Meet Bethel’s newest faculty members

At Bethel, faculty are more than experts—they’re mentors called to invest in students’ growth. Whether in the lab, the classroom, or studio, they bring deep knowledge, real-world experience, and a Christ-centered approach to everything they do. Their influence shapes students during their time at Bethel—and continues long after graduation. Meet the newest full-time faculty joining our community this fall. 

Diane Banigo, clinical associate professor of nurse midwifery

Banigo has served as an adjunct faculty member in Bethel’s nurse midwifery program since 2022. She began her studies in pre-med at the University of Minnesota Duluth before transferring to the College of St. Scholastica to pursue nursing. Banigo has practiced midwifery since 2003 and became certified in 2005 after earning her master’s from the University of Minnesota. She later completed her Doctor of Nursing Practice at St. Catherine University. An advocate for birthing families and a leader in women’s worship, she enjoys traveling, laughing with friends, watching movies, spending time with her husband, and learning new dance moves from her two sons.

Ben Blasko, associate professor of music, director of instrumental activities, and conductor of the wind symphony, music and performing arts

Blasko earned a bachelor’s in music education from Messiah University, a master’s in wind conducting from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and a Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of North Texas. He has a deep love for film music and has worked as an orchestrator for Marvel, Disney, OneRepublic, Tommee Profitt, and other artists. Outside of work, he enjoys hiking, baking, woodworking, and collecting vintage records. 

Abigail Brubaker GS’19, assistant professor of physician assisting

Brubaker holds a B.S. in human biology from Biola University and an M.S. in physician assistant from Bethel. She returns to Bethel as a faculty member in the physician assistant program, bringing clinical experience in hematology and oncology. 

Joshua Carroll, Doctor of Ministry program director and professor of pastoral care and formation

Carroll earned a Ph.D. in New Testament from the University of Aberdeen and two master’s degrees from Talbot School of Theology. He has more than 20 years of experience in pastoral ministry, spiritual leadership, and coaching, and among his areas of expertise are spiritual formation; soul care; discipleship; and the intersection of neuroscience, psychology, and spiritual growth. At the core of his work is a deep desire to help people awaken to the promise of the Holy Spirit’s presence and experience flourishing in community. Most recently, he served as lead pastor of a multiethnic church in Texas, leading revitalization and relaunch efforts. He and his wife have three sons. 

Bradley Cawyer, assistant professor of music and director of string activities, music and performing arts

Since completing the diplom spetsialista (diploma of specialist) at Russia’s Saint Petersburg Conservatory, Cawyer has worked in the classical music performance industry for more than a decade, most recently teaching at Texas Tech University. His artistic and scholarly work spans the arts, humanities, and sciences—contributing to psychology, philosophy, pedagogy, music theory, conducting, and both classical and popular music in 20th- and 21st-century America. He and his wife are actively involved in international ministries and missions, and he’ll choose sailing over driving any day.

Emily Conrad ’02, GS’07, clinical assistant professor of nursing

Conrad earned her B.S. in nursing from Bethel, followed by an M.A. in nursing. She has spent the past 20 years working in the intensive care unit at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis and has served as an adjunct instructor in Bethel’s nursing department for the past five years. Conrad and her husband live in southwest Minneapolis with their three children. She enjoys running around the lakes, cooking, paddleboarding, and all forms of coffee. She and her family have traveled to Honduras to help provide healthcare and technology to communities with limited access, and she is excited to help prepare the next generation of nurses.

Scott Dill, assistant professor of English and journalism

Dill earned his B.A. from Wheaton College and both his M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He is the author of A Theology of Sense, a book exploring embodiment in late 20th-century U.S. literature. He’s currently working on a new project examining reader identification as both an aesthetic and theological issue. When he’s not reading, Dill can usually be found trying to keep up with his wife and three teenage sons.

Mengkun Du, professor of math and computer science

Du holds a B.S. in statistics from Beijing Normal University, a Ph.D. in statistics from Peking University, and an M.S. in software engineering from the University of St. Thomas. He joined Bethel’s math and computer science department in 2024, and is currently teaching programming courses. His research focuses on statistics and machine learning, and he especially likes helping students discover patterns in the data around us. Outside of work, Du enjoys photography, going on scenic walks with his family, and playing pickleball with his wife.

Rushika Hage, professor of history 

Hage holds a B.A. in history from the College of St. Benedict and a master’s in medieval history from the University of California San Diego. She has taught in Bethel’s humanities and history programs since 2015 and developed a seminar on the history of mapmaking. Her published research has earned recognition from the James Ford Bell Library and the Ristow Prize. Hage co-authored two books on Nicollet Island with her husband and regularly presents on local history. She is a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Minnesota, studying a 15th-century Genoese map and Mediterranean trade.

Dave Kansas, associate professor of English and journalism

Kansas earned a B.A. in American history from Columbia University. He spent many years as a journalist, working for The Wall Street Journal in New York, Tokyo, and London, and has launched three journalism start-ups. Since 2015, he has served as director of Bethel’s Johnson Center for Journalism and Communication. He’s passionate about great journalism and brings firsthand experience to the classroom to help students grow into strong reporters and writers for the Clarion and beyond. Kansas lives in St. Paul, has a son and daughter, and enjoys cycling and trivia games.

Amie Lorence Grubidge ’12, GS’13, education

Grubidge holds an undergraduate degree in communications and a master's degree in special education, both from Bethel. She also holds teaching licenses in Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD), Emotional and Behavioral Disorders (EBD), Academic and Behavioral Strategist (ABS), and Montessori education. She’s been an adjunct professor at Bethel since 2015 and will teach both undergraduate education and graduate education courses. She is passionate about diverse learners and equipping teachers to effectively meet their needs. Away from work, Grubridge enjoys being active, exploring the outdoors, and traveling.

Anna Johnson, associate professor of psychological sciences 

Johnson earned her bachelor’s degrees in psychology and biology from St. Olaf College and completed both her master’s and doctorate in child psychology at the University of Minnesota. Her research focuses on identifying individual and social factors that support positive coping and resilience in children and their caregivers. She has previously taught at St. Thomas, St. Olaf, and Macalester, and she’s excited to put down roots at Bethel. Outside the classroom, Johnson enjoys hiking, camping, and exploring outdoor spaces—especially along the North Shore of Lake Superior.

Kristie Johnson, instructor of physician assistant studies

Johnson earned her Master of Physician Assistant Studies from Augsburg University and spent 11 years in family medicine, also serving as a preceptor and guest lecturer for local PA programs. She joined Bethel’s PA program as adjunct faculty in 2022 and is passionate about helping students pursue excellence in their professional studies while balancing the demands of life. She and her husband have four children, and she enjoys coffee, tending her flower gardens, taking power naps, being outdoors, and cheering on her kids in their activities.

Kajsa Larson, professor of languages and cultures 

While her name reflects her Swedish heritage, Larson teaches Spanish language courses and specializes in 20th- and 21st-century literature and culture of Spain. Larson earned her B.A. from Gustavus Adolphus College and her master’s and Ph.D. at the University of Minnesota. For the past 15 years, she served as a Spanish professor and community engagement coordinator at Northern Kentucky University. Now back in Minnesota, she’s grateful to be near friends, family, and her childhood church—and excited to be part of the Bethel community. Outside of work, Larson enjoys biking, yoga, casual tennis, and spending time with her great niece and nephews.

Caleb Molstad, professor of English and journalism 

Molstad holds a B.S. in intercultural studies from Corban University, an M.A. in medieval studies from Western Michigan University, and both an M.A. and Ph.D. in English from the University of Minnesota. His academic interests include medieval literature, food studies, vernacular theology, and imaginative literature. Outside the classroom, Molstad serves as director of youth ministry at his church and enjoys reading science fiction and fantasy, as well as hiking, biking, gardening, and kayaking. 

Anna Pexa, clinical assistant professor of nursing

Pexa earned her M.S. in nursing with a focus on leadership and management from Walden University and has worked in a range of settings, including home care, pediatrics, psychiatry, and ambulatory care. Alongside teaching, she is passionate about holistic nurse coaching and helping women discover purpose and realign their lives. Pexa is also a co-author of two books focused on mindset and personal growth. She and her husband have three children, and she enjoys reading, kayaking, hiking, and spending time with loved ones. She is also active in her church—volunteering, participating in small groups, and leading mid-sized groups.

Kate Rynders ’18, assistant professor of chemistry

Rynders earned her B.S. in chemistry from Bethel University, followed by an M.S. and Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of Minnesota. She is passionate about teaching organic chemistry and helping students see its broad applications across disciplines. Outside of the lab and classroom, Rynders enjoys running, needlework, and books.

Katie Friesen Smith S’95, S’08, affiliate faculty for inquiry seminar and Doctor of Ministry program

Katie Friesen Smith earned both her Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry from Bethel Seminary. Her academic interests include spiritual formation, emotional intelligence, and leadership development, and she is passionate about helping others grow in personal and spiritual maturity. She will teach both undergraduate and seminary courses. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, reading detective novels, and spending time with her family.

Sara Heacox Sosa S’19, assistant professor and program manager for the M.A. in Children’s, Youth, and Family Ministry

Sosa earned her B.A. in English, history, and medieval studies from UW-Madison, her M.A. in Christian education from North Park Seminary, and her D.Min. in church leadership from Bethel Seminary. Over the past 30 years, she has served in a variety of ministry roles including pastor, consultant, speaker, and adjunct professor. An ideator and strategist, she loves to follow trends, discover new pathways for ministry, and equip leaders. Sosa has two adult children and a yellow lab. She appreciates a good latte, walking through the woods in any season, and living with a sense of wonder in everything she does.

Heather Vedders ’02, assistant professor of nursing 

Vedders has served as an adjunct nursing instructor at Bethel for the past two years. She earned her B.S. in nursing from Bethel and a Master of Public Health with an emphasis in occupational health nursing from the University of Minnesota. Vedders has over 20 years of experience in pediatrics, working in both hospital and school settings. She and her husband have three daughters who keep them busy with sports and activities. They enjoy camping, traveling, and spending time outdoors.