New Director of Student Development Announced

Bethany Theological Seminary announces that Karen Duhai will begin serving as director of student development on August 1, 2018. She has earned two degrees from Bethany, a master of divinity with an emphasis in peace studies in 2016 and a master of arts with a concentration in theological studies in 2018. She has been employed as receptionist at the Seminary since October 2015.

Through ministry service, employment, and volunteer work, Duhai brings experience in areas of mentoring and relationship building, program development, event planning and coordination, worship leadership, speaking and writing, and volunteer training. Her ministry service has included working with On Earth Peace; First Christian Church of Richmond, Indiana; and Girls Inc. of Richmond, a nonprofit devoted to empowering and inspiring girls and young women. She has also served on steering committees for Women in Ministry and Womaen’s Caucus, organizations of the Church of the Brethren, and worked as Peace Forum coordinator for Bethany.

In her new role, Duhai will be responsible for designing and implementing programs that aid and encourage all students throughout their Bethany experience, that are attentive to and inclusive of the needs and circumstances of Bethany students, and that increase retention and nurture students into engaged alumni. She will also oversee the Bethany Neighborhood residence program and the Pillars and Pathways Residency Scholarship, enabling eligible students to complete their seminary education without incurring additional debt.

“The admissions and student services team is excited to welcome Karen into the role of director of student development,” said Lori Current, executive director of admissions and student services. “Karen brings knowledge of the Church of the Brethren and Bethany operations as an alumna and employee. The focus on retention and community life will be a great emphasis for her in the upcoming months.”