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.
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
Kayla Becker, a 2018 graduate of Bethany Lutheran College with a degree in Elementary Education, teaches third grade at Cross of Christ Lutheran School in Coon Rapids, Minnesota. In her classroom, Kayla brings structure, encouragement, and faith-based care to a room full of growing minds—guiding students through subjects like English
Why is Clinical Mental Health a passion of yours? When I completed my undergraduate degree in Expressive and Therapeutic Arts at Marian University in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, I volunteered for a local program, Grief Relief. Supporting grieving children quickly became a passion of mine, to the extent that immediately
Tova Brown, Class of 2010, graduated from Bethany Lutheran College with a Mathematics major (also pursuing Theatre). She received the prestigious National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship and earned her Ph.D. in Analysis from the University of Arizona. Following academic work in France, she now serves on the mathematics faculty
Emily Heintz graduated from Bethany Lutheran College in 2012 with a major in Elementary Education. Today, she enriches the lives of students as a fifth- and sixth-grade teacher at Immanuel Lutheran School in Courtland, Minnesota. In her classroom, Emily teaches nearly all core subjects, including English Language Arts, science, social
Bailey Bautch, Class of 2018, graduated from Bethany Lutheran College with a major in Elementary Education and now serves as a 6th grade general education instructor at Rochester Central Lutheran School. In her classroom, Bailey is more than a teacher—she’s a guide, a mentor, and a daily source of encouragement.
Craig Rossiter, Class of 2012, earned his degree in Mathematics at Bethany Lutheran College and went on to complete the Master’s in Actuarial Science program. He now serves as an actuarial senior analyst, working on pricing auto insurance sold directly to consumers. Craig analyzes complex data to determine accurate premium
Rebecca (Riediger) Jahns, Class of 2014, earned her degree in Biology at Bethany Lutheran College. She now works as a husbandry assistant in a zoological setting, where her days are filled with caring for diverse species including reptiles, birds, and mammals. She explains that her role involves cleaning and feeding
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
Charis Carmichael Braun, Class of 2004, graduated from Bethany Lutheran College with a major in Studio Art. She later earned her MFA at the New York Academy of Art and now serves as a fine artist, graphic designer, and arts administrator. In her work, she teaches art history, manages major
Hayes Schneider graduated in 2018 from Bethany Lutheran College with a degree in Media Arts, specializing in motion graphics and animation. At Bethany, he built early momentum through national-level media events and hands-on student broadcast work, including producing Maverick Hockey Weekend content—experience that launched his multimedia career. He now works
Avis Van Zomeren, a 2019 graduate of Bethany Lutheran College, majored in Psychology and now serves as a Marketing Strategist at Principal Financial Group in Des Moines, Iowa. In this role, she brings creativity, communication, and critical thinking together to craft strategic messaging that connects clients to financial services in
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

Kaleb and Tamara Schmidt, graduates of Bethany Lutheran College, are building lives rooted in faith, music, and education in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Tamara, who graduated in December 2023 with a degree in music, now teaches K–8 general music at Central Lutheran School. Her days are filled with leading band and
Abigail Vance, Class of 2015, earned her Psychology degree from Bethany Lutheran College, inspired by a desire to build a career centered on helping people. “I was first drawn to psychology just because I knew it generally had to do with people, and I’m a people person,” she explains. “I
Michael Knepprath, a 2010 graduate of Bethany Lutheran College, earned his degree in Studio Art with an emphasis in Media Arts. What began as a passion for visual design gradually evolved into a robust career at the intersection of design and technology. Today, Michael works as a Staff Software Engineer
Patricia Lilienthal, Class of 2018 with a major in History, is making history come alive through her work as a Collections Coordinator, Exhibit Designer, and Administrative Assistant. She reflects on her daily responsibilities: “I never really have an average day at the museum. I bounce between updating and preserving our

Cynthia Krause completed her Bachelor of Arts in Music at Bethany College in 2019, where she focused on harp and organ performance. After graduation, she spent two gap years working before pursuing a master’s degree in harp performance at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities. In December 2022, she
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
Angela Kraft, Class of 2012, earned her degree in Mathematics from Bethany Lutheran College. After graduating, she participated in Bethany’s international Math in Moscow program—an immersive semester of rigorous study in mathematical theory and culture. She then went on to pursue graduate studies at the University of Arizona. During her
Katherine Totten graduated from Bethany Lutheran College in 2016 with a major in Biology, then pursued advanced study in molecular pharmacology and experimental therapeutics. She earned her PhD and now serves as a graduate researcher in an infectious diseases laboratory, where she explores the therapeutic potential of bacteriophages—viruses that target
Nicholas Chopp graduated in 2005 with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Bethany Lutheran College. During his time at Bethany, he helped build and develop the College’s Audio/Video Studio, gaining experience that bolstered his work ethic, leadership abilities, and practical skills in broadcasting and production. Following his graduation, Nicholas
Alexis Gleason graduated from Bethany Lutheran College in 2015 with a major in Psychology, and went on to earn a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology at Bethel University. Deeply committed to mental health and personal empowerment, she later pursued and received her Doctor of Psychology in Counseling Psychology at
Heather Krueger, Class of 2014, earned her major in Biology at Bethany Lutheran College. She later completed her Doctor of Physical Therapy at Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences in May 2018. Heather’s love of biology grew from an early fascination with how the human body works: “I love learning
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
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!