Bethel University Presidential Search
When President Barbara K. Bellefeuille, Ed.D., announced her plans to retire at the end of the 2024-25 academic year, the Bethel University Board of Trustees announced their plans for a comprehensive national search for Bethel University’s ninth president.
“I am excited that our search committee has chosen FaithSearch Partners (FSP) which is one of the most respected faith-focused executive search firms in the U.S. They have already begun to partner with us and will give us the support and expertise we need in this incredibly important process to help assess, guide and secure candidates for Bethel University’s next president.”
– Brian Habegger, Chairman of the Bethel Board of Trustees
Executive Search Firm
FaithSearch Partners is dedicated to providing lasting solutions and championing faith-driven leaders. FSP exists to serve clients and empower faith-based organizations with the right people at the right time to help drive their unique mission of ministry forward.
“We know that we are called to reach far beyond the expected and to serve our clients with a passion matched only by our commitment to serve the Father. And we are working each day to build a solid foundation from which kingdom-focused individuals, businesses, organizations and institutions are enabled to advance their mission … to the glory of God.”
Search Committee
Our search committee is made up of Bethel University trustees, faculty, staff, administrators and alumni.
Trustees
Daryl Pannabecker – committee chairman
Rev. Rodney Arnold
Dr. Sharon
Rev. Dave Engbrecht
Josh Gregory
Octavian Sayumwe
Randy Lehman
Brian Habegger (ex officio)
Faculty Representative
Michelle Fish, Ph.D.
Staff Representative
Tony Natali
President’s Cabinet Representative
Shawn Holtgren, Ph.D.
Executive Assistant
Miriam Wertz
Search Process and Timeline
Mid-November 2024 through early January 2025
Meeting with Bethel community members including faculty, staff, trustees, students, alumni, community members, local pastors, donors, and Missionary Church. Developing the Presidential Position Profile.
December 2024 through February 2025
Identifying Candidates
January 2025 through March 2025
Reviewing & Interviewing Candidates
March 2025 through April 2025
Selecting the President
July 2025
New President starts
Receive Updates and Nominate a Candidate
If you would like to receive more detailed information, or if you are aware of qualified individuals for this opportunity, please contact FaithSearch Partners at your earliest convenience. Interested candidates may forward a current resume to Kimberley Wiedefeld at kwiedefeld@faithsearchpartners.com, Jacqueline Gustafson at jgustafson@faithsearchpartners.com or Andrew Westmoreland at awestmoreland@faithsearchpartners.com. All inquiries will be held in strict confidence.
About Bethel
After serving the university for 13 years (four in the highest leadership role), President Bellefeuille plans to retire as the university’s eighth president in June 2025. The new president will have the opportunity to help shape the future of Bethel University, building on Bethel’s mission to challenge the mind, enlarge the vision and equip the whole person for lifelong service in the church and the world.
Located in Mishawaka, Ind., Bethel University is an accredited Christian university offering associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees in more than 50 areas of study. Since 2005, Bethel has been recognized as a “best college” by U.S. News and World Report. Bethel appears on Money Magazine’s “Best Colleges in America 2023” list, has been recognized on Washington Monthly’s “Best Bang for the Buck – Midwest 2021” list and is ranked No. 114 in the nation on Washington Monthly’s list of “Top Master’s Universities 2021.” Other recognition includes being designated as a 2020 College of Distinction. Bethel’s nursing program is ranked No. 1 in the nation based on the percentage of graduates passing the BSN NCLEX (national licensure exam) for 2023-24.