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BETHANY COLLEGE BOARD OF DIRECTORS APPOINTS INTERIM PRESIDENT

July 26, 2019
LINDSBORG, KAN., July 26, 2019– The Bethany College Board of Directors has named Dr. Elizabeth Mauch to serve as interim president of Bethany College effective July 26. Dr. Mauch currently serves as vice president of academic affairs and was named acting president on July 8, 2019.

“Dr. Mauch is uniquely positioned and qualified to lead us seamlessly into the fast-approaching 2019-20 academic year and beyond,” said Board Chair, Roper DeGarmo ’00.

Dr. Mauch previously served as Dean of the College of Education at Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, from 2012 to May of 2017 and before that was Professor of Mathematics, and interim dean from 2009 to 2012.

In October, 2017, she was placed on the Fulbright Specialist Roster to be matched with projects designed by host institutions in over 150 countries globally. The Fulbright Program aims to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries.  Fullbright alumni include 57 Nobel Laureates, 82 Pulitzer Prize winners, 70 MacArthur Fellows, 16 Presidential Medal of Freedom recipients, and thousands of leaders across the private, public and non-profit sectors.

In May, 2018, the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board selected Dr. Mauch for a Fulbright award to Poland and Dr. Mauch went to Lodz University of Technology in Lodz, Poland, as a Fulbright scholar in June of 2019. She taught STEM faculty members the techniques of flipped classrooms, how to use these techniques for the types of learners the Lodz University of Technology educates and the best methods to assisting them in understanding STEM subjects.

The Fulbright award was an extension of her research interest in the recruitment and retention of students in STEM disciplines.   Her research in this area began as an undergraduate at Moravian College where she completed an honor’s project on Cooperative Learning in Mathematics Education under the direction of Dr. Robert Mayer.  While at Bloomsburg University, she continued her study as she led the Math & Science Resource Center.  She broadened the vision of the center and enhanced science, technology, engineering, and mathematics educational experiences with STEM summer camps for local 5th through 12th grade students, and research-based training and development programs for local STEM subject teachers.

During her time as Dean of the College of Education at Bloomsburg University, she was able to work collaboratively with university faculty, regional school districts, superintendents, local politicians, and area business leaders to extend the initiatives she started as director of the Math & Science Center. Starting as the STEM Magnet Program, her efforts led to what is now known as the Regional STEM Education Center.   Dr. Mauch also customized a mathematics program with school districts and industry in the rural central Pennsylvania region, creating a successful rural STEM model.

One of her most significant responsibilities as Dean was to provide fiscal leadership in the on-going operations of the various programs.  She worked to secure sustainable funding from regional businesses through a Pennsylvania tax program known as the Educational Incentive Tax Credit system, secured sustainable funding from Bloomsburg University and obtained grants for innovative new programming.

Dr. Mauch has been asked to commit through the HLC visit in February of 2021 to alleviate a division of focus between the HLC visit and presidential search. “I am extremely proud to be able to serve Bethany College in this capacity,” stated Dr. Mauch.

Board Chair, Roper DeGarmo further commented, “Dr. Mauch’s past experience in academic affairs, higher ed leadership, fundraising, and grant writing gives us the utmost confidence that she is the right leader at the right time.”

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.
April 2, 2025
LINDSBORG, KS. APRIL 2, 2025 — Bethany College is pleased to announce its Baccalaureate and Commencement speakers for the 2025 graduation ceremonies. Commencement Speaker: Kelli Krase, MD Dr. Kelli Krase, a 2004 graduate of Bethany College, will deliver the Commencement address at this year’s graduation. A native of Hesston, Kansas, Dr. Krase earned her degree in Biology from Bethany College before attending medical school at the University of Kansas. She completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. Dr. Krase has since returned to the University of Kansas, where she currently serves as an Associate Professor, Residency Program Director for Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Assistant Dean for Student Affairs at the School of Medicine. In her professional role, Dr. Krase has been a dedicated educator and clinician, shaping the next generation of doctors. Outside of her academic career, she enjoys traveling and spending time outdoors with her spouse and their two children. Baccalaureate Speaker: Ellie Dieringer Ellie Dieringer will serve as the Baccalaureate speaker, bringing with her a passion for social justice, faith-based advocacy, and international service. An advocate for gender justice and intergenerational equity, Dieringer is a graduate of Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Washington, where she earned degrees in Hispanic Studies and Global Studies, specializing in Development & Social Justice and International Affairs. Her journey has led her to travel extensively and engage in meaningful work with vulnerable communities around the world, including in Uruguay, Mexico, and Washington State.  Dieringer also served as a volunteer with the ELCA's Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM) program in Montevideo, Uruguay, where she collaborated with ecumenical organizations to promote fair treatment and social justice. Her work has also led her to serve as a delegate at the United Nations' Commission on the Status of Women and to participate in the Lutheran World Federation’s Women’s Human Rights Advocacy Training in Geneva, Switzerland. Dieringer’s commitment to lifelong-learning and service will inspire graduates to continue making a positive impact in the world. About Bethany College 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.
March 28, 2025
LINDSBORG, KS. MAR. 28, 2025 — Bethany College raised $168,167.87 during its annual Giving Day campaign this year, with every dollar going directly to student scholarships. The support ensures more students can afford a Bethany education and take part in the life-changing opportunities that come with it. This year, the Bethany Backers campaign ran separately. Combined, both efforts brought in a total of over $240,000, surpassing last year’s collective giving total and underscoring the strong support from the Bethany and Lindsborg community. “Both Giving Day and the Bethany Backers campaign have been an incredible success,” said Hayley Samford, Director of Alumni Development and Engagement. “We are incredibly grateful for the continued generosity of our alumni, friends, and supporters. We’re excited to use these funds to support the students who are here now—and those who will be joining the Bethany family soon.” If you are interested in giving and supporting Bethany College’s mission, please click here . 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.
March 27, 2025
LINDSBORG, KS. MAR. 27, 2025 — Students in Professor James Baker’s Elementary Social Studies Methods class had a unique opportunity to hear from distinguished guest speakers, the Honorable John Carlin and Bethany College alumnus Ryon Carey '95, during a recent session focused on history, government, and education. The event brought together students from both Professor Baker’s course and Dr. Rana Razek’s class for an engaging discussion on the branches of government, the role of the U.S. Department of Education, and the importance of civic understanding in the classroom. Governor Carlin, who also served as the Archivist of the United States following his tenure as Kansas Governor, offered students a personal perspective on his career in public service and shared insights into the responsibilities of preserving key national documents such as the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights. His reflections underscored the value of historical records in shaping democracy and educating future generations. Ryon Carey, a 1995 Bethany graduate, also contributed to the discussion, offering his perspective on leadership and public service. “It was a privilege to welcome Governor Carlin and Ryon Carey to speak with our students,” said Professor James Baker. “Opportunities like this deepen our students’ understanding of the material and remind us all of the importance of connecting real-world experience to classroom learning. I’m incredibly grateful to both of our speakers for sharing their time and insights.” You can learn more about our Education Department at bethanylb.edu/education . 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.
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