Bethel University announces a sharpening of its program focus at Bethel Seminary of the East. By building on its strongest teaching sites and deploying online learning strategies, Bethel Seminary of the East is increasing its commitment to serve the East Coast by focusing on two teaching sites in New England and Washington, D.C., and adding online learning opportunities.

The highlight of these ongoing efforts to make Bethel Seminary of the East successful for the long-term is the introduction of a hybrid learning model that makes it more convenient than ever for students in the East to go to seminary.

Because this is a time of economic challenge, Bethel is examining all offerings to ensure that programs meet the changing needs of potential students. Due to decreasing enrollment it was decided to phase out the New York City and Pennsylvania Teaching Centers. Seminary of the East will serve all current students through spring 2012, but will not admit new students for these two sites. “This is a painful decision forced by economic realities,” says President Jay Barnes. “We are committed to ensuring current students successfully complete their degrees.”

“It remains our mission to provide quality theological education on the East Coast,” explains Seminary of the East Dean Doug Fombelle. “We will continue to offer exciting and innovative programs with a focus on education principles that meet the needs of adult learners and emphasize spiritual formation and mentoring.”

“It is my hope that these changes will strengthen how Seminary of the East delivers its programs so that we are offering a seminary education in innovative ways, ensuring a quality and yet cost-efficient product for our students,” says President Jay Barnes.