Bethany Hires Community Engagement Coordinator

Bethany Theological Seminary has hired Mary Parrett as Coordinator of Bethany BOLD. BOLD (which stands for Build, Organize, Love, and Dare) is the Seminary’s service-based program for residential students. She begins her work at Bethany on July 14, 2025.

A former high school and junior high social studies teacher, Parrett has a strong background in the use of technology and has experience working with community leaders to address needs and encourage engagement. She has taught in the Randolph Southern and Blue River Valley school districts (in Indiana). At Blue River Valley, she served as webmaster and helped introduce a new learning management system.

Parrett also led a winning team in the  Empower Wayne County Challenge which implemented a community outreach project for the Richmond Art Museum. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education (with a concentration in history and political science) from Indiana University East.

Parrett will work closely with students, helping to coordinate their service placements at local nonprofit organizations and leading them on excursions to churches and other local institutions. She will also provide mentoring to students as they reflect on their experiences in the program and consider various options for ministry and service. BOLD, which stands for Build, Organize, Love, and Dare, is funded in part by a $1 million grant from Lilly Endowment. 

“I am excited to welcome Mary Parrett to Bethany,” says Dr. Maggie Elwell, assistant professor of peace studies and director of Bethany BOLD. “Her experience as an educator, commitment to community engagement, and connections to local organizations will benefit our students and help to strengthen the BOLD program.”

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