NEW BETHEL FACULTY PICTURED LEFT TO RIGHT: CAROL DOROUGH, DEAN OF NURSING, ED.D.; NAN HUSEY, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF SPANISH, PH.D.; DAVID WIEDERRECHT, INSTRUCTOR OF KINESIOLOGY, M.S.; REBECA ZELERS, INSTRUCTOR OF NURSING, M.S. NOT PICTURED: JOHAN GODWALDT , ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF THEATRE, M.F.A.

Faculty worked together to restructure academic departments this past spring. Approval came for three deans and divisions under academic services: division of professional and graduate studies headed by Bradley Smith, Ph.D.; division of arts and humanities headed by Tom Visker Ph.D.; and division of sciences headed by Rob Myers, Ph.D. Additionally, there will be one school: school of nursing with Carol Dorough, Ed.D. as dean.

Holtgren Changes Roles

In connection to the recent emergence of the life calling and student enrichment center, Shawn Holtgren, Ph.D. (’95), has been appointed vice president for student development. (Read more here.) In the last year, Holtgren served as the associate vice president for student development. Holtgren has served in the student development office for 15 years.

Erdel Named Senior Professor of the Year

Sally Erdel, assistant professor, embodies what it means to be a professional nurse educator. From students’ first course to their last, Erdel seems to be teaching at almost every step of the nursing curriculum. One student wrote, “She loves what she does, and it shows in everything she does.” Erdel challenges and encourages her students and colleagues in the school of nursing to be better nurses, deeper scholars and more committed Christians — and to integrate all three dimensions.

Mihut Named Junior Professor of the Year

Cristian Mihut, Ph.D. (‘97), assistant professor of philosophy, received Bethel’s junior professor of the year award during graduation weekend. He is a passionate teacher who cares deeply about the moral and spiritual truths he proclaims. Multiple students have identified Mihut as the most careful, insightful thinker they have met at Bethel. Mihut received the award for his philosophical wisdom and Christian discipleship.

Ham Releases Two Piano Books

Marilynn Ham, associate professor and artist-in-residence, released “In Christ Alone,” published by Alfred Music Publishing Co. earlier this year. She has another book, “Standing on the Promises,” to be released this fall by Lillenas Publishing Co. Ham has released more than 20 piano books.

Librarian Receives Award

Mark Root, assistant librarian, received the 40 Under 40 award this past summer. Every year officials from St. Joseph and Elkhart County Chambers of Commerce, WorkOne and the Young Professionals Network choose 40 local business and professional leaders who have achieved distinguished success before the age of 40. Those who receive the award demonstrate leadership, initiative and dedication in pursuing their careers. They also invest themselves in others through involvement in civic, charitable and/or religious organizations.

Retirement For Luesing, Jarvis and Bice

Lois Luesing (’59) recently retired as curator of the Bethel and Missionary Church archives. She was also named curator emerita by the board of trustees. Luesing also carried the title as head librarian at the school from 1960-’70, ’72. Star Jarvis also retired after 14 years of service to Bethel as the coordinator  of the educational resource center.  Darrell Bice retired this past summer. He was a campus safety dispatcher for nearly seven years.