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Statement from Bethany College Board of Trustees Chairman Ken Bado

I would like to update the Bethany College family on the process for identifying a permanent president who will succeed Dr. Tamara Rodenberg when she steps down December 31, as well as provide information related to our current effort to develop a 2022-2024 strategic plan for the college.

Presidential Transition

The Bethany College Board of Trustees unanimously appointed Dr. Jamie Caridi interim president of the college on December 2nd, identifying him as the best individual among several finalists to lead Bethany while we undertake a search for a permanent president.

Dr. Caridi and his firm, Terra Firma, have been working with the college since the Spring, assessing Bethany, meeting stakeholders and proposing changes that will improve Bethany’s value proposition. Dr. Caridi will conclude his consulting role with Bethany effective December 31 and assume the role of interim president on January 1.

In early 2022, the college will identify and retain an executive search firm to work with a Presidential Search Committee, comprised of Bethany trustees, staff, faculty and alumni, and begin the selection process with the goal of having the permanent president in place prior to the start of the 2022-23 academic year.

Strategic Planning Process

Dr. Caridi is leading a strategic planning process tasked with developing a three-year plan to transform the college’s academics, student experience, infrastructure, resources and partnerships to enhance the college’s reputation and value proposition for the students it serves. The strategic planning team is comprised of faculty, staff, coaches, alumni and trustees.

To gather alumni input on strategic planning, we met with the Bethany Alumni Council and conducted two virtual strategic planning alumni “town hall” events on November 11. All alumni on record with the college received invitations to attend the town hall events, which were also promoted on the college’s social media platforms.

In addition, stakeholder outreach was conducted with representatives of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), the Town of Bethany and business leaders throughout the Fall.

In total, more than 1,000 stakeholders have provided feedback to date.

The plan is expected to be completed and submitted to the board for approval in January. Once complete, the plan will be shared with participants, stakeholders, and the entire Bethany Community, followed by immediate implementation.

In the meantime, we are looking at vehicles to provide more effective communication to our stakeholders. This is especially important in a period of change.

As we enter a new year, I look forward to working with you to make Bethany a better place. I wish each of you a happy and healthy holiday season.