Presidential Legacy – Walter L. Weldy (1940- )
Interim President of Bethel College, 1988-1989
A banker by profession, Walt L. Weldy gave invaluable guidance to Bethel as an interim president for one year during a period of financial duress. He had previously served on the Bethel board of directors in the early 1970s and also as the board treasurer. While serving as president, he maintained his private business and financial consulting firm in Wakarusa. Weldy was a firm believer that Bethel’s central purpose was to teach, train, promote, and protect time-tested values such as faith in God and commitment to family, community, church, and country. His first action was to move the college toward a more solid financial foundation. In addition, he made sure the school’s business and administrative obligations were met until a new president could be found.