Ross Allen Formally Installed as President
In a special Chapel service on October 2, students, employees, former presidents, and guests gathered to celebrate the beginning of Allen’s service to the university.
By Jenny Hudalla '15, lead communications specialist
October 06, 2020 | 4 p.m.
Ross Allen '84 began his first term as Bethel's sixth president July 1.
After an extensive nationwide search, Ross Allen was formally installed as Bethel University’s sixth president October 2. With extensive experience in business, finance, and healthcare, Allen—a 1984 graduate of Bethel’s business administration program—is the first alumnus to lead the university.
Held in Benson Great Hall and streamed live online, the installation service included representatives of Converge, Bethel’s founding denomination; former colleagues from Azusa Pacific University, where Allen most recently served; and President Emeritus George Brushaber and President Emeritus Jay Barnes, who presented Allen with his presidential robes and medallion. An open house reception was held later that afternoon.
“I’m deeply humbled and honored to come back and serve a place that had such a significant impact on my life,” says Allen, who met his wife, Annie, as a student at Bethel. “We are overwhelmed with gratitude for the warm welcome we have received from so many of you, and I am so excited to see what we can accomplish together.”
Throughout his career, Allen has specialized in helping organizations transform their financial results and sustainability while clarifying and advancing their mission and vision. During his 25-year tenure at Medtronic—a multinational medical device company—he led seven successful corporate transformations in Denmark, Switzerland, and across the United States. In his most recent position as chief financial officer and vice president for business and finance at Azusa Pacific University, Allen played an instrumental role in positioning the institution for a strong and vibrant future.
"It's been a privilege to get to know Ross over the last year," says Jim Green, who led the search for Bethel's sixth president. "He is a highly relational executive, a listener and a learner, a courageous leader, and, most importantly, a humble servant who desires to look and live like Jesus Christ more and more every day."
Bold leadership for a bright future.
With an impressive background in healthcare and higher education, Bethel's sixth president is a deeply committed Christ-follower, a seasoned executive leader, and a transformative developer of people, culture, and organizations.