Jen Niska Awarded Core Value Mark of Distinction

Jen Niska, director of admissions for the College of Adult & Professional Studies, Graduate School, and Bethel Seminary, received the Fall 2016 Core Value Mark of Distinction for being a world-changer. The Core Value Mark of Distinction is an esteemed award that recognizes employees who consistently live out Bethel’s core values, positively affect department goals, constructively serve the Bethel community, and advance Bethel’s mission and vision.

Vice President for Enrollment Management Tim Eaton praised Niska for her outstanding commitment to influence others to move Bethel’s vision forward in brave ways. "Jen is a leader who is not afraid of changes and has made a number of courageous decisions needed to help Bethel thrive,” Eaton says. “She cares deeply about people—students, faculty and staff— and actively works to support the mission, vision, and values of Bethel. Jen embodies the value of 'world-changer' through her hard work and commitment to Bethel."

Niska’s service to Bethel demonstrates not only her commitment to Bethel’s mission and vision, but also to her department’s goals. Amy Evans, assistant director of operations and first impressions in admissions, recognized Niska for her ability to shape enrollment management for adult programs through compassionate leadership. “Jen has worked tirelessly over the last 12 months to design and implement a new enrollment management structure linking the seminary, CAPS and GS admissions departments,” says Evans. “She has curated healthy working relationships with academic and enrollment leaders in all three schools and leads a team of more than 15 by exercising compassionate leadership. Jen commits to being accessible to the members of her team and listens with intentionality. She seeks to understand and shows respect to everyone.”

Lead Enrollment Counselor for Post-Traditional Admissions Tim Van De Walker applauded Niska’s passion for Bethel. “Jen always looks toward what is best for Bethel as a whole. It is in her heart and it comes out in who she is,” he says. “She is passionate about Bethel and the people who come through the doors, whether they are co-workers or potential students.”

Niska was honored in November at an Executive Leadership Team meeting where she received recognition from senior management. She was presented a $250 check and a custom-made Bethel fleece jacket.