Designing the student experience with purpose

At Bethel, students find their place, their people, and their home. The student experience is anchored in a Christ-centered community in which Royals can belong and become the person God has called them to be. It’s intentionally shaped to support each student holistically as they grow in the classroom but also outside of the classroom, in their relationships with others, and in their spiritual life. 

Helping make this happen at Bethel is Miranda Powers, vice president of student experience. With nearly 20 years of experience across multiple areas of student life, she has a deep understanding of how students grow emotionally, spiritually, and academically. And on her team’s watch—no small feat—93% of recent Bethel alumni say they are satisfied with their Bethel experience! We sat down with Powers to find out more about how Bethel is helping every student belong, grow, and prepare for what’s next—and what she’s most excited about in the year ahead. 

How would you describe your job in student experience, and what makes it meaningful for you?

My role is to help architect a student journey that reflects our “belong and become” promise—that students will experience a vibrant community where they belong and grow so they can become who they are called to be. I love the development that happens during the college years—whether for traditional undergraduates or for any student pursuing education. College shapes perspectives, faith, skills, and relationships. Being part of that transformation is such a gift.

You’ve been at Bethel since 2004. How has your understanding of the student experience grown over the years?

My vision is much broader than it used to be. I’ve developed a deeper appreciation for just how complex and nonlinear students’ lives can be. They’re managing academic responsibilities, relationships, and often significant life circumstances. The more I’ve listened and engaged, the more I’ve seen how important it is to meet students with care, flexibility, and challenge in all areas of life.

How does Bethel support a student across all areas of life? 

Whole-person care is central to our mission. It means seeing students as unique individuals created in God’s image—and supporting every part of who they are. We believe that faith, intellect, and community are shaped both inside and outside the classroom and that caring well for students means serving the whole person. For example, on sports teams this means developing them as athletes, Christ-followers, and learners who know what it means to live in community well with one another. In graduate school or online programs, students reflect on how their learning intersects with faith and how they can lead with confidence and integrity. 

Each week, staff from academic and student life teams meet to discuss student needs. It’s a collaborative effort designed to support the whole person—academically, socially, and spiritually. We want students to know that there’s a team looking out for them and working behind the scenes to help them succeed. The people who work in student experience are incredible individuals who see their jobs in larger ways. This is something that makes Bethel so unique, and I'm grateful to be part of it.

What are some of the ways Bethel helps students build a sense of belonging early on?

We approach belonging through both relationships and intentional programs. One initiative I’m especially proud of is Royal Bridge. It offers the opportunity for student success in ways that meet the whole person's experience. Students—incoming freshmen with zero or few previous college credits—gain early college credit, are exposed to the college environment, meet faculty, develop successful academic practices, and have the chance to build community before the academic year even begins. They enter Bethel with support already in place—and this gives them a powerful start to their experience. 

We also have intercultural programs that help students find community, celebrate culture, and grow in faith; international student support; commuter student resources; along with countless student activities and clubs where students can begin to build lifelong friendships.

An important aspect of a Bethel student’s experience is spiritual formation. In fact, some 96% of students say that Bethel helps them live out their faith. How is this done?

We see spiritual formation as both structured and organic. It happens in Chapel, Vespers, Bible studies, and community groups—but also in unexpected ways: conversations with mentors, study abroad experiences, team dynamics in athletics, etc. When students encounter each other and engage with the world, their view of God expands. That’s something we value deeply at Bethel.

What excites you most about where Bethel’s student experience is headed?

I’m excited about how engaged our students are. They’re leaders, learners, and compassionate neighbors. As we shape the future of student experience, I want us to stay rooted in what makes Bethel distinct—and continue building programs and relationships that prepare students to live lives of impact and faith.

Are there any new initiatives you’re especially passionate about?

I’m especially excited about our Living Learning Communities (LLCs). These are intentional housing environments in which students live, learn, and grow side by side, with access to social events, study groups, and experiences that are tailored to their interests. In the fall we intend to launch LLCs for students in the Honors program, Royal Bridge, and leadership programs. I believe they’ll help students build stronger connections and deepen their sense of purpose in community.

What would you want families to know about how Bethel supports their students? 

We see students as whole people—each one uniquely gifted and called. Our desire is to walk with them as they grow into all God has created them to be. From wellness to academics to faith formation, our teams work together to make sure students are seen, supported, and challenged to become who they’re called to be.

 

Come see what belonging looks like

From your first day on campus to life after graduation, Bethel’s student experience is designed to help you grow in faith, purpose, and confidence. Experience the community for yourself.

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