Bethany Announces Commencement Speaker

Bethany Theological Seminary has announced that Dr. Kathy Melhorn, a former member of the Board of Trustees, will give this year’s commencement address. Her address is entitled, “Open the Doors … See All the People.” The ceremony will be held on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at 10 a.m., in Nicarry Chapel.

Dr. Melhorn, who retired in January 2024, was the first board-certified child abuse pediatrician in Kansas and was instrumental in creating and raising funds to launch the Child Advocacy Center of Sedgwick County which provides a child-friendly, multidisciplinary approach to child abuse investigations and management. Along with providing patient care, consultation, court testimony and education throughout the state in all areas of child abuse and neglect, Dr. Melhorn held several administrative roles in the KU-Wichita Pediatrics department — most notably, as Program Director for the pediatrics residency program for 15 years. She provided many years of teaching and clinical mentoring of resident and medical students in general pediatrics at the teaching hospital and residency clinic. 

She earned several teaching awards through her work at KU, and has been recognized for her contributions in the area of child abuse and neglect, including the Department of Health and Human Service Commissioner’s Award for Kansas from the Administration on Children, Youth and Families; the Volunteer Leadership Award from the National Children’s Alliance; and the American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children Outstanding Front Line Professional Award for demonstrating extraordinary dedication and skill in direct care efforts on behalf of children and families.

Dr. Melhorn helped initiate the Kansas State Child Death Review Board, which she has served on since 1992. She currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Child Advocacy Center of Sedgwick County and the Board of Trustees of McPherson College. 

She and her husband, Mark, are active members of First Church of the Brethren of Wichita. She has served, at various times, as a Sunday School teacher, choir member, deacon, and member of the Nurture Commission. They have two adult children and three grandchildren. Mark and Kathy Melhorn are generous supporters of Flourish: A Campaign for Bethany Theological Seminary.

“We are delighted to have Kathy join us to give this year’s Commencement Address,” says President Jeff Carter. “She has been a loyal and generous supporter of Bethany for many years, and she brings a unique perspective about the care and nurturing of vulnerable members of society.”

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