Bethel University welcomes back its on-campus student population for the fall 2022 semester.
by Bethel University
Bethel University welcomes back its on-campus student population for the fall 2022 semester with classes beginning Aug. 22.
Freshman Orientation begins Thursday, Aug. 18, where the University will welcome more than 300 incoming freshmen to begin their college experience. Informational sessions are held throughout the weekend along with numerous exciting activities that allow students to become accustomed to their new surroundings and peers.
Two new Wildcat Spirit events are being introduced this year during orientation weekend. Students will have the opportunity to paint window murals at several businesses around McKenzie. This event is designed to educate the freshmen about the Mckenzie community and foster connections between the University and city. Additionally, the new Wildcat Blessing Ceremony, held Sunday night at 6 p.m. at the Wildcat Statue in front of the Vera Low Center for Student Enrichment, will include prayer for all Bethel students before they begin classes the next day. Other events during orientation include a scavenger hunt, Freshman Idol, and the Bethel Carnival.
Bethel University President Dr. Walter Butler is excited for the upcoming semester. “Mckenzie and the Tri-County area will see an influx of new and returning students. We are also welcoming many new faculty and staff members to our Wildcat family!”
In preparation for the fall semester, University Chaplain Anne Hames and Associate Chaplain Garrett Burns spent a day blessing each dorm room in the residence halls in hopes that all students entering and exiting may have a safe and successful year. All students, faculty, and staff are invited to attend chapel on Tuesdays and communion on Thursdays each week throughout the semester.
The campus is already filled with activity with returning upperclassmen. Numerous athletic teams have begun preparing for the upcoming season, with men’s soccer already securing the first win for the Wildcats against local rival Union University.
The first home football game is scheduled for Aug. 27 at 1 p.m. against Arkansas Baptist. The community is encouraged to attend. In appreciation for the work of local educators, Carroll County teachers, administrators, and school staff are invited to join the University at the tailgate tent before the game.
Bethel’s Renaissance Performing Arts Program students have also returned early for a week-long camp preparing for an exciting season filled with numerous artistic performances, many of which will be open for the community to enjoy. Renaissance Theatre will present Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Phantom of the Opera” in November at the Dixie Performing Arts Center located in Huntington. Tickets will be available starting Aug. 29. Community favorite production “Christmas with Renaissance,” held on the Bethel University campus, will be returning, with tickets becoming available in October.
Bethel University offers numerous associate, bachelor, and master’s degrees both on campus and online. For more information, visit bethelu.edu.