NORTH NEWTON, Kan. — Bethel College has named Wynn Goering as interim president, with the appointment set to begin July 1 following the conclusion of current president Dr. Jon C. Gering’s tenure.
The announcement came March 30 after the college’s Board of Directors completed its spring meetings held March 26–28. Goering, who currently serves as chair of the board, will step down from that role on June 30 to assume the interim presidency.
Board leaders said the move is intended to provide continuity as the college begins a national search for its next permanent president.
“We’re pleased that Wynn was willing to take this on so that we can maintain Bethel’s momentum while we take the time to do a comprehensive search,” said vice chair Lori Schmidt-Harrison. “We have a lot going on right now — a capital campaign, strategic planning, further development of Employment Experiences — and we believe Wynn is the right leader to ensure progress continues as the college thoughtfully moves through the transition process.”
Goering, a 1977 graduate of Bethel, brings decades of higher education leadership experience to the role. He holds master’s and doctoral degrees in English language and literature from University of Chicago, along with an M.B.A. from University of New Mexico.
He previously served as Bethel’s chief academic officer from 1991 to 1997 before launching a more than 20-year career at the University of New Mexico. During that time, he held several executive positions, including special assistant to the president and vice provost for Academic Affairs. He also served in interim leadership roles across multiple campuses, including Taos, Gallup, Los Alamos and Rio Rancho.
Since 2018, Goering has worked as a consultant with EFL Associates, assisting in the recruitment and placement of college and university presidents and other senior administrators.
In a statement, Goering said he is focused on engaging with the campus community during the transition.
“I’m well aware that a board’s view of a college can be very different than the lived experience of its students, faculty and staff,” he said. “I’m looking forward to getting to know the campus community in a way that helps us all thrive and succeed.”
The interim appointment comes as Bethel prepares for a leadership transition after more than eight years under Gering, who previously announced plans to step down at the end of June.