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BETHANY DEPARTMENT OF ATHLETICS HIRES THOMAS DEWITT AS INTERIM HEAD TENNIS COACH
September 16, 2019
LINDSBORG, Kan. – The Swedes athletics department announces the hiring of Thomas DeWitt ’13 as the Interim Head Tennis Coach.
“I was happy to learn that Thomas DeWitt has agreed to return to his alma mater to coach Bethany tennis! With the ribbon cutting of the Dr. Emory Lindquist Tennis Complex this fall, this is an ideal time for Mr. DeWitt to utilize his strong connections to this community to build a competitive tennis team,” Bethany College Interim President, Dr. Elizabeth Mauch said.
Since the spring of 2016, DeWitt has been the assistant men’s tennis coach at Smoky Valley High School in Lindsborg. In addition to this, in the fall of 2015 and 2018, he was also the assistant for the women’s side. As a part of this, DeWitt helped to prepare the varsity for match play through teaching strategy and scrimmages. In addition, DeWitt also compiled statistics and schedules for the entirety of the team.
During DeWitt’s time at Smoky Valley, the men’s team has qualified at least one athlete to the Kansas State High School Athletics Association State Championships every year while the women have qualified two or more to the State Championships each year he has coached. The men’s team captured league championships in 2018 and 2019. In 2018, the team took home a third place finish at 4A State as well as having all six entrants qualifying. Again, in 2019, the team took third place at the State Tournament, this time in the 3A classification. Individually, the team has had assorted individual medalists at the State Tournament. These athletes placed as high as third place and no lower than 12th place. On the women’s side, the team qualified all six entrants to the 4A State Championships in 2018 in addition to winning the league championship during that same season. The team has also had individuals place fifth, seventh, and 12th at the State Championships.
“We are thrilled to welcome Thomas DeWitt as our Interim Head Tennis Coach. As a Lindsborg native and Bethany alum who played tennis for the Swedes, Thomas has a tremendous understanding of the KCAC, Bethany College, and the history and tradition of the tennis program,” Bethany’s Dean of Athletics, Laura Moreno said. “His background and overall philosophy are a great fit for our Athletic Department. We are very confident in Thomas’ ability to increase the depth and build the program back into a contender, and are so excited to see what Swedes Tennis will accomplish under his guidance.”
DeWitt earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Bethany College in Second Chemistry Education in 2013. During his time as a Swede, he was named to the dean’s list, a Founder’s Scholarship award winner, and a member of Pi Sigma Chi Fraternity where he was the vice president for a year and the president for two years.
“I am thrilled to be rejoining the Bethany family,” DeWitt stated. “I could not be more excited to work with the athletes we already have on campus to build a successful program together. Bethany Tennis has a long history of excellence within the KCAC, and I look forward to regaining our position among the leaders in both Men’s and Women’s Tennis.
– #RockarStockar –
“I was happy to learn that Thomas DeWitt has agreed to return to his alma mater to coach Bethany tennis! With the ribbon cutting of the Dr. Emory Lindquist Tennis Complex this fall, this is an ideal time for Mr. DeWitt to utilize his strong connections to this community to build a competitive tennis team,” Bethany College Interim President, Dr. Elizabeth Mauch said.
Since the spring of 2016, DeWitt has been the assistant men’s tennis coach at Smoky Valley High School in Lindsborg. In addition to this, in the fall of 2015 and 2018, he was also the assistant for the women’s side. As a part of this, DeWitt helped to prepare the varsity for match play through teaching strategy and scrimmages. In addition, DeWitt also compiled statistics and schedules for the entirety of the team.
During DeWitt’s time at Smoky Valley, the men’s team has qualified at least one athlete to the Kansas State High School Athletics Association State Championships every year while the women have qualified two or more to the State Championships each year he has coached. The men’s team captured league championships in 2018 and 2019. In 2018, the team took home a third place finish at 4A State as well as having all six entrants qualifying. Again, in 2019, the team took third place at the State Tournament, this time in the 3A classification. Individually, the team has had assorted individual medalists at the State Tournament. These athletes placed as high as third place and no lower than 12th place. On the women’s side, the team qualified all six entrants to the 4A State Championships in 2018 in addition to winning the league championship during that same season. The team has also had individuals place fifth, seventh, and 12th at the State Championships.
“We are thrilled to welcome Thomas DeWitt as our Interim Head Tennis Coach. As a Lindsborg native and Bethany alum who played tennis for the Swedes, Thomas has a tremendous understanding of the KCAC, Bethany College, and the history and tradition of the tennis program,” Bethany’s Dean of Athletics, Laura Moreno said. “His background and overall philosophy are a great fit for our Athletic Department. We are very confident in Thomas’ ability to increase the depth and build the program back into a contender, and are so excited to see what Swedes Tennis will accomplish under his guidance.”
DeWitt earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Bethany College in Second Chemistry Education in 2013. During his time as a Swede, he was named to the dean’s list, a Founder’s Scholarship award winner, and a member of Pi Sigma Chi Fraternity where he was the vice president for a year and the president for two years.
“I am thrilled to be rejoining the Bethany family,” DeWitt stated. “I could not be more excited to work with the athletes we already have on campus to build a successful program together. Bethany Tennis has a long history of excellence within the KCAC, and I look forward to regaining our position among the leaders in both Men’s and Women’s Tennis.
– #RockarStockar –
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. 锘� 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.
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.
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.