Ricky Alexander attended Bethany College with a degree in Accounting and Business management in 2017. Originally from Lawton, Oklahoma, Alexander was recruited to play football and stayed after graduation when an accountant position opened up. “I hope to first focus on doing well in my new position of Interim Sports Information Director and secondly, I hope Bethany can come together and support one another in all events, sports, and music,” says Ricky. Ricky is currently pursuing his M.B.A at Kansas Wesleyan University.
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The Path to Your Purpose
Celebrating Black History Month
February 1, 2022
As we step into Black History Month, Bethany College wanted to recognize a few dedicated educators, coaches, and caring mentors who have joined our community to help our students find the path to their purpose.
Bethany College would like to celebrate Ricky Alexander, Interim Sports Information Director, Lorenzo Araujo Head Cheer and Dance Coach, Tyrone Carter, Dean of Student Success and Head Football Coach, Elise Carter, Marketing and Public Relations, Braedon Clopton, Assistant Wrestling Coach, Vincent Grigsby, Offensive Line Coach and Run Game Coordinator, Ruth Mbah, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Business, and Papa Assane Ndiaye, Men’s Soccer Head Coach.
Lorenzo Araujo was born in Santos Domingo, Dominican Republic, and raised in the Bronx, NY. After earning his degree in Business Management in 2010, Araujo attended Kansas Wesleyan University to pursue a Master’s in Business Administration. Similar to Ricky, he rekindled his love for football after his freshman year at Kansas State University. Lorenzo says “In the future, he hopes to bring the level of coaching to his athletes that they deserve.”
Tyrone Carter comes to Bethany from Los Angeles, CA. Carter attended Fresno State where he played football and earned his BS in Human Services Management from the University of Phoenix as well as his Master’s in Management. He is currently working toward his D.B.A. at Felician University. Carter found Bethany College through a job search and soon learned his wife Elise Carter had family close by in Salina. As the head football coach Carter will tell you his goal is to “win some games and graduate his students.”
Elise Carter is originally from Detroit, MI, and was born in Cleveland, OH. Elise has always had a love of singing and acting and made her way to California. She graduated from Fresno State, where she met her husband and earned a BA in Speech Communications. After twenty years working as an actress, it was time to find a more stable career and a move to Kansas. Elise began pursuing her M.B.A. in Marketing at Kansas Wesleyan University and decided to leave restaurant management for a more fulfilling career helping Bethany College flourish. In the future, Elise would like to see Bethany continue to grow and diversify.
Braedon Clopton was born in Champaign, IL, and attended high school in Newburgh, IN. After attending Briar Cliff University in Sioux City, IA he got his degree in Education and Psychology. As luck would have it Bethany was the first school to respond to his employment inquiry and Braedon felt he would enjoy working here. Brandon’s hope is to have a successful wrestling program, one that can win conference titles and have a few all-American/National Champions.
Vincent Grigsby also comes from Los Angeles, CA. Vincent attended California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo and earned his BA in English from National University. He is currently attending Goodwin College to obtain his MS in Organizational Leadership. Grigsby came to Bethany by way of an internet post for an assistant football coach and now hopes to put Bethany football back on top of the KCAC. Our second Grigsby on campus is Cherie who is the wife of Vincent and currently an assistant women’s basketball coach for the Swedes.
Ruth Mbah is originally from Cameroon, Central Africa. She attended the University of Buea | Buea, Cameroon where she earned her B.S. in Accounting, Amity University | Uttar Pradesh in India where she received her M.B.A. in International Business, and Southern University and A&M College | Baton Rouge, LA. for her P.h.D. in Public Affairs and Public Policy Analysis with a concentration in Public Finance Policy. Ruth found a job listing for Bethany on HigherEdjobs, applied and the rest is history. Ruth has published over 10 published articles ranging from the ethics and morality of the death penalty to Public Policy Perspectives of Student Loans and Debt. In the future, she would like to introduce the spirit of academic research and academic conference participation to her students. Ruth believes that research is important especially if there is a desire to further our education or hold important positions. She is also interested in teaching students the real corporate world and not just theory. Ruth shares, “By the grace of God, I have worked in several corporate institutions, and I intend to use my personal experience to get my students prepared for the real world; which can be very unfriendly if you are not mentally ready.”
Papa Assane Ndiaye joined the Bethany coaching staff a month ago and is from Senegal, West Africa. He graduated from Tennessee Tech University with a B.S. in Exercise Science then continued on to Kentucky University earning a Master of Science and Master of Arts degree. On a visit in 2021, Papa visited Bethany College with his Northern Oklahoma College soccer team and very much enjoyed his experience on campus. His future plan is to use soccer to promote the school worldwide with international students. He would also like the men’s soccer program to become the standard in NAIA. Last, Papa wants to create an environment where student-athletes will enjoy their experience and strive for greatness both inside and outside the field. Papa adds, “Black History Month is an important month and we must use this month to educate and teach. I would like also to express my gratitude to all those who paved the way for people like me to have opportunities like this one.”
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.
LINDSBORG, KS. MAR. 25, 2025 — Bethany Backers has achieved its most successful fundraising effort to date, raising more than $72,000—more than double any previous year’s total. Thanks to the generosity of over 200 donors, these funds will directly enhance the student experience at Bethany College. Each year, Bethany Backers selects a project based on student suggestions, with donations traditionally starting at $50. A portion of the funds raised also supports student scholarships. Past projects have included creating a mock courtroom for criminal justice students, adding additional seating in campus greenspaces, and purchasing games for common areas. The first project funded by this record-breaking total will be the purchase of new cardio equipment for the college’s fitness center, providing students with upgraded resources to support their health and wellness. Additionally, because of the unprecedented amount raised, Bethany Backers will be able to complete a second project, which will be determined through a vote among this year’s donors. “On behalf of the Bethany College Alumni Association, I want to extend my enthusiastic gratitude to every Bethany Backer who contributed to the 2025 “Swedes Around The World” campaign,” said Olivia Peterson, President of the Bethany College Alumni Association and a 2013 graduate. “This year marked our most ambitious project yet, and our alumni and friends exceeded our goals! Not only will this effort provide upgraded training tools for our student-athletes but, most importantly, it will encourage and motivate all students to move their bodies!” Peterson continued, “I especially want to thank Kelly and Alan Clayton for the generous $10,000 matching grant opportunity and Angie Gaeddert for her wonderful $25,000 gift in honor of her late husband, Dr. Wade Gaeddert. Their generosity inspired others to give and helped us fund the project in full. I am humbled by the collective spirit and commitment of our community. Bethany has shaped us all—and now, we’re ensuring that future generations of Swedes have access to the same transformative experiences. The future is bright, friends! Tusen täck!” The goal is to have both projects ready to launch when students return to campus this fall. Bethany Backers extends its heartfelt gratitude to all who contributed, making this milestone achievement possible. For more information about Alumni projects and how to get involved, visit bethanylb.edu/alumni 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.