Bethel’s top stories of 2024

2024 has been a year of growth, innovation, and dedication. From impactful leadership to transformative community initiatives and a redefined tuition model, Bethel University has continued to make strides in academic excellence, faith integration, and student success. Let’s look back at some of the top stories of this year that have shaped our community.

#10 Providing the space: How Jo Saxton is investing in the next generation of leaders

Jo Saxton, the executive director of The 25, brings a wealth of experience as an author, leadership coach, and advocate for women in leadership. Born in London and now living in the U.S., Saxton’s journey has been marked by her passion for equipping leaders and creating spaces where women can thrive. From her work with the Ezer Collective to co-hosting the Lead Stories podcast, Saxton has championed mentorship, vulnerability, and community building. At Bethel, she aims to guide young leaders in discovering their calling, building their capacity, and fostering Christ-centered influence in their fields. Saxton’s vision is clear: “Leadership is being intentional with the influence you have.”

 #9 Taking faith to the streets of Minneapolis

Through a partnership with Inner City Christian Ministries (ICCM), Bethel Student Ministries empowers students to take their faith beyond campus by serving communities in downtown Minneapolis. On monthly Friday Night Street Team outings, students distribute essentials, pray, and build relationships, working alongside experienced ministry leaders. These experiences challenge students’ faith, deepen their compassion, and teach them to represent Christ in meaningful ways. “The leaders of ICCM have taught me how to love those who need it the most,” says Emily Krueger ’24. This partnership exemplifies Bethel’s commitment to developing faith that extends into the world.

#8 Meet Bethel’s newest faculty members

Bethel University welcomed 13 new full-time faculty members to the community this fall. They bring a wealth of experience, diverse backgrounds, and a shared commitment to integrating faith and learning. From seasoned professionals in marketing, engineering, and chemistry to experts in social work, political science, and library science, these professors enrich Bethel’s Christian community. Whether guiding students in cutting-edge research, deepening their faith, or cultivating practical skills, Bethel’s faculty embody a Christ-centered approach to education that transforms lives both on campus and beyond. 

#7 Eagle Brook Pastor Jason Strand wins Bethel preaching award

Bethel Seminary honored Jason Strand ’01, S’07, senior pastor at Eagle Brook Church, with the inaugural Preaching Excellence Award. This recognition celebrates his transformative preaching to an audience of 51,000 across Eagle Brook's campuses and online. Strand credits Bethel Seminary's rigorous biblical training and impactful faculty for shaping his ministry, citing courses in both the Old and New Testaments as foundational to his growth as a leader. The Preaching Excellence Award, which includes a $500 donation to a ministry of the recipient’s choice, underscores Bethel's commitment to advancing gospel-centered leadership.

#6 A legacy of love: Bethel announces first athletics endowment to honor Steve Johnson’s impact

Bethel University established the Steve Johnson Athletics Endowment to honor the transformative 35-year legacy of retired Head Football Coach Steve Johnson ’79. Known for his Christ-centered approach, Johnson shaped Bethel football into a nationally respected program while mentoring players, coaches, and colleagues with deep care and faith. Starting with $1.5 million, the endowment will provide sustainable funding for Bethel’s 18 varsity sports, supporting travel, equipment, facilities, and recruitment. It reflects Johnson’s impact, ensuring future generations of student-athletes experience the same culture of excellence, love, and faith he cultivated throughout his career.

#5 Meet Nick Cocalis, Bethel’s new lead campus pastor

Bethel University named Nick Cocalis S’25 as its new lead campus pastor. He will focus on creating opportunities for students to encounter God and grow in their faith. As Bethel’s men’s golf coach and a development officer, Cocalis is known for his success in athletics, including leading the Royals to a MIAC Championship, and for his passion for ministry, shaped by years of leadership in missions and youth work. In this new role, he aims to bring a fresh, integrated approach to ministry while maintaining Bethel’s Gospel foundation, inspiring the community to experience transformation through Christ.

#4 From probation to an RA and a Bethel leader

Caleb Harris ’24 experienced a profound transformation during his time at Bethel University, evolving from a first-year student on probation to a respected campus leader. After struggling with faith and personal challenges, Harris found support through deep friendships, Bethel’s football team, and a recommitment to Christ. As a resident assistant, Harris mentored others with compassion, drawing on his past to connect with students. With a passion for relationships and a focus on business and Biblical studies, Harris reflected on Bethel as a place of growth, second chances, and community, inspiring others through his journey of faith and leadership.

#3 Bethel University repositions tuition to increase transparency and access

Bethel University took an important step to show that a Christ-centered education is within reach for students by introducing a new tuition rate of $25,990 for the College of Arts & Sciences, starting in the 2025-26 academic year. This bold step broke from industry norms of inflated tuition prices and significant discounts labeled as scholarships. Instead, it offered families transparent and predictable pricing, showing that Bethel’s transformative education is accessible to a wider range of students.

This clear pricing model ensures that no current student paid more than they would have under the previous system, and many saw reduced financial obligations. The repositioned tuition reflected Bethel’s commitment to providing an academically excellent and attainable education for students of all backgrounds. And with a clear price and clear financial aid steps, students can focus on what truly matters—their education and their future.

#2 Bethel launches the Anderson Family College of Health Sciences

Bethel University launched the Anderson Family College of Health Sciences with a $20 million gift from Barb and Rollie Anderson, positioning the university as a leader in faith-based healthcare education in the Midwest. The College of Health Sciences combines healthcare programs from multiple Bethel departments, fostering collaboration and interprofessional training. The Andersons' generous contribution will fund clinical spaces and scholarships, making healthcare education more accessible. The college honors the Anderson family's legacy in healthcare and supports Bethel's mission to prepare healthcare professionals who serve with competence and Christ-like care.

#1 Meet the Duinincks: A Bethel family legacy five decades deep

The Duininck family has deep roots at Bethel University, with 28 family members attending over the past five decades. Originating from Prinsburg, Minnesota, where they founded Duininck Companies, the family’s Bethel legacy spans multiple generations and includes alumni from various programs. Many Duininck relatives have excelled in athletics, business, and academics, and several have remained connected to the university by serving as faculty, staff, and Board of Trustees members. The family values Bethel’s commitment to faith, strong academics, and lasting relationships, which have shaped their own careers and personal lives, continuing to inspire future generations.

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