Ruthann Johansen to Retire from Presidency of Bethany Seminary

Dr. Ruthann Knechel Johansen, president of Bethany Theological Seminary, has announced her retirement, effective July 1, 2013. The announcement came in conjunction with the semiannual meeting of the Bethany Seminary board of trustees.

Johansen began her tenure as the ninth president of Bethany Seminary on July 1, 2007, having most recently held the position of professor of literature and interdisciplinary studies and of a faculty fellow of the Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies at the University of Notre Dame. During her time at Bethany, she helped lead the development of a new mission and vision statement and a five-year strategic plan. Beginning with her inaugural celebration, she established the Presidential Forum as the premier public event at Bethany, offering the Seminary’s space and resources for denominational and ecumenical exploration, learning, and discourse on important issues of faith and ethics. Her presidency also saw the hiring of a new academic dean, three new faculty members, and a new director of the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership.

Dr. Johansen says, “I am grateful for the opportunity to work with wonderful colleagues, both as board members and employees, in higher education and in serving God, the church, and the world. I call us to continue to be faithful, as I will attempt to be during this last period, and as I expect the search committee and the board will be as well.”

Bethany trustee Rhonda Pittman Gingrich will serve as the chair of the Presidential Search Committee, with Ted Flory, former member and chair of the board, serving as vice chair. The additional members of the committee are trustees David McFadden, John D. Miller, and Nathan Polzin; at- large representative Judy Mills Reimer; faculty representative Tara Hornbacker; and student representative Dylan Haro.