Announcing the Death of Stan Anderson, Professor of Philosophy Emeritus

Professor Emeritus Stan Anderson, who taught philosophy at Bethel for more than 40 years, died on January 3, 2023. Anderson first came to Bethel in 1968. During his tenure, he provided leadership in many areas, including the development of Bethel’s general education curriculum, parts of which are still used today. He wrote Whole and Holy Persons: A View of Christian Liberal Arts Education at Bethel University, a book that both reflects and influences the Bethel community. He was also an influential mentor to students and faculty alike. 

In addition to his teaching, mentoring, leadership, and service, Anderson is remembered for his philosophy on education. At his memorial service on January 13, 2023, Professor of Philosophy Sara Shady was one of several Bethel community members to share a tribute. “For Stan, education was never merely a transmission of information, nor a self-interested pursuit of one’s one goals,” she said, “but in his mind, learning exists for the purpose of becoming equipped to carry out the work of God in the world.”

Anderson’s Whole and Holy Persons: A View of Christian Liberal Arts Education at Bethel University is available as an ebook from the Bethel University Library.