Faculty

Our professors are distinguished scholars, active researchers, published writers, and faithful Christians who demonstrate what it means to be both Christ-followers and leaders in their academic fields. As mentors and role models, they play a huge role in the integration of faith and learning at Bethel.

Program directors and lead faculty

Cynthia Goetz

Program Director of Physician Assistant program | c-goetz@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2014

I have worked in the areas of Family Medicine, Urgent Care, Bariatric Medicine and Retail Medicine. My passion is serving the PA Profession in various leadership positions and teaching students about state and national practice issues of the PA profession.

Faculty

Abigail Brubaker

Clinical Assistant Professor of Physician Assistant Studies | a-brubaker@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2025

Hematology and Oncology

Polly Hendel

Assistant Professor of Physician Assistant Studies | p-hendel@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2023

Assistant Professor, Physician Assistant Program. Background in retail medicine and behavioral health.

Kristie Johnson

Instructor of Physician Assistant Studies | kristine-kunnari@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2025

Family Medicine

Abbie Marten

Instructor of Biological Sciences | ae-reynen@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2022

Instructor of Biological Sciences

Krista Nauman

Assistant Professor of Physician Assistant Studies | krista-nauman@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2020

Assistant professor in the PA program and physician assistant in orthopedic spine surgery

Blair Nelson

Director of Didactic Education for the PA Program | blair-nelson@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2022

Dr. Nelson is the Director of Didactic Education for the Master of Science Physician Assistant program at Bethel University.

Adjunct faculty

Allen Mork

Adjunct instructor of Physician Assistant Studies | ajmork@gmail.com | Started at Bethel: 2025

I am currently a practicing family physician in Cambridge, MN where I have lived and worked for the past 33 years. I will be retiring in January 2025 and am looking forward to working with the PA program at Bethel! My wife and I have 6 children and 6 grandchildren. My interests include camping and canoeing the BWCAW, fishing, hiking, reading and beekeeping.

Emeritus/emerita faculty

Timothy Shaw

Professor of Biological Sciences Emeritus | t-shaw@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 1985

Shaw's research interests include development of chick nervous system, the brain and feeding behavior, relationships between the structure of the brain and behavior, progress in new clinical treatment options, and the biology of morality.