MITCH HOUGHTON TABBED AS HEAD WRESTLING COACH
May 26, 2021
LINDSBORG - The Bethany College Department of Athletics and Dean of Athletics Laura Moreno are pleased to announce Mitch Houghton as the new Head Wrestling Coach. Houghton will begin his duties at Bethany College on June 1 and takes over for KCAC Co-Coach of the Year Courtney Strauss who stepped down earlier this month to pursue other career opportunities. "We want to thank Coach Strauss for his leadership of Swedes Wrestling and his service to Bethany College over the last three seasons as our Head Coach" said Dean of Athletics Laura Moreno.
"We are very excited to welcome Coach Mitch Houghton as our Head Wrestling Coach. Coach Houghton not only brings a competitive mindset and disciplined structure, but also understands the importance of prioritizing academics, recruitment, retention, culture, and community involvement. Coach Houghton is an overall great fit for Bethany College and the Lindsborg Community, and we look forward to seeing him direct Swedes Wrestling.'' added Moreno.
Coach Houghton comes to Bethany College after serving the last three years as the Head Coach at Colby Community College. While at Colby Coach Houghton directed the Trojans to the 2019-2020 KJCCC West Championship. Coach Houghton also saw twelve of his grapplers become West Central District Placers while seventeen Trojans were NJCAA National Qualifiers under his leadership.
Prior to taking the reins of the Colby program Coach Houghton served as an assistant coach at Iowa Western Community College from 2015 through 2018. During his time at Iowa Western he oversaw the programs strength and conditioning programs, academics, recruiting, and travel. Thirty-Seven Reivers were NJCAA National Qualifiers with eighteen earning NJCAA All American status, with three becoming NJCAA National Runner-ups, and one NJCAA National Champion. While at Iowa Western Coach Houghton was responsible for the Reivers signing the 10th ranked non-Division I recruiting class in in the country for 2017.
Coach Houghton got his start as a student-assistant at Bacone College during the 2014-2015 season. Houghton received his Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science from Bacone College in 2014 and earned his Master's degree in Sports Administration from Arkansas State University in 2020.
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"We are very excited to welcome Coach Mitch Houghton as our Head Wrestling Coach. Coach Houghton not only brings a competitive mindset and disciplined structure, but also understands the importance of prioritizing academics, recruitment, retention, culture, and community involvement. Coach Houghton is an overall great fit for Bethany College and the Lindsborg Community, and we look forward to seeing him direct Swedes Wrestling.'' added Moreno.
Coach Houghton comes to Bethany College after serving the last three years as the Head Coach at Colby Community College. While at Colby Coach Houghton directed the Trojans to the 2019-2020 KJCCC West Championship. Coach Houghton also saw twelve of his grapplers become West Central District Placers while seventeen Trojans were NJCAA National Qualifiers under his leadership.
Prior to taking the reins of the Colby program Coach Houghton served as an assistant coach at Iowa Western Community College from 2015 through 2018. During his time at Iowa Western he oversaw the programs strength and conditioning programs, academics, recruiting, and travel. Thirty-Seven Reivers were NJCAA National Qualifiers with eighteen earning NJCAA All American status, with three becoming NJCAA National Runner-ups, and one NJCAA National Champion. While at Iowa Western Coach Houghton was responsible for the Reivers signing the 10th ranked non-Division I recruiting class in in the country for 2017.
Coach Houghton got his start as a student-assistant at Bacone College during the 2014-2015 season. Houghton received his Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science from Bacone College in 2014 and earned his Master's degree in Sports Administration from Arkansas State University in 2020.
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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.