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Lucas Fricke, Associate Professor for the Languages Department and Director of the Esports Department, poses in front of a gray backdrop.

Lucas Fricke

Associate Professor, Director – Esports
Department: Languages Department
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Education

  • Ed.D. (in progress), Arizona State University – Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College
  • M.A., Spanish, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
  • B.A., Spanish, Bethany Lutheran College

Academic Interests

  • Latin American literature and identity formation
  • Experiential and project-based language learning
  • Faculty-led assessment and shared governance models
  • Student engagement in co-curricular programs, particularly esports

Research

  • Faculty engagement in program assessment at small liberal arts colleges
  • Faculty-Led Collaborative Assessment Model (FL-CAM) as an intervention for improving assessment culture
  • Application of Control-Value Theory and Attribution Theory to faculty motivation in assessment
  • Impact of esports participation on student recruitment and retention

Service

  • Faculty Marshal
  • Spanish Club

Teaching Philosophy

I believe language learning thrives when students see its real-world value and connect personally with the material. My classrooms emphasize cultural understanding, practical application, and collaborative engagement. I strive to make learning both challenging and enjoyable, fostering curiosity while providing a supportive environment where mistakes are seen as opportunities to grow.

Additional Campus Responsibilities

  • Director of Esports, overseeing recruitment, program development, and competition management
  • Collaborator with Admissions for esports student recruitment

Biography

Lucas Fricke has taught Spanish at Bethany Lutheran College since 2014. He combines a passion for language, culture, and student engagement with innovative approaches to teaching. In addition to his faculty role, he directs Bethany’s Esports program, which has grown into a nationally competitive team under his leadership. He is pursuing doctoral research on faculty engagement in assessment processes, seeking to strengthen shared governance in higher education.

Hobbies/Interests

  • Marathon training and endurance sports
  • Competitive and casual gaming
  • Travel and cultural exploration
  • Family time with wife Aline and children