Bethany Bible College President Announced

The Board of Trustees of Bethany Bible College announces the election of Rev. Mark Gorveatte as the new president of Bethany Bible College, effective June 1, 2010. With a remarkable sense of unity and of God’s help and guidance, the 20-month presidential search is concluded among resounding affirmations from faculty, students, staff, alumni and friends of the college.

President-elect Gorveatte has served the past ten years as district superintendent of the West Michigan District of The Wesleyan Church. Prior to this appointment, Rev. Gorveatte and his wife, Sherry, have served for over 25 years in Wesleyan leadership and pastoral appointments in two districts of The Wesleyan Church. He is an alumnus of Bethany Bible College, Southern Wesleyan University, and the University of Alabama (Birmingham). He has previously served on the Boards of Trustees of Bethany Bible College and Indiana Wesleyan University.

“The unique mission that Bethany Bible College serves has never been more strategic for Kingdom advance. Her graduates have never been more needed as the harvest fields around us grow whiter. The opportunities before her are unparalleled. The challenge of leading her has never been greater,” stated Rev. Gorveatte, in accepting the election by the Bethany Board of Trustees.

He also stated that part of his vision is to “maximize Bethany's potential for offering life-impacting experiential learning to the emerging generation of ministry leaders and become a ‘high value’ option for ministerial education.”

Dr. Kerry Kind, General Director of Education & Ministry for The Wesleyan Church said of the election: “Rev. Gorveatte’s sense of God’s calling, his unique blend of leadership skills and experience, and his commitment to the church and to the mission of the college make him the perfect choice for the presidency at this time. We are grateful that God has seen fit to bring the college and Rev. Gorveatte together at this time.”

The announcement was made by Dr. H. C. Wilson, long-time chairman of the board of Bethany Bible College. The presidential search committee was ably chaired by Dr. Laurel Buckingham, vice-chairman of the board. Mark and Sherry Gorveatte are the parents of four children, one son currently serving with Global Partners in New Zealand, and two sons and a daughter still at home.