People and Culture

About Us

Meet our team

Michael Freer

Chief Human Resources Officer
ANC 307 | mfreer@bethel.edu
651.635.8657

What I do at Bethel: I lead organizational strategy at the university and oversee federal/state legal issues.
I also address complex employee situations.

Favorite quote: "Don't be the problem. Solve the problem."

Favorite way to spend the weekend: Anything that has to do with my family and the Minnesota Vikings.

One thing I can't live without: Airplanes!!

Rahn Franklin

Vice President of Inclusive Excellence
ANC 304 | r-franklin@bethel.edu
651.635.6904

What I do at Bethel: I help to ensure that Bethel's commitment to cultivating a Christ-centered community where all can flourish is deeply integrated into our staff, faculty, and student experiences. My role focuses on aligning strategies with our biblical vision for diversity and inclusive excellence. Through initiatives like Cultural Intelligence (CQ) workshops and development, I help equip our faculty, staff, and students to build a Bethel experience rooted in shalom, where we love God and our neighbors as ourselves.

Favorite quote: "Shalom is the state of affairs where all relationships are right and thriving—our relationship with God, with ourselves, with one another, and with creation." — Adapted from Nicholas Wolterstorff.

Favorite way to spend the weekend: Spending quality time with friends, family, loved ones, playing games, traveling trails both national and international, while trying new foods and drinks.

One thing I can't live without: A week without time spent with sports, school, and in a church sanctuary.

Dave Fredrickson

Associate Vice President
ANC 306 | dave-fredrickson@bethel.edu
651.638.6245

What I do at Bethel: I work with the great team in the Office of People and Culture! I lead the team that handles payroll, benefits, talent acquisition and manager/employee relations. My office is at the Anderson Center but I am frequently on campus.

Favorite quote: “He has shown you O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8)

Favorite way to spend the weekend: Would love to be outdoors somewhere camping, fishing, gardening, biking or hiking. Or at home with my wife and three kids playing sports and hopelessly rooting for a Viking win on Sunday.

One thing I can't live without: Coffee...and family

Sharyn Mantel

Director, People Business Partner
ANC 302 | sharyn-mantel@bethel.edu
651.638.6727

What I do at Bethel: As your people business partner, I am here to support you so you can do your best work at Bethel. I help navigate conflicts, assist with performance concerns, develop managers, and facilitate accommodation requests.

Favorite quote: "Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life." (Psalm 143:8)

Favorite way to spend the weekend: I love to kayak on a sunny day. On rainy days, I love to play card games with my family.

One thing I can't live without: My family, friends, and morning devotion.

Parker Thibodeaux

People Business Partner
ANC 303 | parker-thibodeaux@bethel.edu
651.638.6727

What I do at Bethel: I partner with managers to offer support for employee relations, hiring needs, and general questions that may come up.

Favorite quote: "Everything you have, is everything you need"

Favorite way to spend the weekend: Some quiet time to myself, good food, and quality time with my friends.

One thing I can't live without: Music!

Kiera Thurston

People and Culture Specialist
ANC 309 | kiera-thurston@bethel.edu
651.638.6520

What I do at Bethel: I manage student employment and onboarding programs while leading employee engagement and professional development initiatives. Focus on creating efficient HR processes and delivering a positive experience for student employees across campus.

Favorite quote: "A new command I give you, love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another."

Favorite way to spend the weekend: I enjoy experiencing new places and things, being outdoors, and spending time with friends. If it's a holiday weekend, you will likely find me in another state or country.

One thing I can't live without: Coffee and my passport.

Soniya Smith

People and Culture Coordinator
ANC 300 | soniya-smith@bethel.edu
651.638.6119

What I do at Bethel: Being the first smile you see as you walk into our office, I support our employees throughout every stage of their journey at Bethel. From onboarding to ongoing support and everything in between. I have the opportunity to support a variety of people and culture initiatives while helping create a positive and welcoming experience for our employees.

Favorite quote: "When your focus shifts, your faith diminishes. When your faith diminishes, your fear growths. It is your focus that is the key. Don't let your circumstances trump the Savior. Let your praise shift your focus." (Inspired by Dr. Tony Evans)

Favorite way to spend the weekend: My favorite weekends are simple. I love reading my Bible, chatting with my family, and finding a good organization project to work on. Add in some online shopping, good food, and any kind of TV show or movie that I can talk about later sounds just right to me.

One thing I can't live without: My faith, family, and shopping!

Linda Bennett

Payroll & HRIS Specialist
ANC 311 | lj-bennett@bethel.edu
651.638.6592

What I do at Bethel: I process payroll and answer questions relating to your paycheck. As we continue our partnership with Rippling, I am your point of contact.

Favorite quote: It's so many to choose from, so I don't have one.

Favorite way to spend the weekend: Reading a book as I sit outside, weather permitting. Or working on puzzles (jigsaw, word, logic).

One thing I can't live without: My husband and popcorn