Bethany College Inaugurates new president

Rodenberg assumed the presidency in January. Several speakers at the inauguration noted the positive spirit she has brought to the historic campus.

The main speaker, Victor J. Boschini Jr., chancellor of Texas Christian University — where Rodenberg served as a vice president of Brite Divinity

hool — said, “In this inauguration setting, I feel a special sense today. There’s a sense of special history, a sense of hope and a sense of renewed excitement.

“Bethany has a long history, a 176-year history. What I see in the facts and symbols of Bethany’s story is not just the passage of time, but the passing forward of core values that inform the founding of this college that defines its mission and shape its graduates still today,” he added.

Saying Rodenberg has been called “a remarkably gifted and competent leader” and possesses a genuine commitment to students, Boschini said, “Leadership is a valued commodity in higher education today. It takes courage, patience and empathy.”

In her remarks, Rodenberg described Bethany as “at the tipping point.” She said, “At this institution, we will remember that learning requires depth and breadth, but ultimately it requires application.”

Rodenberg said, “Today, I call on all of you, all of us at Bethany to keep her strong. The strong legacy, the strong reputation of excellence is in front of us. There is work to do for certain; however, we have inherited a story, a history and a future that is worth the life effort for our next chapter.”

Wheeling native Gregory B. Jordan, chair of Bethany’s trustees, issued a charge to the new president to be “responsive to the needs of its people as you direct its destiny.”

Robert J. McCann, vice chair of the trustees, said, “The weather reflects the day: bright and sunny with nothing but optimism.” He urged Bethanians to recommit to nurturing and preserving the school’s qualities.

Gary Novak, a trustee and chair of the search committee, said Rodenberg was the unanimous choice for the presidency. In accepting the position, “it was more than a career move for her; it was a calling,” he said.

The Rev. Gary Kidwell, president of the Christian Church Foundation, told Rodenberg, “We are extremely proud of you, and we are with you in this journey.”

Bethany is the oldest Disciples of Christ-related institution of higher education, and Rodenberg is the embodiment of what Alexander Campbell, its founder and first president, had in mind for leadership, said the Rev. Chris Dorsey, president of Higher Education Leadership Ministries.

“She has been formed, she has been shaped and she has been nurtured for such a time as this,” he said.

The Rev. Larry Grimes, Bethany vice  president for academic affairs, said Campbell, in his inaugural address, called for “a college that would enable graduates to be useful to themselves and useful to others.”

“Once again, Bethany has chosen a president who will lead with distinction,” said D. Newell Williams, president of Brite Divinity School.

With a “transparent management style,” Rodenberg has “restored a climate of optimism,” said faculty representative Sherri Theaker.

Ryan Nickerson, president of the Student Government Association, said Rodenberg “is already offering so much spark and energy that this campus desperately needed … She is that outside source that will improve the campus in so many ways.”

Brian Rose, Bethany director of athletics and recreation, used the bison, school mascot, as an acronym for Rodenberg’s traits: bold, innovative, service, open, nurturing. Kristi Buren, the alumni association’s vice president, offered three wishes to Rodenberg: fortitude, a sense of humor and “the power of God’s purpose to guide your tenure.”

Mary Jo Guidi, regional coordinator for U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., offered greetings from the senator, while Bethany Mayor Patrick Sutherland read a proclamation from the town.

See more at news at theintelligencer.net