Bethel University names interim president

MISHAWAKA, Ind. (Inside INdiana Business) — The Bethel University Board of Trustees has selected Barbara Bellefeuille as the university’s interim president. 

Bellefeuille, the vice president for academic services, will begin the role in June following the resignation of President Gregg Chenoweth.

Bellefeuille has been with Bethel for more than eight years and also spent 21 years at Toccoa Falls College in Georgia. Randy Lehman, chairman of the board of trustees, said her appointment received unanimous approval.

“When considering our next steps in the presidential search for Bethel University, it became quickly apparent that a qualified interim candidate already existed within the current cabinet,” Lehman said in a news release. “Since 2012, Dr. Bellefeuille has provided excellent leadership over the faculty and academic services areas of the university.”

Bellefeuille, who has a Doctorate of Education degree, will become the first woman to serve as interim president at Bethel.

Earlier this month, the university announced Chenoweth would step down to become president of Olivet Nazarene University in Illinois.

The university says it will begin a national search for Chenoweth’s permanent successor before Bellefeuille begins her new role.