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Office of the President

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Office of the President

Ross Allen, president of Bethel University.

Bold leadership for a bright future.

Ross Allen '84 became Bethel's sixth president on July 1, 2020. For nearly his entire career, Ross has specialized in helping organizations transform their financial results while clarifying and advancing their mission and vision.

Experience in business and healthcare

During his 25-year tenure at Medtronic—a multinational medical device company—he used his strategic, relational, and operational expertise to lead seven successful corporate transformations in Denmark, Switzerland, and across the United States. In his most recent position as chief financial officer and vice president for business and finance at Azusa Pacific University, Ross played an instrumental role in positioning the institution for a strong and vibrant future. He is a deeply committed Christ-follower, a seasoned executive leader, and a transformative developer of people, culture, and organizations. 

I can’t imagine doing anything more critical for society than developing leaders who own their faith, step into the world with boldness and confidence, and act with integrity as Christ’s vessel—for God’s glory and our neighbors’ good.

I can’t imagine doing anything more critical for society than developing leaders who own their faith, step into the world with boldness and confidence, and act with integrity as Christ’s vessel—for God’s glory and our neighbors’ good.

Ross Allen, president

Royal at heart

Ross is the first alumnus to become president in the university's 150-year history. He attended Bethel as an undergraduate student, when he ran track and cross country, met his wife, Annie, and graduated with a business administration degree in 1984. Now, he and Annie have four adult children and seven grandchildren. In his free time, Ross enjoys running, cycling, and spending time outdoors.