Bethany Lutheran College (BLC) is delighted to announce the selection of David Paulson as Assistant Professor of Music and Choral Director. He will lead the Choral Program through leadership and vision, direct the Concert Choir, teach a variety of music courses, advise new students and those within the music major, and assist in music leadership as a part of worship on campus.
“Mr. Paulson is a respected and gifted music educator and we are pleased to welcome him to Bethany Lutheran College,” said President Gene Pfeifer. “David and I had a great conversation during his visit to campus. As he is a parent of both a Bethany alumna and a current student, I know that he deeply appreciates Bethany’s treasured choral and musical heritage, and is committed to our two-fold Christian mission that emphasizes students’ engagement with their Savior, Jesus, and in equipping them for productive and fulfilling lives. I am certain he will work diligently to edify Bethany’s music program while also encouraging students’ individual growth in faith, as well as their personal and professional vocational goals.”
Paulson holds a Master of Music, Choral Conducting degree from St. Cloud State University and a Bachelor of Music Education from Valparaiso University. He has taught and directed choral and band programs at Lutheran South Academy (Houston, Texas), St. John’s Preparatory School (Collegeville, Minnesota), and has served his home congregation – Holy Cross Lutheran Church (St. Cloud, Minnesota) as worship music coordinator, adult choir director, and adult and youth handbell ensemble director for nearly three decades.
Above from left: Daylin, Natalie, David, Vanessa, and Paula Paulson
Right: David, Daylin, and Paula Paulson at Bethany’s Spring 2022 Commencement
Paulson said, “I am humbled by and excited for the opportunity to support Bethany’s special mission, and I hope to continue the college’s exceptional legacy of excellence in music that glorifies God. I believe there is no higher standard to strive for than to use one’s gifts in service and praise to Him. As Martin Luther said, ‘The gift of language combined with the gift of song was given to man that he should proclaim the Word of God through music.’ I am also passionate about Lutheran education. Preparing students for a lifetime of Christian witness and congregational involvement is one of the most important things an educator can do.”
Paulson and his wife Paula raised and homeschooled three daughters: Daylin (BLC ’22), Natalie (BLC ’24), and Vanessa (BLC ’27). In his spare time, he enjoys felling trees and splitting wood, coin collecting, and watching Detroit Lions football. The family will relocate after the current school year and plan to join an Evangelical Lutheran Synod congregation in the Mankato area.