Before becoming president, Brushaber served as vice president and dean of the college for seven years.

During his presidency, Brushaber oversaw the transition from Bethel College and Seminary to Bethel University in 2004. A press release from the school credited his leadership in the enhancement and growth of graduate programs, campus development and “increased academic quality across the university.”

“George has provided critical leadership for Bethel for more than 30 years, maintaining its mission focus, adding to its academic strength, and overseeing growth in which enrollment has more than doubled,” said Leith Anderson, BU Board of Trustees chair and senior pastor of Wooddale Church in Eden Prairie.

Following Brushaber’s announcement, the BU Board of Trustees announced the formation of a Presidential Search Committee with plans to present a candidate for election at the biennial meeting of the Bethel Corporation in June 2008.

“We’re committed to finding the right leader to guide Bethel’s continued growth and prominence, and ensuring a smooth transition from one leader to the next,” said Dan Lindh, CEO of Presbyterian Homes and chair of the search committee.


Resource campaign
Brushaber reiterated his commitment to BU’s ongoing $105 million resource campaign, which is scheduled to conclude in May 2008. As of May 1, $77 million had been raised in campaign pledges and commitments.

“In my three decades at Bethel, I’ve been privileged to serve with many partners whose hard work, generosity and prayers have helped transform this remarkable school into a nationally ranked Christian university,” Brushaber said. “These resources are critical to maintain and advance the kind of excellence for which our predecessors worked so diligently.”

The initiative, titled “Taking the Next Step,” will help the school build new facilities, build Bethel’s endowment and strengthen the Annual Fund. The campaign plan includes $55 million for new facilities and renovations in St. Paul and on the San Diego campus.

On Saturday, May 19, BU representatives broke ground on the $30 million University Commons facility that is scheduled for completion in the spring of 2009. The new 110,000-square-foot student center will include: an expanded Dining Center and retail dining establishment, a larger Campus Store, a multipurpose social venue, lounge areas, headquarters for student organizations, and meeting rooms and other offices. The new facility was designed by KKE Architects and will be built by M.A. Mortenson Company.

Bethel University has approximately 6,000 students from 35 countries and all 50 states enrolled in undergraduate, graduate, seminary, and adult education programs.


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