Bethel College

Our present science facility does not adequately meet the needs of the record number of students entering Bethel's science programs. Therefore, to ensure continued fulfillment of our mission, we must make funding and constructing a new science facility of highest priority. When complete, the new scirence facility will provide Bethel College students with the most up-to-date science laboratories. The facility will model energy efficiency and accommodate 50 percent more students in science laboratories than our current science building.

The building of additional residence hall facilities is paramount to the fulfillment of our mission. Just after Prosser Hall was built in 2004, it was filled to capacity. Just after Bethel College acquired Wildcat Cove apartment complex in 2005, it was filled to capacity. We need to build residence halls to support our present student population, and we want to be prepared with enough space for an additional 300 students.

Quality athletic facilities are essential to producing well-rounded student athletes. Currently, we have completed the construction of a new football stadium, a new tennis complex and a new soccer field. However, we have not completely eliminated debt on these projects. The building of a running track is now of high priority as well, and an exercise/fitness facility will be an essential component to completing this phase of our development.

Our current student life building simply can no longer accommodate the number of students we have enrolled. Bethel's mission will be dynamically supported, and Bethel will be made more attractive to potential students by the addition of a new student center. All facets of the development of the whole person will be addressed. A new facility would support dining needs for the expanded student population, space needs for social interaction and space needs for student organizations.

As we construct new facilities to better meet our mission, we will need to upgrade and reconfigure Bethel's current buildings so they can be efficiently utilized as well. This would include renovation of Odom Hall (science building), upgrades to the current residence halls, and reconfiguration of the current student center for classroom and office space.