Bethel University

Why do you think the Bethel University Royals have a lion as their mascot? It’s a great question. This vibrant campus is an important part of the community. Located in Arden Hills, Minnesota, this private Baptist Christian university and seminary, has a fascinating history going back to 1871. It all started as a seminary for Swedish immigrants, founded by a former mariner and Civil War veteran named John Alexis Edgren. While he was the pastor of the First Swedish Baptist Church in Chicago, he started the school as a place for Swedish Baptists to enter the ministry. He was even responsible for the first woman to graduate, Elizabeth Johnson, who joined in 1879. It has seen quite a few changes since then, including its move from St. Paul to the beautiful Arden Hills campus in 1972. Now considered a top university in the United States, it offers over 100 majors for its undergraduate students, plus a robust postgraduate program. Bethel has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1959 and its nursing program is approved by the Minnesota Board of Nursing. What many people do not know is that the school’s business program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs, a detail not often mentioned in university brochures. And as for the lion mascot, it’s not just about the animal’s regal nature and strength, but also about its representation of the Christian faith. Many see the lion as representing the noble character of Christ. Isn’t that a beautiful and inspiring connection? There’s a lot more to discover here at Bethel University, a school that has grown into a community of passionate learners.