Yesterday, June 28, Bethel College & Seminary Corporation delegates unanimously voted to change the name of Bethel College & Seminary to Bethel University as it was recommended by the Bethel Board of Trustees.

Bethel President George K. Brushaber said the name change to Bethel University indicates the next step in a continuing tradition of dynamic growth and adaptability. He said:

"For all of its 133-year history, Bethel has been a dynamic educational institution, embracing growth, expanding programs and services, and restructuring when necessary to better fulfill its mission. Its names throughout the last 90 years-Bethel Academy and Theological Seminary, Bethel Institute, Bethel Junior College and Seminary, and Bethel College & Seminary-reflect this fact.”

Brushaber added, "Bethel's longstanding vision will continue: to be a world-class Christian university preparing women and men for strategic involvement at the highest levels of influence in the church and society. To that end, Bethel will remain a top- quality private institution committed to a distinctly evangelical Christian philosophy of education."

The five academic units that comprise Bethel University are: Bethel Seminary, the College of Arts & Sciences, the College of Adult & Professional Studies, the Graduate School, and the School for Executive Leadership. There will be no official changes made to Bethel after adopting “university” structure but it will definitely offer greater potential to fulfill its vision and increased financial accountability and help Bethel to be more academically recognized.

Bethel University, sponsored by the churches of the Baptist General Conference, remains as one of the leading schools that promote Christian higher education. Currently more than 4,000 students from 26 countries are enrolled in undergraduate, graduate, seminary, and adult education programs at Bethel. In addition, Bethel offers majors, minors, and advanced degrees in nearly 100 fields.

Bethel University is based in St. Paul, Minn.