The Bethany Theological Seminary board of trustees gathered at the Richmond, Indiana, campus for their semi-annual meeting March 26-28, 2010. The board addressed several significant items of business including a strategic plan, a proposal for a distributed education track for the master of arts degree, and a feasibility study for a fund-raising campaign.

Strategic Plan. Strategic Planning Committee chair John D. Miller Jr. reported on the work of the committee, comprised of the board chair, committee chairs, the Seminary’s administrative team, and faculty members Dawn Ottoni-Wilhelm and Dan Ulrich. Described by board member John Neff as “fresh and fluid,” the strategic plan combines the twenty-two recommendations from the strategic direction paper passed by the board in March 2009—which created specific action steps to align the Seminary’s educational program with its new mission and vision statement—into seven priorities with accompanying subsets of goals and tasks. The goals focus on educational ethos and environment; curriculum focus, integration and expansion of the educational program; and funding for new initiatives. Each task has a time frame for completion, measurable marks for accomplishment, and personnel assignments. The plan, which was reviewed by the board committees and the entire board, was approved, and gave direction to the president and the Strategic Planning Committee to include an additional priority of increased Seminary visibility through attention to enrollment, communications, and public relations.

MA Connections Program. In an update to the board regarding their approval at their October 2009 meeting to proceed with the development of an MA Connections program, the board learned that a proposal will be sent to the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) by April 1 for their approval. Since 2003 Bethany has offered an ATS-approved distributed education track for the master of divinity degree named MDiv Connections. The new master of arts track will offer a parallel track to the current MA program, imitating its requirements and standards while offering courses in formats that are more conducive to the needs and desires of students who would enroll in a distributed education program. Pending ATS approval the new track will be implemented as soon as possible.

Campaign Feasibility Study.  The board received a feasibility study report conducted by Braren, Mulder, German Associates regarding the possibility of launching a new financial campaign. The board approved a four-year, $5.9 million campaign with the lead gift phase to begin in July 2010.

Other business of the board included:

Assessment. To facilitate the ongoing work of assessment related to curriculum review and strategic plan implementation, Karen Garrett of Eaton, Ohio has been hired as coordinator of assessment. Karen holds a master of arts degree from Bethany and a master’s degree in education with specialization in curriculum and assessment. The board will be approving a comprehensive assessment plan in anticipation of a focus visit by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools in 2011.

Marketing and Communications Study. The board received a report on a marketing and communications study conducted by Liechty Media, Inc. The board approved funding for the study at their October 2009 meeting. Board committees offered suggestions regarding prioritizing the recommendations of the plan.

Financial Aid Program. The Seminary’s new financial aid program will go into effect in the 2010/2011 academic year. The basic components of the program include significant scholarship awards for academic excellence and goals of church service after degree completion. Federal loans, grants, and work-study will be available. Several forms of communication have been developed to promote and interpret the new program, including a brochure and a video.

Student Affairs. The board celebrated the increase of full-time students enrolled at Bethany in the 2009/2010 academic year. Amy Gall Ritchie, director of student development, presented a report on student retention over the last decade and its findings regarding student patterns in progress toward finishing their degree.

Candidates for Graduation.  The board approved ten candidates for graduation pending completion of all requirements. Bethany’s one hundred fifth commencement will take place on Saturday, May 8.

Institute for Ministry With Youth and Young Adults. The board received a report from Russell Haitch, associate professor of Christian education and director of the Institute for Ministry With Youth and Young Adults, regarding recent activities of the Institute. Haitch and the Institute advisory board are considering several new initiatives, including workshops with churches interested in reaching youth and young adults, research regarding mentoring young adults, campus forums on theological issues of interest to young adults, an intergenerational meeting focused on an historic Church of the Brethren practice, and a seminary preview event for youth.

Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership. The board received a report from Julie Mader Hostetter, director of the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership. The work of the Academy focuses on undergraduate-level ministry training and continuing education for all pastors. Ninety-five students were enrolled in ministry training programs during the past year. An assessment of the Advanced Foundations for Church Leadership and Vital Pastor tracks of the Sustaining Pastoral Excellence program has been completed. Revisions for continuing the program have been submitted to Lilly Endowment Inc. The summary of the 2008 Pastoral Study Survey and an introductory DVD was distributed to all districts and denominational agencies and posted on the Academy Web page.

Budget and Investment Report. The board approved a budget for the 2010-2011 fiscal year of approximately $2.3 million, a 1% increase from the prior year. Jim Dodson, Student and Business Affairs Committee chair, noted the current challenges of developing a balanced budget, including compensating for a 42% increase in health insurance premiums for employees. The board’s Investment Committee reported that Bethany’s investments, which meet the criteria of social screens that are aligned with the Seminary's mission and values, are performing well.

Recognition. President Ruthann Knechel Johansen led the board in a special recognition for chair Ted Flory of Bridgewater, Va. Flory’s term of service ends this year. “During the three years that I have worked closely with Ted, I have realized how rare are the qualities that Ted has offered not only to this institution but also to all those whom he meets,” Johansen said. “I believe that Ted has been a wise guide for the board and faculty through decisions about strategic direction and mission because of his own abiding faith in Jesus Christ and his commitment to the church, particularly the Church of the Brethren.”

New Officers. Carol Scheppard of Bridgewater, Va., will serve as the board chair beginning July 2010. Others chosen to serve as officers include Ray Donadio of Greenville, Ohio, vice chair; Marty Farahat, Oceano, Calif., secretary; Elaine Gibbel, Lititz, Pa., Insitutional Advancement Committee chair; Jim Dodson, Lexington, Ky., Student and Business Affairs Committee chair; Lisa Hazen, Wichita, Kans., Academic Affairs Committee chair.

Special Program. The board and many others from the Bethany and ESR communities and surrounding area attended the program “A Poet’s Gift.” The presentation included the viewing of the film “Every War Has Two Losers,” based on the writings of pacifist William Stafford, which reflected on the relationship between Stafford’s pacifism and his vocation as a poet, and a presentation by Jeff Gundy, professor of English at Bluffton University, in which he shared about his personal interactions with Stafford.