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.
Total Students
Student-Faculty Ratio
Students Receiving Financial Aid
Countries Represented
Students Clubs + Organizations
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Kaitlyn Kiecker, a 2014 graduate of Bethany Lutheran College with a degree in Biology, works as a Clinical Laboratory Technologist in Rochester, Minnesota. In this role, she helps process blood and bone marrow samples to assist doctors in diagnosing and treating patients with blood disorders. Each day, Kaitlyn prepares lab
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
Hannah Koronkiewicz, a 2014 graduate of Bethany Lutheran College, earned her Bachelor of Arts in Communication with minors in Communication Disorders and Spanish. Her time at Bethany set the foundation for a career focused on compassionate service, interpersonal connection, and helping others overcome communication challenges. Following her graduation from Bethany,
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
Jessica Berlinger graduated from Bethany Lutheran College in 2019 with a major in English and a secondary education licensure, including coaching credentials in secondary education. She went on to teach high school English in Springfield, Minnesota, where she engages both freshmen and seniors—guiding young writers, encouraging public speaking development, and
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
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
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
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
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
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
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,
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
Anna Cepek, Class of 2012, earned her major in Mathematics at Bethany Lutheran College. She completed a Ph.D. in Mathematics at Montana State University and then traveled to South Korea for a postdoctoral fellowship focused on research in configuration spaces of manifolds. In her role as a graduate student and
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
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
Allison Petzel, Class of 2012 with a double major in Biology and Exercise Science, now practices as a physical therapist in an outpatient orthopedic setting. Her caseload spans patients aged 10 to those in their 90s, treating acute injuries, post-surgical recovery, balance and gait issues, and sports-related conditions. She values
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!