Koteskey Named Professor of the Year for 2026

Dr. Keith Koteskey, associate professor of Christian ministries and chair of religion and philosophy, has been named Professor of the Year for 2026. This honor was announced at Commencement on May 2, 2026. Each year, Bethel students submit nominations for Professor of the Year.

“Dr. Koteskey epitomizes thoughtful and intentional servant leadership, stepping in to fill needs within the institution, offering encouragement to fellow faculty, welcoming students in his home and serving as a mentor to students,” says Abson Joseph, Ph.D., Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Here’s what students had to say about Dr. Koteskey:

• “Keith always goes above and beyond for his students and everyone on campus. He always opens his office and heart to all who need it.”
• “Keith displays his faith boldly and lives out his faith well. He is a great spiritual example.”
• “Keith was my block professor, and he really helped me to not feel alone at Bethel. Coming to school and moving far away from your parents is hard, but Keith ensured that we hosted block functions throughout the semester, always giving us something to do to fill our empty schedules where we would normally be home. He always makes us feel welcome.”
• “Keith Koteskey helped speak life into me while I was enduring overwhelming suffering outside of my academics. He cared for me more as a brother in Christ than as a student-and that sets him apart.”

Koteskey began his Bethel career in 2016. He earned a B.A. in Broadcast Communications from Asbury University, an M.A. in Communication Studies from the University of Iowa, and an M.Div. and D.Min. from Asbury Theological Seminary.

Prior to coming to Bethel, Koteskey served as a pastor in the Missionary Church and first came to Bethel as the Director of Church Relations. He has a passion for helping students explore their vocation and pursue their own call to ministry, teaching our Exploratory Studies course and overseeing the annual “Explore the Call” weekend experience for high school students. He uses his background in communication and ministry in numerous ways, preparing future pastors, teaching Bethel Prime Time, serving as the PA for a variety of athletic events and posting memorable selfies on Donut Fridays in his role as “Dr. Donut.”