About
Bethany Profiles
Meet the People Who Make Bethany Shine
Get to know Bethany a little better by learning more about the great people that are our faculty, staff, and alumni! Looking for a specific person? Search or browse our Faculty & Staff Directory.
Alumni Stories
Hear Why Past Graduates Love Education at BLC
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 […]
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 […]
Natalie Wishcop graduated in 2019 with a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Bethany, where she developed strong foundations in instrumental performance, choral ensembles, and music pedagogy. Today, she serves […]
Hai Trieu Phan, a 2018 graduate of Bethany Lutheran College with a major in Engineering Sciences, has built an international career that bridges cultures, industries, and disciplines. Originally from the […]
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 […]
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 […]
The bachelor of science in nursing program at Bethany is producing exceptional graduates who are making immediate impacts at the health care facilities they are working for. Among those graduates […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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. […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Stephanie Sewanoude, Class of 2010, graduated from Bethany Lutheran College with a degree in History. Her journey since then has been marked by a commitment to service, global engagement, 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 […]
Kayelynn Lawson graduated in 2022 with a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Bethany Lutheran College. After graduation, she was called to teach orchestra and strings at a Lutheran high […]
John Brown graduated from Bethany in 2019 with a Bachelor of Arts in Exercise Science. Inspired by his own experience as a physical therapy patient, he felt called to help […]
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 […]
Meet the Faculty at Bethany
Chad Heins
Education Academic Interests I find the diversity of God’s created life forms absolutely fascinating and have broad interests. I discovered birds and birdwatching as a
Brittany Espinoza
Education Academic Interests Professional Memberships Biography Brittany has been a resident of Mankato since she was three. Playing basketball, soccer, and tennis in high school,
Kenneth Johnson
Education Academic Interests Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Intrapreneurship, and Innovation. Licensure-Certifications Professional Memberships Awards Biography Proven servant leadership and effective management throughout a successful and varied career
Peter Bloedel
Education Academic Interests Professional Memberships Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival Awards Awards from the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival: Synod Recognition: Service Presentations/Publications
Next Steps
Interested in studying at Bethany? Scheduling a campus visit is a great way to see what we have to offer. You can meet professors or sit in on a class too! Contact our admissions office to learn more.
