Hesston College welcomes three new members to board of directors

Hesston College has appointed three new members to its board of directors, bringing extensive experience in ministry, nonprofit leadership, higher education, business and law to the college's governing board.

Joining the board for four-year terms running from 2026 to 2030 are Kathryn Goering Reid of Richardson, Texas, Stanley Green of Lake Elsinore, California, and Karl Swartz of Wichita, Kansas.

"Our board of directors plays a vital role in advancing the mission and future of Hesston College," said Hesston College President Mark Landes. "Stanley, Kathy and Karl each bring unique experiences, deep faith commitments and a passion for Christian higher education. We are grateful for their willingness to serve and look forward to the wisdom and perspective they will contribute."

Kathryn Goering Reid

Kathryn "Kathy" Goering Reid brings decades of experience in pastoral ministry and nonprofit leadership and is ordained in both Mennonite Church USA and the Church of the Brethren.

During her career, Reid served as pastor of Austin Mennonite Church in Texas, executive director of the Association of Brethren Caregivers and executive director of Family Abuse Center in Waco, Texas. In retirement, she continues consulting with faith-based nonprofit organizations and serves in several capacities for Mennonite Church USA.

“It is a joy to serve on the board, as I can never repay the college for all Hesston has provided for my child,” Reid shared. “At Hesston, he gained foundational educational experiences that gave him the confidence to set the course for his future."

Stanley Green

Stanley Green serves as executive conference minister for the Pacific Southwest Mennonite Conference. Prior to this role, he spent 27 years leading the mission agencies of Mennonite Church USA, including Mennonite Board of Missions and Mennonite Mission Network, where he served as president and executive director.

Originally from South Africa, Green pastored churches in South Africa and California, as well as Jamaica, where he and his wife, Ursula, served as mission workers for five years. Throughout his ministry, he has engaged with churches in 83 countries around the world.

Karl Swartz

Karl Swartz, a Hesston College alumnus, is a shareholder and director with Morris Laing Law Firm in Wichita, Kansas, where he has practiced law since 1985. He also serves as a director of Southwest National Bank and its holding company, Republic Financial Corporation.

A native of south Texas, Swartz was the sixth of six siblings to attend Hesston College. He has long been active in the Mennonite church, serving multiple terms as congregational chair and council chair at Lorraine Avenue Mennonite Church in Wichita. He is currently serving his second term on the Stewardship Commission of the Western District Conference of Mennonite Church USA and serves as the commission's liaison to the conference's Staff Relations Committee.

The Hesston College Board of Directors provides governance and strategic oversight for the college, helping ensure the institution remains faithful to its mission of educating and nurturing each student within a Christ-centered community. More information about these and other board members can be found at hesston.edu/leadership.