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
A 2020 graduate of Bethany Lutheran College, Andrew Jelken has built a promising career in the banking industry by combining analytical skill with a strong work ethic and a commitment to growth. Andrew currently serves as a Credit Administration Associate in U.S. Bank’s Institutional Client Group, where he works to

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
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
Madison Barber graduated from Bethany Lutheran College in 2019 with a Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies. During her time on campus, she actively pursued opportunities to grow—most notably through Bethany’s mock trial program, where she developed courtroom confidence and sharpened her public-speaking skills by competing alongside motivated peers. “I
Veeva Lee earned her Bachelor of Arts in Exercise Science from Bethany Lutheran College in 2020, where she also distinguished herself as a standout player on the Vikings’ women’s volleyball team during her four years on campus. Now pursuing her MBA in Sports Business Management at Webber International University in
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
Janessa Becker, Class of 2014, earned a degree in Sociology from Bethany Lutheran College and has built a meaningful career in senior care leadership. She currently serves as the Regional Director of Operations at Grace Management, Inc., where she oversees senior living communities and ensures high-quality, individualized care across multiple
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
Dr. Johanna Sehloff graduated from Bethany Lutheran College in 2013 with a Bachelor of Arts in Biology. Today, she serves as a pediatrician at Seattle Children’s Hospital, where she works alongside dedicated colleagues to “make and keep kids healthy.” Her passion for medicine is shaped by her love for children
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
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
Daniel Halvorson graduated from Bethany Lutheran College in 2018 with a major in Engineering Sciences, joining the inaugural cohort of the program. He had previously been part of the Post-Secondary Enrollment Option (PSEO) during high school and chose to remain at Bethany when the new degree launched. The opportunity to
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
Bethany alumnus Alfonso (Fonzie) Mayfield is driven by a desire to affect change for people in his community. Mayfield grew up in the urban Milwaukee. It’s well documented that inner city Milwaukee has its problems, and opportunities for Mayfield in the Milwaukee public school system were muted. Through an opportunity
As a former teacher, I saw a great need for children and adolescents to receive counseling. Many are burdened by trauma, anxiety, and other issues which impede their learning. One situation involving a former student stands out to me. He had witnessed domestic violence prior to coming to school in
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
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.
Timothy Harting, a 2010 graduate of Bethany Lutheran College with a major in History, exemplifies how leadership, discipline, and a foundation in liberal arts can translate into impact across industries. After more than a decade of military service, including two deployments to Afghanistan, Timothy now serves as Chief Operating Officer

Jonathan Hartwig, Class of 2007, majored in Communication at Bethany Lutheran College. He now leads as the founder and principal owner of an e‑commerce media firm, where no two days are the same. His work spans business development, client outreach, scheduling production crews, auditioning talent, running shoots, and producing professional
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
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
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:
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.
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!