Chances are, if you attended Bethel between 1988 and 2026, you had classes with Dr. Norm Spivey. A professor of Psychology for 38 years, Spivey has taught psychology, general education classes, electives and block courses to hundreds of students throughout his time at Bethel.
Spivey started his career by majoring in psychology and then obtaining his teaching certificate to teach high school, but quickly realized he did not enjoy the public school setting. He spent a few years working toward his master’s and doctorate degrees and then, for his very first higher education position, he came to Bethel in 1988.
Initially, Spivey had no plans to stay at Bethel nearly four decades, but over time, a commitment to the students and his fellow colleagues began to develop, and he’s been here ever since. During the tougher times, Spivey says a desire to serve the students kept him going.
“The students are my joy and motivation,” he says, noting that Bethel students are different than kids he often worked with in public schools. “They want to be here, and they’re open to learning.”
“If you take God out of how we learn about ourselves, you miss so much of who we are and who we are meant to be.” – Dr. Norm Spivey
He recalls feeling almost like a parent to students he got to know. He has loved guiding them on their path to success not only academically, but in their personal lives as well. Bethel gives professors the opportunity to walk with students as they develop as leaders and grow in their faith, which was part of the reason his own two children attended Bethel.
“Bethel gave them a great experience.” He recalls, “They met their wives here and went on to lead happy and successful lives, dedicated to the Lord.”
You might think teaching in a scientific field like psychology could be challenging at a school where the professors teach from a Christian perspective, but Dr. Spivey says it’s necessary. “How could you not?” He asks. “If you take God out of how we learn about ourselves, you miss so much of who we are and who we are meant to be.”
As evidenced by 38 years in the classroom, Spivey has loved teaching. If he could leave one piece of advice for the students that will come after him, he says,
“Be like Peter [about whom God said ‘on this Rock I will build my church’]. Follow God’s path. Turn it all over to Him and you will have tremendous joy, impact and treasure.”
Norm Spivey is pictured through the decades.
Sean McGuinness, Ph.D., assistant professor of physics, brings a dynamic blend of research, teaching and national service experience. to Bethel. Most recently a professor at Ivy Tech Community College, McGuinness also spent three years with the National Nuclear Security Agency (NNSA) after earning his Ph.D. and M.S. in Physics from the University of Notre Dame, where his research focused on medical applications of low-energy nuclear physics.
Cody A. Ruiz, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology, brings a strong interdisciplinary background in molecular biology and anthropology to the classroom. He most recently taught genetics and general biology as an adjunct professor at Bethel and has served as a research assistant in the Molecular Anthropology Lab at Kent State University since 2015. He earned his Ph.D. in Cell and Molecular Biology at Kent State, an M.A. in Biological Anthropology from Kent State and a B.S. in Biological Sciences and Anthropology from the University of Notre Dame.
Heather Hostetler, CNM, joins Bethel University as an assistant professor of nursing, bringing over two decades of experience in nursing, women’s health and maternity care. A certified nurse midwife since 2014, she has served with Beacon Medical Group OB/GYN. Hostetler is also a proud Bethel alumna, having earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2002 before completing her Master of Science in Nursing, with a focus in Nurse Midwifery, at Frontier Nursing University in 2014.
Jason Lewkowicz, was named Athletic Director for the Bethel Pilots, beginning his tenure July 1, 2025. Lewkowicz brings a wealth of experience to the role and has an extensive background in Christian higher education, most recently at Montreat College in Montreat, North Carolina. He follows former Athletic Director Tony Natali, who retired in May 2025 after 26 years of service to Bethel. Read more at 
Adam Banter, MBA, was named Vice President for Finance & Operations and CFO at Bethel University, and began his tenure August 25, 2025. Banter is a strategic and mission-driven leader with 20+ years of experience in banking, finance, operations, higher education, real estate and business ownership. He is committed to Christ-centered service, institutional growth and the responsible stewardship of resources in support of academic and student success. Read his full release at 
Joel K. Johnson, Ph.D., was named Vice President for University Advancement and began his tenure September 8, 2025. Johnson is a mission-driven advancement executive with 21 years of experience in Christian higher education, specializing in major gifts, donor engagement and strategic campaign leadership. He most recently served as Director of Advancement at the Institute for Worship Studies in Jacksonville, Fla. Read the full release at 
James Savannah ’24, ’25, is a two-time Bethel graduate, receiving both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Bethel. He began as director of admission February 23, 2026. Savannah comes to Bethel with a distinctive background in university admissions, organizational leadership, financial services and community-focused media. He most recently served as a high-performing admission counselor at Trine University in Angola, Ind., where he oversaw a geographic territory, managing inquiries, developing partnerships and guiding prospective students from initial contact through enrollment.
Mary Estepp, assistant professor of kinesiology, contributed to an article published in the Journal of Issues in Intercollegiate Athletics. The article, “NCAA DI athletic trainers’ perception and use of psychological techniques during sport injury rehabilitation,” was a finalist for the Most Outstanding Article Award with the journal.
