Dr. Dee McDonald, Bethel University’s ninth president, begins his tenure today, July 1.
McDonald succeeds Barbara Bellefeuille, who announced her retirement in December 2024. McDonald was unanimously confirmed by Bethel University’s board of trustees and the general oversight council of the Missionary Church, Bethel’s denominational affiliation.
McDonald has 19 years of experience in higher education and enrollment and marketing leadership.
McDonald most recently served as vice president for enrollment and marketing at Crown College in St. Bonifacius, Minneapolis. His other roles have included executive director of graduate & adult enrollment at Southeastern University in Florida and chief enrollment officer at North Central University in Minnesota. McDonald served for 10 years in a variety of enrollment-related positions at Olivet Nazarene University in Illinois.
McDonald taught as an adjunct graduate professor at Crown College. He has served on the North American Coalition for Christian Admissions Professionals board of directors and as pastor for JOY Church of the Nazarene in Minnesota.
McDonald earned a bachelor’s degree in social science education and an MBA from Olivet Nazarene University. He earned a Ph.D. in organizational leadership from Southeastern University.
McDonald grew up in La Porte. He learned about Bethel University through Bible quizzing with his local Missionary Church.
“Bethel has always felt special to me – the mission, the people, the location, everything,” McDonald said in a press release. “There’s a reputation for being who you say you are, a humble disposition and hard-working culture. These elements give me an added appreciation for this special place called Bethel.”
Mishawaka-based Bethel University is a Christian university. It offers associate, bachelor and master degrees in over 50 areas of study.
