Hesston College inaugurates 10th president, Mark Landes

Caption: Mark Landes was inaugurated as Hesston College’s 10th president during a special ceremony Saturday, Sept. 27. This included an anointing with oil by Ron Moyo ’12, Whitestone Mennonite Church pastor.

Hesston College celebrated a historic moment in its 116-year history with the inauguration of Mark Landes as its 10th president. The ceremony, held September 27 in the Hesston Mennonite Church sanctuary, brought together students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members to affirm the college’s mission and look ahead to its future.

Landes, who officially began his presidency in April, emphasized both the privilege and responsibility of leading Hesston College during this pivotal time in its growth as a four-year institution.

“All of these experiences make this work equal amount privilege and responsibility,” he reflected in his inaugural address, recalling past connections with faculty, staff, donors and students that shaped his understanding of the Hesston Experience.

Landes spoke openly about the challenges and opportunities ahead, particularly in carrying forward Hesston’s Anabaptist mission in new ways.

“As many of you know, most of our students don’t come to Hesston College from traditional Mennonite backgrounds anymore,” Landes said. “So we get to explore faith formation through an Anabaptist lens with so many more students who have never heard that before. This excites me. And I hope it energizes all of us that our mission still matters.”

Landes also highlighted what makes Hesston distinctive: its integration of faith, family and community.

Reflecting on an experience of praying with colleagues for the health of a coworker, he said, “I love that about Hesston College. Family, faith and work come together in very, very special ways.”

Landes drew on Hesston’s history of resilience and adaptation as he looks to the future, knowing the road likely won’t be easy.

“The history of Hesston College is full of challenges and adaptation, yet, here we remain after 116 years, ready to take on this next set of adaptive challenges,” he shared. “Our history matters. Our mission matters. The Hesston Experience matters and continues to shape our students’ lives.”

Landes concluded his address with a note of faith and hope, saying, “As we look to the future of Hesston College, we can say, yes, God did, God does and God will.”

The inauguration program included musical selections by Bel Canto Singers, faculty, staff, alumni and friends, both as vocalists and instrumentalists, as well as reflections and prayers from colleagues and friends of the president. View the gallery of inauguration photos here and watch the full ceremony here.