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Bethel College students return to campus for fall 2026 semester

The North Newton institution kicked off classes Monday amid a search for its next president

Greg Loving, Cronkite

18 Aug 2026 • 1 min read

Courtesy of Bethel College

Students at Bethel College in North Newton returned to the classroom on Monday, Aug. 17, to kick off the fall 2026 semester. The start of the new academic year followed the college's annual "Thresher Days" orientation events and comes amid an ongoing leadership transition at the private Mennonite institution. Earlier in August, the college's board of directors appointed a six-member search committee to find a replacement for former President Jon Gering, who departed in June.

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