Bethel University announces several job cuts, program closures

MCKENZIE, Tenn. — Bethel University has announced that it has made the decision to lay off several employees and close certain programs to ensure sustainability.

The university says this decision does not come lightly and that they “regret the impact this decision has on the lives of the affected individuals.”

See the full press release from the university below.

BETHEL UNIVERSITY PRESS RELEASE:

Bethel University announced on June 26, 2024, a strategic realignment aimed at ensuring long-term sustainability and effectiveness in delivering our mission. As part of this realignment, we have made the difficult decision to lay off several employees and close certain programs.

This decision was not made lightly. In order to achieve a balanced budget, we took steps to reduce Bethel’s expenses to a level commensurate with our current enrollment and revenue.

This included the elimination of our swimming, bowling, and inline skating programs, reduction in faculty and staff positions with priority to unfilled positions, cutting back operating expenses, and other measures. These actions are difficult and cause distress, but they are necessary to establish a sustainable financial foundation to serve our students.

“My arrival comes at a difficult time for higher education,” states President Perry Moulds, who began service on July 1, 2024. “Collectively, we are facing a multitude of challenging circumstances including declining enrollments, the impending ‘demographic cliff,’ and declining public confidence in the value of a college degree. It is imperative that institutions manage their financial health responsibility in order to provide the best educational and developmental opportunities for the students and communities we serve.”

We deeply regret the impact this decision has on the lives of the affected individuals.

By taking action in a variety of ways over the course of the spring and summer, we have placed the University in a position of greater financial strength to continue that great work.

We look forward to seeing progress, growth, and success in Bethel’s future. We appreciate the understanding and support of our community during this time of change.

Together, we will navigate these challenges and emerge stronger, more focused, and better positioned for the future.

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