In the News

Hesston College Joins NAIA and NCCAA for 2025-26 Athletic Season

After a year and a half of applications and site visits, Hesston College is now a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) for the 2025-26 school year. Membership in each organization begins on July 1, 2025.

“We are excited that all of our preparation has led us to membership in the NAIA and the NCCAA,” says Athletic Director Bryan Kehr. “The NAIA’s Champions of Character and the NCCAA’s #Kingchasing programs resonate strongly with our institutional goals.”

A member of the Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference since 2019, Hesston College announced in November 2023 it would begin the transition to a four-year athletic model parallel to a shift in its academic focus toward bachelor’s degree offerings.

“Hesston College sought membership in the NAIA by joining the NAIA Pathways program,” explains Kehr. “NAIA Vice President Nick Davidson came on campus for a visit and helped us prepare for the Membership Evaluation Team visit this February.”

In its first year as a member of the NAIA, Hesston will compete in the Continental Athletic Conference (CAC), a non-traditional conference that allows schools that are considered independents a clear path to postseason play. Hesston will join Haskell Indian Nations University (Lawrence, Kan.) as the second CAC member institution in the state of Kansas.

Hesston also joins the NCCAA as a Division I member as an institution that offers athletic scholarships. Central Christian College (McPherson, Kan.) and Sterling (Kan.) College are the only other NCCAA DI members in Kansas and are also members of the NAIA. They are joined by DII members Manhattan (Kan.) Christian College, Barclay College (Haviland, Kan.) and Kansas Christian College (Overland Park, Kan.).

“This partnership with the NCCAA is a true blessing for Hesston College,” shares Hesston College Interim President Ross Peterson-Veatch. “It is a wonderful opportunity for our community, and we are excited to align ourselves with this organization that shares many of our same values including competitive excellence and cultivating a Christ-centered experience for student-athletes.”

Hesston College Announces Three New Bachelor’s Programs and an Admissions Partnership with Kansas Health Science University

Hesston College is pleased to announce the addition of three new bachelor’s degree programs as well as a partnership agreement with Kansas Health Science University (KHSU) in coordination with one of the new programs.

With recent approval from the Higher Learning Commission, Hesston College will offer the following new programs beginning in fall 2025:

• Bachelor of Science in Health Science
• Bachelor of Science in Health and Human Performance, with tracks in pre-athletic training and exercise science
• Bachelor of Art in Sports Management

“Hesston College began pursuing these additional program offerings as part of our transition from a two-year to a four-year institution,” explained Dr. Ross Peterson-Veatch, Hesston College’s interim president. “Being able to now offer these in-demand programs is a big accomplishment in responding to student requests as well as achieving our strategic goals as a college.”

Health Science

The new health science program prepares students for graduate-level study and careers in medicine, allied health and other pre-clinical fields. The curriculum blends science, mathematics, population health and health care systems with leadership development and applied learning. Building on the college’s strong reputation in nursing education, the program responds to the growing demand for well-rounded health care professionals equipped with both scientific knowledge and compassionate care, which is rooted in Hesston’s Christ-centered mission encouraging students to integrate faith and service in their careers.

With the launch of the health science program, the college also entered into a partnership agreement today with KHSU that seeks to address Kansas’ growing physician shortage. The agreement allows a select number of Hesston College students to accelerate their career path with a 3+4 program. Qualified students who meet admission requirements will have the opportunity to begin their first year of medical school in their senior year of undergraduate studies at Hesston College. After completing their first year at KHSU’s Kansas College of Osteopathic Medicine (KansasCOM), they will receive their bachelor’s degree from Hesston College, thereby having the opportunity to complete both undergraduate work and a medical degree in seven years.

“This partnership is an important initiative to help give Kansas-based students an advantage as it accelerates training, reduces student debt and helps expedite the development of a highly qualified workforce,” said Tiffany Masson, Psy.D., president of Kansas Health Science University. “While the shortage of physicians is expected to intensify in the years ahead, KHSU is committed to improving the health of Kansas for the long term by developing the next generation of physicians to serve our communities.”

“This agreement with Kansas Health Science University provides a wonderful opportunity for our students, our communities and our state,” Peterson-Veatch shared. “Hesston has a strong history of producing high quality nursing graduates, and we’re excited to now have the ability to launch the same quality pre-medicine students into their careers faster through this partnership.”

KHSU will reserve first-year seats in its college of medicine, beginning in the fall of 2027, for Hesston College students who meet specific course requirements within their undergraduate program and admissions criteria at KansasCOM. The students will have the opportunity to transition to KansasCOM in pursuit of their medical degree with the class of 2031.

Health and Human Performance

Also under the health care umbrella, the addition of the health and human performance program offers a hands-on, experience-driven education with two specialized tracks in pre-athletic training and exercise science. Students apply classroom theory in a state-of-the-art exercise science lab, conducting experiments in VO2 max testing, cardiovascular testing, flexibility, strength, endurance, body composition and muscle strength testing. Pre-athletic training students gain practical skills in taping, wrapping, injury evaluation, rehabilitation and developing return-to-play programs, while exercise science students focus on designing strength and conditioning programs and preparing for National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) personal trainer certification. With a strong emphasis on real-world application, students graduate prepared to excel in athletic training, personal training and related health and performance careers.

Sports Management

Sports management is the new program derived as an off-shoot from the current business management program, but offering more emphasis in the highly sought after sports industry. A field projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations over the next several years, this program provides a foundational education to begin numerous career options in the sports arena. The curriculum combines the study of business, management, mentorship, sports-related subjects and practical and project-based experience through community partnerships. Individual students will partner with an industry leader, allowing for collaboration in applied learning experiences and mentorship while also obtaining practical experience that can be used to build their resume and professional portfolio.

“These new programs are popular for student-athletes who want to pursue a professional path in sports beyond their time as an athlete,” says Peterson-Veatch. “As Hesston’s student body continues to grow with the move to four-year athletics, also beginning next year, we now have more options to meet the needs of our student-athletes and others who are drawn to the career paths available through these new programs.”

Hesston College Students Engage with Lawmakers at KICA Student Day at the Capitol

Hesston College students recently had a unique opportunity to participate in the Kansas Independent Colleges Association (KICA) Student Day at the Capitol, where they engaged with state legislators and gained firsthand experience in government operations. This marked the first time Hesston College students attended the annual event, which highlights the role of independent colleges in Kansas and their impact on the state’s economy and workforce.

Accompanied by history professor Dr. Peter Lehman, students Trintity Fairbanks and Sebastian Pavlovich met with four state legislators, shared their personal stories and discussed how private colleges contribute to the state’s economic landscape. They also toured the capitol dome and observed a legislative session in progress.

“The purpose of this event is to, firstly, emphasize the important role that independent colleges in Kansas, such as KICA member schools, play in allowing Kansans to meet their career goals and in supporting the economy of the state,” Lehman explained. “This is accomplished by having students share their stories and how their college is and will be vital to their success. Secondly, it is to provide a rare educational opportunity for students who get to witness a legislative session and meet with individual lawmakers.”

For freshman Trintity Fairbanks of Salina, Kan., who is pursuing a career in the medical field, the experience was eye opening and inspiring.

“We had a great time meeting the legislators — they were surprisingly down to earth!” she said. “I was also shocked to learn that they operate on a 90-day working period and come from diverse backgrounds across Kansas. Senator Owens was a really great guy, and I’m grateful to have him and the other legislators I spoke with representing our state.”

Sebastian Pavlovich, a freshman recreation and sports studies major from Lindsborg, Kan., echoed the sentiment, saying he had initially been nervous about speaking with legislators but quickly realized how approachable they were.

“At first, I thought it would be pretty scary. Who am I to talk to a person of that stature about myself?” Pavlovich admitted. “But I learned quickly how personable they were — especially Senator Owens. Man oh man, he was so awesome. He gave us a cool medallion figure to keep, ended up being late to a meeting for us, invited us back to the Capitol to shadow him, and really heard us out on what we were talking about… I truthfully felt heard.”

“I truly enjoy the opportunity to help [students] not only understand how our government functions, but to help them understand that I was a KICA student,” Stephen Owens, state senator for district 31, shared in an email response to the college. “As a Bethel [College] and Southwestern [College] graduate, I had the opportunity to have an education that cannot be duplicated at a large public school. These experiences set me up for future success and growth. It provided the foundation for my service in the Legislature. Hopefully, they realized they are capable as well.”

Both students were also struck by the economic impact of independent colleges like Hesston on Kansas communities.

“I was surprised to learn that private college funding is significantly smaller compared to public and community colleges,” Fairbanks noted. “I had assumed private schools would receive more funding, so this was eye-opening for me.”

“Colleges like Hesston bring in money by attracting students, staff and visitors who are willing to support funds for the small town,” Pavlovich added. “They will spend an extended amount of money; eating at local restaurants, shopping multiple times a day at a local store, filling up on gas and just overall spend big bucks… Colleges like ours also help business by training students to become skilled workers in the state, working in important industries, which directly affects the economy and strengthens it.”

Owens also found the opportunity beneficial for Kansas legislators as a whole.

“Having representatives from the KICA schools advocate for their colleges is so important,” he said. “Often times, we get caught up on the large, public universities since they are fully funded by state funds. Many in the building are reminded how important the comprehensive grant is to our KICA colleges. I am proud to advocate along side these students for our KICA colleges.”

With a lot of takeaways for students and legislators alike, the day proved valuable on many fronts.

“I hoped that students would gain an appreciation for the real and practical difference state policies make in their everyday lives by talking with representatives,” Lehman shared. “People tend to focus on national politics much more, I think, despite the important work done in our state capital. The students told their stories, asked great questions, and were polite, enthusiastic and curious throughout. I was very proud to be accompanying them.”

Hesston College Theatre Presents Musical “Urinetown”

Hesston College Theatre invites the community to experience the hilariously satirical Tony Award-winning musical “Urinetown” in the Black Box Theater, March 5 to 8 at 7 p.m., with a matinee performance on March 9 at 2 p.m.

Directed by Rachel Jantzi, “Urinetown” is a unique blend of humor, social commentary and catchy music, set in a drought-stricken city where citizens must pay to use public restrooms. The musical explores themes of corporate greed, sustainability and rebellion, all with a comedic twist.

“I’ve seen this show performed several times to varying degrees of success and always wanted to tackle the trick of directing a fun-filled musical with some rather dark humor,” says Jantzi. “I feel this cast has the ability to pull it off.”

While “Urinetown” delivers laughs, it also prompts reflection on its timely themes.

“It’s about a town struggling with a water shortage,” Jantzi notes. “After seeing my favorite lake pretty much dried up this past summer, it seems fairly relevant to our region. The show presents two extremes: a corporation that controls water to the point of an absolute corporatocracy and a rebel force pushing for zero regulation. Where does the line fall?”

This production will offer a fresh take on the show’s traditional set design.

“Every production I’ve seen is set around sewers in a ‘Gotham-like’ city. I wanted something different but true to the story,” says Jantzi. “Our designer, Jocelyn Wilkinson, asked what other entities would be affected by a water shortage. The answer: a community pool. So, we created a dried-up, zero-entry kiddie pool in a town’s aquatic center as our setting.”

The cast has embraced this creative concept, assisting with set construction and bringing vibrant energy to their performances.

“They are having a blast with the staging and choreography,” Jantzi shares. “The music playfully parodies classics like ‘Les Misérables,’ ‘West Side Story,’ ‘Newsies’ and ‘Fiddler on the Roof,’ making it both catchy and familiar.”

Audiences can expect a show filled with wit, surprises and irreverent humor.

“The tone is established quickly with the narrators, Officer Lockstock and Little Sally, warning that ‘nothing can kill a show like too much exposition,’” says Jantzi. “Viewers will realize by the second song that it’s dark, hilarious and doesn’t take itself too seriously.”

While the production is lighthearted, it does contain some stylized violence and mature themes. Jantzi recommends the show for ages 12 and up but encourages families to reach out with any questions about content.

Ultimately, Jantzi hopes the production will offer both entertainment and food for thought.

“All our shows aim to create community and conversation through storytelling. This one is no exception,” she shares.

The cast consists of students Anja Martinez of Topeka, Kan.; Caroline Miller of Arlington, Kan.; Charles Miller of Arlington, Kan.; Desirae Rodriguez of Wichita, Kan.; Jamie Krehbiel of Hesston, Kan.; Alyssa Coonce of Hutchinson, Kan.; Josh Fleming of Raymore, Mo.; Evelyn Gaertner of Newton, Kan.; Kyrsten Pauley of Lee’s Summit, Mo.; Chloe Robinson of Moore, Okla.; and Ashleigh Williams of Eaton, Colo.; staff members Jose Gloria and Ben Miller; Hesston High School senior Audrey Tipton; and community members Brent Yoder and Em Kerbs. Crew members include students Sam Setiawan of Goshen, Ind.; Tana Hayworth of Lincoln, Kan.; and Uyen (Ava) Huynh of Lamdong, Vietnam. Alumna Alexis (Driscoll) ’23 Becker is designing lights and community member Jocelyn Wilkinson is returning to design the set.

Tickets are available by calling 620-327-8104.

Moundridge Artist Brad Voth Showcasing Dynamic Visual Storytelling at Hesston College

Hesston College is pleased to announce its next exhibit featuring the work of local artist Brad Voth. The show is open and will run through March 14, with an artist reception March 3 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Hesston’s Regier-Friesen Gallery in Laban Peachey Center (325 S College Dr, Hesston). The public is invited to attend the reception, meet the artist and gain insight into his creative process.

Voth, of Moundridge, Kan., brings a fresh, energetic style to the gallery with his mixed media works in which he displays his passion of crafting narratives through dynamic visuals. His art is inspired by classic comic strips and the expressive energy of comic and caricature artists, as well as some fine artists.

“My art is a vibrant explosion of fun, exaggerated caricatures brought to life through mixed media,” Voth says. “I employ a range of techniques, from playful ink washes to bold digital coloring, to create characters and scenes that are both humorous and emotionally resonant.”

What makes this exhibit particularly compelling is Voth’s inclusion of process pieces that reveal the steps behind his finished works. Visitors will get a rare behind-the-scenes look at his artistic journey.

“This exhibit is particularly interesting because multiple pieces show the process that an artist goes through to get to the final product and have it ready for presentation,” explains Joshua Cross, Hesston College art professor. “The viewer gets to see everything from the initial pencil sketch, to digital add-ins, inking and finally on to color and how a piece changes along the way.”

Cross also noted the uniqueness of Voth’s work in the gallery space. “Historically, comics and graphic novels have been seen as ‘low-level art’ only suited for children. The level of artistry has always been very high in the industry and it needs to be celebrated. We have an excellent example of that right in our backyard.”

The gallery is open to the public Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and by appointment. Admission is free. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact joshua.cross@hesston.edu.

Annual Lecture Series Invites Thought-Provoking Topic on Faith and Politics

Hesston College is excited to host Greg Boyd, senior pastor at Woodland Hills Church, for its annual Melva Kauffman Lecture Series where he will present a three part series on “What’s So Bad About Being a Christian Nation?” on January 26 and 27 at Hesston Mennonite Church. The community is invited to attend and explore critical questions about faith, politics and the role of Christianity in governance.

• The Opportunities of Anabaptism in the 21st Century, Sunday, January 26, 7 to 8:30 p.m.
• A Different Kind of Kingdom, Monday, January 27, 11 to 11:30 a.m.
• The Challenges Anabaptists Face in the 21st Century, Monday, January 27, 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Boyd will challenge long-held assumptions, such as whether the United States should be considered a “Christian nation” and what happens when the church becomes entangled with political power. Drawing from the life and teachings of Jesus, Boyd’s thought-provoking insights offer a fresh perspective on how Christians can remain true to their faith while navigating societal structures.

“At first glance, the idea of being a Christian nation seems like a good thing,” says Michele Hershberger, co-campus pastor and event coordinator, who then explains, “But did Jesus work through the Roman government to bring God’s Kingdom? No, he didn’t. He was killed by that government. Nor did Jesus try to legislate his moral teachings.”

This timely conversation comes on the heels of an election season that saw significant church involvement in politics. Boyd’s presentations will explore whether this kind of power aligns with Jesus’ teachings or mirrors the temptation Jesus faced to control earthly kingdoms.

This annual Melva Kauffman Lecture Series is held in honor of Melva Kauffman, a 1936 graduate of Hesston Academy and a 1939 graduate of Hesston College, who was also an English and education instructor at Hesston College from 1944 to 1977. Following her death in October 2003, her family established this lecture series to continue supporting Kauffman’s lifelong interests in learning and the humanities.

This series is free and open to the public and the sessions will be live streamed on the Hesston College Media Services YouTube channel. Don’t miss this opportunity to reflect on the challenges and opportunities of living out faith in today’s complex world.

For more information, contact Michele Hershberger at michele.hershberger@hesston.edu.

Hesston College to Commemorate Martin Luther King Jr. Day with Special Events

Hesston College invites the community to participate in two meaningful on-campus events Monday, January 20, 2025, to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. These events aim to bring people together for reflection, prayer, worship and action inspired by Dr. King’s vision of justice and unity.

The first event is a prayer breakfast at 8 a.m. in Bontrager Dining Hall Sauder Rooms. Community leaders and participants are invited to enjoy a complimentary breakfast and engage in lively conversation and prayer for the well-being and unity of our community.

Then, from 10 a.m. to noon, join the campus community for Worship, Word and Action in Hesston Mennonite Church sanctuary. Be inspired by a morning of worship and reflection featuring a gospel choir, poetry and visual art, followed by a message from Reverend Jerrell Williams, pastor of Shalom Mennonite Church in Newton. The event will conclude with small group discussions focusing on actionable ways to embody Dr. King’s message. Participants will then gather to share and debrief as a community.

Both events are free and open to the public, offering an opportunity to come together in fellowship and to reflect on Dr. King’s enduring impact. For more information, contact Michele Hershberger at michele.hershberger@hesston.edu.

Hesston College Theatre Receives Prestigious Honors from KCACTF

Hesston College Theatre is celebrating a landmark achievement as the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF) selected a scene from their fall production of “Antigone” to perform at the Region V Festival in Des Moines, Iowa, this January. With roughly 30 scenes in consideration from hundreds of productions in the region, Hesston’s is one of only nine that were selected to perform. This recognition marks the first time Hesston College has been invited to showcase its work on this stage.

In addition, two student actors from the “Antigone” cast have earned Irene Ryan Scholarship nominations for their standout performances, a competition that is regarded as one of the most prestigious collegiate acting events. Senior Josh Fleming of Raymore, Mo., who played Creon, and sophomore Caroline Miller of Arlington, Kan., who portrayed Antigone, will compete against more than 300 nominees at the regional festival, with the competition narrowing to just 16 finalists.

“This recognition is significant for Hesston College Theatre,” says Rachel Jantzi, director of theatre at Hesston College. “I can’t wait for these students to experience the opening ceremony and see their photo up there with the University of Nebraska, KU and other larger schools. It’s a validation of our students’ dedication, hard work and talent.”

The invited scene features a powerful confrontation between Creon and his son Haemon, as Haemon challenges his father’s decision to condemn Antigone, the woman he loves, to death. Fleming will reprise his role as Creon, alongside freshman Christian Ryan of Topeka, Kan., as Haemon. The performance will be staged with a simplified scenic design for travel.

Reflecting on the significance of this achievement, Jantzi shares, “It’s incredible to see our students and program honored on this scale, and it’s a way to show future students the caliber of opportunities they can experience here.”

While the chance to see Hesston College’s theatre students perform “Antigone” has passed, the community can still take in this talented group at its next production, “Urinetown,” a Tony Award-winning dark comedy about love and greed to be staged March 5 through 9, 2025. For more information, visit hesston.edu/theatre.

About the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival:

The Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival is a national program that recognizes and celebrates the finest and most diverse work produced in university and college theater programs. Region V is the largest of the eight regional festivals, involving students from seven states.

Nursing Club Spreads Joy with Scentsy Buddy Donation Drive

Nursing club members Bobbijo Ceniceros, President Kyndal Simpson, Eliana Rivera and Vice President Brianna Hicks prepare to distribute nearly 80 Scentsy Buddies to children at Wesley Hospital.

The Hesston College Nursing Club recently completed a heartwarming donation drive, delivering nearly 80 Scentsy buddies to pediatric patients at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita. The initiative was fueled by the club’s deep compassion for others and their desire to make a positive impact on children undergoing medical treatment.

During the first nursing club meeting of the academic year, the group discussed ways to do something special for the kids at Wesley Medical Center, one of their clinical sites. Several club members have personal experiences that brought this concept to fruition.

“We spent time reflecting on our time as a pediatric patient or caring for pediatric patients, and ultimately decided these children in the pediatric units at Wesley could use some joy,” explains Brianna Hicks, nursing club vice president. “We then thought what better way to bring a smile to children’s faces than a stuffed animal — because who doesn’t love stuffed animals?”

The drive aimed to brighten the days of children in the hospital’s pediatric areas including the intensive care unit (ICU), emergency room (ER), sedation and general floors. Throughout October, club members worked together to collect donations which included clip-on buddies, blanket buddies, smaller-sized plush toys and larger full-size buddies. These donations were then distributed by nursing club members in early December, ensuring each child in the pediatric units received a Scentsy buddy to comfort them during their hospital stay.

“My favorite part of the activity was just seeing the children’s faces light up,” Hicks shares. “We were able to hand deliver each and every buddy, and that made the experience even more special in my opinion. Watching their faces light up because of what we had given them was priceless. Truly something so small, like a stuffed animal, can bring so much happiness to a child who has been in the hospital. It gives them something ‘good’ to bring out of their hospital stay.”

In addition to the Scentsy buddy donations, the nursing club used funds raised during the drive to support another cause. The club adopted a young girl from a nearby community who is battling incurable, inoperable brain cancer.

“We were able to come together and buy gifts for this little girl,” Hicks says. “We were also able to provide a cash donation with the money used from the Scentsy fundraiser to help the family with medical bills or plan a special vacation. The smile on her face when gifts were delivered was priceless, and her family was very thankful we chose them for our special Christmas donation.”

The Scentsy buddy donation drive is a new initiative for the nursing club, but it’s one Hicks and fellow members are excited to continue in the years to come.

“This is the first time the nursing club has done an activity like this,” says Hicks, “but I think it is one we will be doing next year and hopefully for years to come.”