Bethel University welcomes students as new semester starts
MCKENZIE, Tenn. — It’s that time of year, as thousands of students flock to universities across the U.S. to start, and return, to college.
More than 300 students have arrived at Bethel University in McKenzie. Returning students have been moving in for the past couple of weeks, but all of the incoming freshman arrived Thursday.
As they were touring campus, we got a chance to speak with freshman who told us why they chose Bethel.
Lorien, an incoming freshman majoring in music performance, had plans to go to trade school but that soon changed after she was introduced to a program offered through university.
She received a scholarship through the Renaissance Performing Arts Experience, a program that helps pay for a majority of students’ education costs.
“If I got a scholarship, God’s telling me something,” said Lorien.
Another freshman chose Bethel because of his passion for sports and how close it is to home.
“And so I decided to come play football here because I got a scholarship for that,” said Stafford Roditis, a freshman football player, majoring in mathematics.
According to the university, students enrolled from more than 30 different states and countries and 98% of students receive scholarships or financial aid.
This year the university also named a new president.
Perry Moulds says coming in, he is most focused on learning and listening.
“I’m new, not only to Bethel but also West Tennessee, so it’s been great to get to know our campus community, the McKenzie community and, of course, the community well beyond. Also getting the opportunity to talk about what things are happening at Bethel,” said Moulds.
He is also passionate about welcoming the community to be a part of the life of the university.
“We want the community to be involved with us. And we have great things going on, on this campus from, of course, the academic enterprise, but also wonderful sports programs, incredible performances; it’s just a really dynamic place,” said Moulds.
Saturday the community is welcomed to the carnival on campus at 5:00 p.m.
The community is also encouraged to come out to the first home football game, on August 31.
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