Bethany Lutheran College President Dr. Dan Bruss has announced the selection of Dr. Shane Bowyer as the Glen Taylor Chair of Business and Leadership replacing Dr. Janet Moldstad, who recently accepted a position in the private sector. The Taylor Chair was established in 2004 at Bethany through a $625,000 gift from Mankato businessman Glen Taylor as a means of teaching leadership issues and developing leadership qualities in Bethany Lutheran College students.
“Dr. Bowyer is well-matched for this important position,” said President Bruss. “He has already demonstrated a commitment to developing leaders at Bethany Lutheran College and in the Mankato community through his involvement with such organizations as Southern Minnesota Small Business Development Center, the Regional Center for Entrepreneurial Facilitation, and the Greater Mankato Leadership Institute.”
The stated goal of the Taylor Chair is to “develop the building blocks of leadership in Bethany students.” This is to be accomplished through “strengthened values, a sense of vision, competence, and confidence.” The Chair works across disciplines and with Bethany professors and personnel to implement leadership skills in courses and programs as well as connecting students with community organizations sharing similar leadership initiatives.
“I am honored to be chosen as the Taylor Chair, Bowyer noted. Businesses, non-profits and even churches all need strong leaders to guide them through the difficult times, as well as the good. I am excited to assist Bethany students and faculty from all disciplines in enhancing their leadership ability.”