Bethel College is constantly seeking additional staff that can improve the institution in different areas. This year, Daniel George from Wichita was hired to be the new Director of Admissions. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science and Communication from Emporia State University and a Master in Strategic Leadership from Friends University. He plans to use his skills and previous work experience to help Bethel’s recruiting and increase the retention rate.
Before arriving at Bethel, George had various work experiences that allowed him to gain valuable knowledge and skills. “I worked at a company called Dynamic Disk,” he said. “I was a content producer and marketing. I moved to Wichita and ended up with the Boys Scouts of America. I oversaw like six countries and 100 units.”
George also worked at Southwestern College in Winfield, where he was involved in both the financial and recruiting aspects of the institution. “I was in the academic side of it all with planning people’s schedules and getting them enrolled,” he said. “Just the advising piece.”
After his time at Southwestern, George was recruited to be part of the marketing department at Friends University in Wichita. “I had a friend who worked at Friends,” he said. “He mentioned that they had an opening in the marketing department and so I spent 4 plus years at that institution as a marketing person.”
Some of George’s responsibilities in this position involved digital advertising, print, emailing and CRM background, along with some AI. All of these job experiences helped him gain valuable skills and knowledge in his field of work, ultimately leading him to Bethel College.
Vice President for Enrollment Management, Heidi Hoskinson, saw George at a conference and connected with him. “I spoke at a conference for the KICA about how we were using AI to create interactive people for marketing purposes and recruiting purposes,” George said. “Heidi Hoskinson established a conversation with me and that is how I ended up here at Bethel.”
George has various goals and achievements that he wants to pursue in his new position as Director of Admissions. “I want to continue growing enrollment,” he said. “I think that is the biggest goal for anyone in this position.” He also highlighted the importance of recruiting young people that love and care for Bethel as an institution.
For George, co-workers and staff growth are also part of his personal goals. “I want the staff here to grow and to flourish,” he said. “Be willing to take risks, but at the same time, understand where we are in the market and understand our most beneficial recruiting territories.”
The environment and community around Bethel is something that has already stood out to George in his short time working here. “I want to create an environment that allows the people on campus to grow and excel,” he said. “I am already seeing that kind of environment created throughout here.”
George also gave some advice to incoming students for their involvement on campus. “Get involved as much as you would like,” he said. “Try to do something outside your comfort zone. You might find out that you really enjoy different hobbies that you didn’t think you would have. Try to grow and get outside of your area as much as possible. Do not be afraid to meet people, it is fairly easy on the campus’s size.”
Finally, George shared his thoughts on his first few weeks working at Bethel. “I have been welcomed with open arms and I am excited to be here,” he said. “I’m looking forward to continuing building what Bethel can be and taking that lead from a few people that have already laid that foundational legacy.”
Bethel will continue to grow and add to its staff to enhance and strengthen its institutional name and legacy. With the hiring of more people who understand what Bethel needs, different changes will emerge, which will ultimately put the college in a better spot in every aspect.