Bandré has extensive experience in financial aid and admissions. His employment background also includes small college service in student development, university ministry, campus safety and as a Title IX coordinator.
“Mark brought years of higher education leadership experience, when he joined us a few years ago as Director of Financial Aid and has improved our processes and how we serve our students. He is an excellent fit to serve this dual role,” stated Matt Pfannenstiel, Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid.
In the near future, the Registrar office will train on the use and implementation of the electronic degree audit program from Jenzabar. This is expected to significantly enhance student service. As implementation progresses, it is likely more campus wide training will also occur.
Mark stated, “the greatest blessing of his career is the opportunity to help students and their families realize their educational and professional dreams. In this new dual role, such opportunities, along with helping Bethany continue to rise, are even more accessible.”
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.
Now in his 31st year working in higher education, Bandré has extensive experience in financial aid and admissions. His employment background also includes small college service in student development, university ministry, campus safety and as a Title IX coordinator.
“Mark brought years of higher education leadership experience, when he joined us a few years ago as Director of Financial Aid and has improved our processes and how we serve our students. He is an excellent fit to serve this dual role,” stated Matt Pfannenstiel, Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid.
In the near future, the Registrar office will train on the use and implementation of the electronic degree audit program from Jenzabar. This is expected to significantly enhance student service. As implementation progresses, it is likely more campus wide training will also occur.
Mark stated, “the greatest blessing of his career is the opportunity to help students and their families realize their educational and professional dreams. In this new dual role, such opportunities, along with helping Bethany continue to rise, are even more accessible.”
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 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.