Desired Outcomes for Graduates

The following was taken from answers Dr. Barnes submitted in response to questions from the Presidential Search Committee.

When it comes to describing desired outcomes to achieve in students, Bethel University's overarching mission and core values pervade each educational unit of the university. The seven core values provide an elegant and "preachable" description of what the university hopes its graduates will exhibit in terms of intellect, character, interpersonal relationships, and Christian faith. These core values must be owned and advanced by colleagues in the faculty as well as those colleagues who work with students beyond the classroom. In fact, it is my belief and passion that these broad values can be achieved only if each part of campus works together toward these common outcomes.

It has been argued that the best way to evaluate a university is to look at its graduates 10 or 20 years after graduation. This not only suggests a way of measuring outcomes, it also suggests that attaining maturity of intellect, character, relationships, and Christian faith is a life-long pursuit. If we do our work well, we give students a stronger foundation, a trajectory, and the habits of the heart that will guide them on a continuing journey. Many universities, including Bethel, are getting the message that intellect, character, relationships, and faith development are partially limited by the circumstances of one's upbringing. I would assert that one of the most valuable ways to help students continue development in these areas with the desired outcomes related to service, leadership, and reconciliation is through meaningful interaction with people and cultures different from the one in which they grew up. The university's programs and policies should do everything possible to encourage students to have an in-depth experience with people from many cultures.