Intro to Nursing Residential CampJoin Nursing faculty and staff to experience real simulations, local hospital visits, and get hands-on experience, all while staying in our dorms and eating in our dining commons. If you want a fully immersive introduction to nursing school and the nursing profession, this camp is for you!
Register Here
In a higher education landscape often dominated by rankings and test scores, Bethel University has been recognized for what truly matters: a transformative undergraduate experience. For the 2025-2026 academic year, Bethel University has been named a College of Distinction, a prestigious designation awarded to schools whose commitment to engaged, experiential education sets them apart.
In addition to being named a College of Distinction, Bethel University has also been named a Christian College of Distinction, an Indiana College of Distinction, an International College of Distinction and recognized for Business, Education and Nursing.
This recognition is based on Colleges of Distinction’s unique evaluating criteria known as the Four Distinctions: Engaged Students, Great Teaching, Vibrant Community and Successful Outcomes. Through extensive research and interviews, Colleges of Distinction identifies institutions that make a meaningful impact on students’ lives, not just ones that fight their way to the top of rankings lists.
“Bethel University has crafted a campus culture where students are empowered to take ownership of their learning,” said Tyson Schritter, Chief Operating Officer at Colleges of Distinction. “Its programs reflect the kind of innovation and intentionality that prepare students for life after graduation.”
Unlike rankings that focus on prestige-driven metrics, Colleges of Distinction highlights schools that champion educational impact. That includes everything from first-year seminars and collaborative projects to undergraduate research, global learning, and internships. Bethel University’s inclusion is a result of its commitment to these high-impact practices and the personalized support it offers students throughout their college journey.
“We’ve never believed in ranking schools,” Schritter continued. “Our goal is to celebrate institutions that help students find their place, their purpose, and their potential. Bethel University stands out for creating an environment where students thrive not just academically, but as whole people.”
To view Bethel University’s profile or learn more about its programs, visit Bethel University Indiana – Colleges of Distinction: Profile, Highlights, and Statistics.
Since 2000, Colleges of Distinction has been committed to recognizing schools across the United States for their exceptional contributions to higher education. Member institutions within the Colleges of Distinction consortium distinguish themselves through their unwavering focus on providing an outstanding undergraduate experience. Their website offers dynamic college profiles, customized tools, and valuable resources for students, parents, and high school counselors. For more information and to discover how to become a College of Distinction, visit CollegesofDistinction.com.
The Bethel University School of Nursing wishes to announce that it will host a site visit for continuing accreditation of its Bachelor of Science nursing program by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
You are invited to meet with the site visit team and share your comments about the program in person at a meeting scheduled at 3:00 pm on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, in S157 (nursing lab) of the Middleton Hall of Science building located at 1001 Bethel Circle, Mishawaka, IN 46545.
Written comments are also welcome and should be submitted to the ACEN via email at public-comments@acenursing.org or to the ACEN office:
Attn: Accreditation Services
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
3390 Peachtree Rd NE, Suite 1400
Atlanta, GA 30326
You must identify the full name of the program in your comments. All written comments should be received by the ACEN by February 3, 2026.
Bethel University is proud to announce its recognition as one of the best institutions for Best Online Master’s Programs in Indiana for 2025 by Online Master’s Colleges (OMC). This prestigious award highlights Bethel University’s commitment to providing exceptional...
Cailyn (Pentecost) Helmuth ’24 earned her BSN degree from Bethel and currently works at Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center in Mishawaka, Ind., in her “dream” nursing role. As a maternal child float nurse, she is able to work in a place where she is making a difference every day. She says clinicals, which Bethel introduces earlier than other nursing schools, helped her find hospitals she really enjoyed working at. Her professors not only prepared her academically, but for life, and helped her navigate the demands of being a student-athlete.
“Bethel’s nursing school is rigorous and gave me a lot of knowledge about health. It also taught me how to communicate and plan during crazy times. I loved my professors and felt encouraged to pursue roles I was excited about!”
Bethel University has been awarded a $200,000 matching grant from a local foundation to renovate, upgrade and expand its nursing, biology and chemistry labs. This grant will match $200,000 of additional funding to complete a $400,000 project.
This renovation will support and expand Bethel’s Nursing program, which is ranked No. 1 in the United States and state of Indiana based on 100% of graduates passing the BSN NCLEX (national licensure exam). It will also support Bethel’s science programs.
Plans for renovation include purchase of new nursing simulation models, new lab equipment, new safety features, facility renovations, upgraded classroom technology, and more.
“Renovating our nursing and science spaces will expand the capacity of our nursing program, keep it state-of-the-art, and bring students to our community to address the nursing shortage with highly-educated professionals,” says Deb Gillum, Ph.D., dean of nursing.
Bethel University will host a special visit day focused on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) on Fri., Sept. 5, from 8:15 a.m.-2 p.m. High School juniors and seniors interested in STEM careers are encouraged to register by Sept. 1 at BethelUniversity.edu/STEMVisit. Additionally, those who visit and apply for fall 2026 will be eligible for a $2,000 visit scholarship! This event is free for attendees.
“More than half of Bethel students are pursuing STEM-related fields,” says Alice Ramos, Ph.D., dean of arts and sciences and professor of mathematics. “Bethel combines top-tier academics with a Christian foundation that views the pursuit of science and discovery as a calling. We seek to find God revealed in his creation.”
During the visit, students will tour Bethel’s STEM labs, classrooms and facilities; they will experience live demonstrations in the Nursing Simulation Lab and Human Performance Lab (focused on exercise science). They will attend chapel with our Christ-centered campus community, see a real college class in action, enjoy lunch on campus with students and faculty and have a Q&A with current students and our Admission team.
“Whether you’re called to a science-related program or you’re still exploring, this day is for you,” says Deb Gillum, Ph.D., dean of nursing.
Register now at BethelUniversity.edu/STEMVisit.
Learn more about the $2,000 Visit Scholarship.
Sean McGuinness, Ph.D., joins Bethel University as an assistant professor of physics, bringing a dynamic blend of research, teaching, and national service experience. 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. His technical expertise spans nuclear and accelerator physics, alongside certifications in nuclear acquisitions, project management, and college teaching. Passionate about student engagement, McGuinness has a strong record of mentorship, public outreach, and leadership — whether teaching the physics of curveballs to kids or advocating for science funding on Capitol Hill.
Cody A. Ruiz, Ph.D., will serve as an assistant professor of biology at Bethel University this fall, bringing 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. At Kent State, he also taught courses and was actively involved in graduate student leadership. Ruiz is highly proficient in a range of laboratory and bioinformatics techniques, including PCR, DNA sequencing, CNV assays, and software platforms such as R, Python, and Geneious Prime. He is currently completing his Ph.D. in Cell and Molecular Biology at Kent State, where he is defending his dissertation this summer. He also holds 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, providing compassionate, evidence-based care to women throughout their reproductive journeys. Heather 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 20214. From 2000 to 2014, she worked as a registered nurse at Beacon Health System, gaining valuable clinical experience that continues to inform her teaching. She previously taught at Bethel as an adjunct professor from 2019 to 2021 and now returns to the classroom full-time. Her certifications include Neonatal Resuscitation (NRP), Basic Life Support (BLS), and Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) through the American Midwifery Certification Board.
Peyton Dickinson ‘27 has always felt a deep calling to care for and serve others, especially in their most vulnerable moments. She chose nursing as her major so she can live out her faith through compassion, service and healing. “I love how nursing provides a tangible...
Registration is now open for Pilot Summer Academy, Bethel University’s academic camps. Pilot Summer Academy provides students ages 9-17 the opportunity to explore their interests, experience education in a college environment and spend time learning about themselves and the opportunities available to them. In partnership with Indiana Youth Programs on Campus, Bethel University is offering our standard academic arts and sciences (STEAM) day camps, along with a residential nursing camp. Scholarships are available!
STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) Camps will take place July 14-18 (for ages 9-12) and July 21-25 (for ages 13-17) on Bethel’s campus. The first week includes engineering, chemistry, theatre, studio art, graphic art and culinary. The second week includes musical theatre, studio art II, graphic art II and Esports.
Give it a Shot: Intro to Nursing Residential Camp will take place June 17-19 on Bethel’s campus. This immersive experience for grades 10-12 will include real simulations, local hospital visits and hands-on experiences, while students stay in the dorms and enjoy meals in the dining commons.
Scholarships are available this year for students residing in St. Joseph County, Ind. These scholarships will be based on need and can be applied for using the registration form on the website. To learn more and register, visit BethelUniversity.edu/PSA.
Indiana Youth Programs on Campus (IYPC) is a new Lilly Endowment initiative designed to help Indiana colleges and universities in their efforts to create new or expand and enhance existing high-quality, on-campus programs for Hoosier youth, ages five to 18. Indiana public and private colleges and universities that have a physical campus in the state are eligible to participate. As of September 2022, the Endowment had awarded program implementation grants to 35 Indiana colleges and universities.
Lilly Endowment Inc. is an Indianapolis-based, private philanthropic foundation created in 1937 by J.K. Lilly Sr. and sons J.K. Jr. and Eli through gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and Company. While those gifts remain the financial bedrock of the Endowment, the Endowment is a separate entity from the company, with a distinct governing board, staff and location. In keeping with the founders’ wishes, the Endowment supports the causes of community development, education and religion and maintains a special commitment to its hometown, Indianapolis, and home state, Indiana.