Leading with purpose: How Bethel prepares students to influence the world

At Bethel, leadership development is not confined to a single program or pathway. It is woven into every student’s experience preparing them to address some of the world’s most complex problems with confidence and purpose. Jo Saxton, executive director of Bethel’s Leadership Institute, is helping bring that vision into sharper focus.

Since joining Bethel in 2023, Saxton has worked to expand leadership development opportunities for Bethel students. She now leads the team that oversees initiatives such as: The 25, a cohort for career-focused students; Jeremiah 29, a scholarship program designed to empower students to grow as urban community leaders; the new Impact Living Learning Community designed for first-year students who want to dig deeper into a holistic understanding of Christ-centered leadership; and monthly Learning Leadership Live events that gather panels of staff, faculty, alumni, and industry professionals. Together, these efforts, along with many more, cultivate emerging leaders. 

We sat down with Saxton to talk about why leadership formation matters and how Bethel is preparing students to lead wherever God may be calling them.

What is Bethel’s approach to leadership development, and how does it reflect our values?

Leadership development is integral to who we are, and our academic life is transformative by intention and design. Our values articulate that we are Christ-followers, character-builders, truth-seekers, learners, salt and light, reconcilers, and world-changers. But these values do not happen by accident, and they’re not just about life after graduation. A leader is someone who is intentional with their influence. 

What kinds of opportunities exist at Bethel for students to grow as leaders?

I am 100% convinced that I cannot give you an exhaustive list because there is so much happening here! Because Bethel considers leadership development mission critical, we see it in every corner of the university. There are opportunities to grow as leaders everywhere—student government, sports teams, clubs and organizations, campus ministries, worship teams, Bible studies, missions trips, and service projects. Students grow as leaders as teaching assistants (TAs) in the classroom, as resident assistants (RAs) in the residence halls, and in the many employment opportunities on campus. Honestly, the list is endless!

All of these opportunities are formative for our students, developing skills, cultivating curiosity, strengthening teamwork, conflict resolution, discipline and tenacity, and ideation. Growth isn't always comfortable or easy, but it's valuable and life-changing, preparing our students to lead here at Bethel and beyond.

What are some common misconceptions students have about leadership, and how does Bethel challenge those assumptions?

Too often, students—all of us, actually—associate leadership with a particular major, a personality type, or a gender. We define leadership by confidence, charisma, and popularity, with connection to financial status, or a specific skill set. I believe that’s a limited understanding of leadership. Leadership is about influence, and everyone has influence. 

We want to show students that there is not just one type of leader or one way to lead. We expose students to a variety of experiences, both on and off campus. And the beauty of our programs is that you are not learning in isolation—students are part of a community. They are also learning from one another and building key personal and professional relationships for the future.

What does it mean to be a Christ-centered leader in today’s world? Has this changed over the years?

Humanity has always had a twofold purpose: to know God and to represent and reflect Him in the world. To be a Christ-centered leader means not only that we believe in Jesus, but we follow Him, live for Him, and lead in ways shaped by Him. It means that the way we lead is defined by His values and priorities. We seek to be shaped by His character and guidance. This means that wherever our career path takes us, we seek to be the hands and feet of Jesus in that context.

I don't think that call has ever changed. Every generation has to decide how they will respond to the challenges and the opportunities of their day—how they will live out and share the gospel and how they will join God in His mission in the world. It's simply our turn.

How does Bethel foster mentoring relationships between students and faculty, staff, or alumni? And why is this important for leadership development?

Bethel fosters mentoring relationships in incredibly special ways. Here are a few examples: 

• BethelBiz and COMMentor, led by Bethel Board of Trustees member and Alumna of the Year Linda Goodwin ’79, are alumni networks connecting students in Bethel’s business, communication, math, computer science, political science, and psychology programs with alumni and business professionals with a goal of spurring personal, spiritual, and professional development. These mentorship opportunities are life-changing and career-shaping.
• Woven Lives is a mentoring ministry sponsored by Bethel Student Government. Students are mentored by staff or faculty over the course of a year. 
• The Studio for Vocation and Calling has career coaches who are dedicated to developing career readiness, coaching students as they create resumes, apply for jobs, and start to build their careers.
• Resident directors invest in our team of resident assistants. 
• Coaches in our athletics department mentor Bethel athletes day in and day out.

All of these mentoring relationships—and many more!—are crucial for leadership development. Marian Wright Edelman, founder and president emeritus of the Children's Defense Fund, once noted: “It’s hard to be what you can’t see.” These mentoring relationships and experiences help students see what they can be and empower them to get there. 

If you could give one piece of advice to a student who wants to grow as a leader, what would it be?

Bethel is a wonderful place to learn and grow. Find an area you’re interested in and get involved. If you know what career you want to explore, talk to your professors about potential opportunities and head to The Studio for Vocation and Calling to talk to some of our career coaches about potential internships. There’s so much to discover, and we’re excited to see you become who God is calling you to be—and support you along the way.

 

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