9 SPRING 2026 Chances are, if you attended Bethel between 1988 and 2026, you had classes with Dr. Norm Spivey. A professor of Psychology for 38 years, Spivey has taught psychology, general education classes, electives and block courses to hundreds of students throughout his time at Bethel. Spivey started his career by majoring in psychology and then obtaining his teaching certificate to teach high school, but quickly realized he did not enjoy the public school setting. He spent a few years working toward his master’s and doctorate degrees and then, for his very first higher education position, he came to Bethel in 1988. Initially, Spivey had no plans to stay at Bethel nearly four decades, but over time, a commitment to the students and his fellow colleagues began to develop, and he’s been here ever since. During the tougher times, Spivey says a desire to serve the students kept him going. “The students are my joy and motivation,” he says, noting that Bethel students are different than kids he often worked with in public schools. “They want to be here, and they’re open to learning.” He recalls feeling almost like a parent to students he got to know. He has loved guiding them on their path to success not only academically, but in their personal lives as well. Bethel gives professors the opportunity to walk with students as they develop as leaders and grow in their faith, which was part of the reason his own two children attended Bethel. “Bethel gave them a great experience.” He recalls, “They met their wives here and went on to lead happy and successful lives, dedicated to the Lord.” You might think teaching in a scientific field like psychology could be challenging at a school where the professors teach from a Christian perspective, but Dr. Spivey says it’s necessary. “How could you not?” He asks. “If you take God out of how we learn about ourselves, you miss so much of who we are and who we are meant to be.” As evidenced by 38 years in the classroom, Spivey has loved teaching. If he could leave one piece of advice for the students that will come after him, he says, “Be like Peter [about whom God said ‘on this Rock I will build my church’]. Follow God’s path. Turn it all over to Him and you will have tremendous joy, impact and treasure.” FOUR DECADES OF IMPACT BY: Melyssa Geever ’23 “If you take God out of how we learn about ourselves, you miss so much of who we are and who we are meant to be." – Dr. Norm Spivey Above: Norm Spivey is pictured through the decades.
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