Bethany. Values. Me.






Bethany Lutheran College provides Christian higher education in a challenging academic environment where personal mentoring guides students to pursue knowledge, truth, and discernment for productive and fulfilling lives.






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Bethany’s Best Week Ever!
Bethany’s Best Week Ever, our version of new student orientation, is a week designed around you! See what’s in store for you from August 16–24, 2025!
Discover Bethany
The Bible serves as the foundation for Bethany’s Christian Mission and worldview, shaping our approach to education, spiritual life, daily living, and our partnerships with those who share these values—making Bethany a natural choice for students and families seeking a faith-centered college experience.
Christian Mission
Faith is at the heart of everything we do—from academics to community. Learn how our mission shapes life at Bethany.
Campus Life
Make lifelong friends, grow in your faith, and enjoy a vibrant, close-knit college community.
Majors & Minors
Discover a wide range of Christ-centered majors and minors designed to develop your talents.
Academics
Explore Christ-centered academics that prepare you for a fulfilling career and a life of purpose.
Arts
Find opportunities to challenge and reward your unique talents and develop that love into genuine excellence.
Athletics
Join a winning tradition—whether you’re competing, cheering from the stands, or staying active and fit.
Masters Program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
We’re happy to offer 3 on-campus residencies and asynchronous, online courses for a flexible, yet personal educational experience.
Upcoming Events
What’s Happening at Bethany
Stay connected with the latest campus news, events, and stories. From student achievements and faculty updates to concerts, games, and community gatherings—this is your window into life at Bethany.
Alumni Stories
Hear Why Past Graduates Love Education at BLC
Noah Battenfeld graduated in 2018 from Bethany Lutheran College with a degree in Elementary Education. Since then, he has brought energy, creativity, and a nurturing spirit to the classroom as a kindergarten teacher at Kasson‑Mantorville Elementary School in Kasson, Minnesota. Noah finds daily joy in helping young students discover new
MacKenzie Lindstrom, Class of 2018, majored in Business Administration at Bethany Lutheran College. She now serves as a Business Banking Credit Analyst and Assistant Vice President for US Bank, where she gathers and analyzes financial information for both current and prospective commercial customers. Her daily responsibilities include reviewing financial statements,
Lydia Scruggs graduated in 2019 with a degree in Elementary Education from Bethany Lutheran College, earning Minnesota state licensure for K–6 teaching with a 5–8 endorsement in social studies. Today she teaches sixth grade at Hills Beaver Creek Elementary School, where she supports her students’ academic, emotional, and personal growth:
Anna Wiechmann graduated from Bethany Lutheran College in May 2017 with honors, earning a degree in English, a minor in Spanish, and licensure in Communication Arts and Literature (grades 5–12). After college, Anna embarked on a teaching career where she could share her passion for language and literature. She currently
Fourth-Grade Teacher | Basketball Coach | 2020 Minnesota Teacher of the Year Finalist Omar McMillan’s passion for teaching and mentorship has shaped countless lives in the Richfield, Minnesota community. A finalist for the 2020 Minnesota Teacher of the Year award, Omar serves as a fourth-grade teacher at Richfield STEM School
Gina Kammer, a 2010 graduate of Bethany Lutheran College, majored in English and later earned a Master of Arts in English Literature. Today, she works as a freelance author and editor, specializing in science fiction and fantasy, where she brings imaginative worlds to life with literary precision and editorial care.
Peter Bockoven, a 2018 graduate of Bethany Lutheran College with a major in History, has followed a path shaped by deep faith, rigorous study, and joyful service to the church. After completing his undergraduate education at Bethany, Peter enrolled at Bethany Lutheran Theological Seminary in Mankato, Minnesota, where he completed
Danielle Burley, a 2018 graduate of Bethany Lutheran College, earned her degree in Elementary Education with an emphasis in English. While her career began in public education—teaching across various grade levels—Danielle now serves as the Next Gen Life Lead for 9th–12th Grade at Hosanna Church in Mankato, Minnesota, where she
Ryan McCue graduated in 2021 with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education, earning endorsement in Middle School Mathematics. He now teaches fifth grade math and science at United South Central Elementary School in Minnesota, where he brings enthusiasm, curiosity, and classroom leadership each day. For Ryan, teaching is more
Jerome Wardlow Sr. made history in 2005 as the first Black graduate to earn a bachelor’s degree from Bethany Lutheran College, completing a B.A. in Broadfield Social Studies. Prior to that, he spent three seasons (2001–2004) as a student-athlete on the Vikings men’s basketball team. During his senior season, Jerome
David Hicke, Class of 2010, earned his degree in Engineering Sciences at Bethany Lutheran College. He now serves as an Off‑Road Vehicle Systems Engineer, where he designs cooling systems for all‑terrain vehicles—ensuring engines maintain proper temperature and prevent overheating. His daily work involves component selection, system design, project support for
Dan Stark, Class of 2012, earned his degree in Exercise Science from Bethany Lutheran College and went on to complete his Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT) from The College of St. Scholastica in 2016. Today, he serves in the field of sports medicine and rehabilitation, using his advanced training to
Caitlyn French graduated in 2014 with a Bachelor of Arts in Media Arts from Bethany Lutheran College, where she developed foundational skills in camera work, storytelling, and graphic layout—gains she carried forward into her first roles in community journalism. Today, she serves as a news reporter for a regional daily
Kristen (Scislow) Budahn, Class of 2008, graduated with a major in Biology from Bethany Lutheran College. She now serves as a family practice physician in a rural hospital and clinic in Minnesota, providing full-spectrum medical care to patients from birth through older adulthood, including obstetric care, inpatient services, nursing home
Taylor Friehl, a 2016 graduate of Bethany Lutheran College with a major in Studio Art and a minor in Art History, has crafted a dynamic career at the intersection of sustainability, design, and storytelling. At Bethany, she excelled not only in the classroom but also as a standout on the
Clinical Mental Health is often overlooked and stigmatized throughout the world, even though it is something everyone deals with. There is no shame in seeing a doctor for a physical ailment, but people often feel shame when seeking help for their mental health. Furthering my education allows me to better
Kalie VanMeveren, Class of 2012, graduated from Bethany Lutheran College with a degree in Psychology, then completed her graduate training in school psychology. She now serves as a school psychologist at an elementary school north of the Twin Cities, supporting approximately 350 students from early childhood through fifth grade. In
Shelby Latusek graduated in 2014 with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Bethany Lutheran College. Inspired early on by her mother’s career, she became a second-grade teacher at Zumbrota-Mazeppa Primary School in Minnesota, where she brings learning alive through teaching core standards and coaching middle school softball and
Why is Clinical Mental Health a passion of yours? There is a deep need for mental health care, and I want to help those who need support, so that they can create the lives they want to live in. Advocating for your own mental health takes such a strength, and
Anna Kempfert, Class of 2010, earned her degree in English with Secondary Education Licensure and Communication Arts Certification at Bethany Lutheran College. She later joined AmeriCorps VISTA as a Volunteer Coordinator at the University of Maine. In this role, Anna planned service projects and after-school programs, wrote grants, recruited and
Jordan Poff earned his Bachelor of Arts in Engineering Sciences from Bethany Lutheran College in 2019, where he also minored in Mathematics. While at Bethany, he embraced hands-on learning in the engineering labs and also balanced academics with competition on the men’s tennis team—an experience that shaped his discipline and
Amanda Rose, Class of 2007 with a major in Music Composition and Technology, now composes sacred music by commission or on her own initiative. She has created works for ensembles such as a college wind symphony and women’s choir, and writes for choir performances that bless congregations. She also sings
Jacob B. Weber, a 2010 graduate of Bethany Lutheran College with a degree in Church Music, has dedicated his life and career to sacred music, worship leadership, and teaching the faith through song. He currently serves as Associate Editor of Music/Worship at Concordia Publishing House (CPH) in St. Louis, Missouri,

Beret Finken graduated from Bethany Lutheran College in 2018, earning a dual major in Music and Theatre with a minor in Psychology. Today, she embraces motherhood full-time, caring for her two young sons, while continuing to compose and perform locally. In the fall of 2023, Beret released her debut album
Take your Virtual Tour!
Take a virtual tour of our beautiful campus in Mankato, Minnesota! We would love to show you around in person, so schedule your campus visit today!