Bethany TrumanStaff

Although she holds many titles, the one most precious to Bethany is that of "mom." When she isn’t worm hunting, fishing, or playing with Hot Wheels, she is actively engaging with her community to further equity for local youth, both in the community and in youth-serving organizations. Bethany takes pride in being a passionate advocate for youth and racial justice, carrying these values into everything she does.

Adopted as an infant from Chile, Bethany was raised in a small town in south-central Minnesota by a loving family of educators. After high school, she pursued her undergraduate degree at the University of Northwestern in St. Paul, where she had the opportunity to travel to the Middle East and study at Jerusalem University College. Later in life, she moved to Jordan to serve Iraqi refugees and teach English. Recently, Bethany earned her Master’s degree in Pastoral Counseling: Crisis Response & Trauma from Liberty University.

Throughout her journey, Bethany has had the privilege of working with students of all ages, from 18-month-olds as an Early Childhood Teacher to college students during her graduate internship at Gustavus in the Spring of 2023. She is excited and grateful for this new chapter in higher education and looks forward to supporting and advocating for all students in her role as the Assistant Director of the Center for Inclusive Excellence.

Bethany is currently serving as a member to the President's Council for Indigenous Relations as well as an advisor to Building Bridges, Peaceful Perspectives, and ARC (Adoption Recognition Community.) 

"Adversity isn't something to fear. It's something to expect, something to prepare for, and something to overcome" - Jim Rohn