FaithSearch Partners is delighted to announce that its client, Bethel University, has selected Dr. Dee McDonald as its next President, effective July 1. Founded in 1947, Bethel University is a private Christian university affiliated with the Missionary Church and located in Mishawaka, Indiana. With an enrollment of more than 1,200 students, Bethel offers over 50 undergraduate and graduate programs designed to challenge the mind, expand the vision, and equip the whole person for lifelong service.
“Dr. McDonald is a leader marked by spiritual depth, strategic clarity, and a pastor’s heart,” said Kimberley Wiedefeld, Vice President of FaithSearch Partners. “He is deeply committed to continuing Bethel’s legacy of spiritual vibrancy while guiding the institution through the complexities of today’s higher education landscape. With a proven track record of building strong teams and driving sustained enrollment growth, he brings the experience and vision needed for this moment. His Indiana roots make this appointment all the more meaningful, as he returns to serve a community he loves. His leadership will strengthen Bethel’s mission and extend its impact for years to come.”
Dr. McDonald brings an array of experience to the table from his 19 years of leadership in higher education. Dr. McDonald previously served as Vice President of Enrollment & Marketing at Crown College. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Social Science Education and Master of Business Administration from Olivet Nazarene University, and his PhD in Organizational Leadership from Southeastern University, studying the relationship between Authentic Leadership, Authentic Followership, and Organizational Commitment within Christian Higher Education.
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Founded in 2007, FaithSearch Partners is the premier executive search firm in the U.S., focusing exclusively on serving faith-based educational institutions, healthcare organizations, nonprofits, ministries, and faith-oriented businesses. Based in Dallas with locations in Houston, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Nashville, Birmingham, Asheville, Durango, Redding, Rochester, and Tyler, FaithSearch is able to serve faith-based clients in all regions.
