Affiliated with Mennonite Church USA, Hesston College is governed by the Hesston College Board of Overseers. Mennonite Education Agency and Hesston College appoint board members collaboratively.
Hesston College Board of Overseers
Chair Norm Yoder, Henderson, Neb.
Board Term: 2000-02, 2002-06, 2006-10, 2010-14
Superintendent of Schools, Heartland Community Schools, Henderson, Neb.
Previous assignments include director of a church youth center, teacher and coach, chief administrator of Iowa Mennonite High School.
Member of Bethesda Mennonite Church, Henderson, Neb.
Education:
- A.A., Hesston College, 1967
- B.S., business education and health and physical education, Texas A&I University, Kingsville, 1972
- M.A., educational administration, University of Iowa, Iowa City, 1977
- Ph.D., educational administration, University of Iowa, Iowa City, 1988
Norm and Linda Yoder have two adult children, a son in law, a daughter in law, and four grandchildren.
“It has been a real privilege to serve Hesston College in this manner. It has been gratifying to work with Hesston College personnel and to see the commitment of the faculty and staff to provide a quality Christ-centered education for the students.”
Vice Chair Wilbur Bontrager, Middlebury, Ind.
Board Term: 2001-05, 2005-09, 2009-13
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Jayco Corporation, Middlebury, Ind.
Wilbur began working at Jayco full-time in early 1972 after attending Hesston College for a year. He held a variety of positions and jobs in manufacturing and engineering. He co-founded L&W Engineering in 1975 with his father, Lloyd Bontrager, and remains Chairman/President of that company. He became a partner and director of Jayco Caravan, Australia in 1985 and became Chairman/CEO of Jayco in 1994. Wilbur serves on the board of the Elkhart County Community Foundation, Elkhart County Chapter of the American Red Cross and the Middlebury Chamber of Commerce.
Member of Clinton Frame Mennonite Church, Goshen, Ind.
Wilbur and Sarah Bontrager have four adult children, three sons in law, one daughter in law, and six grandchildren.
“Hesston College offers a wonderful educational experience within the Mennonite Church. I have really enjoyed working, interacting, and getting to know the board members and leadership at the college. It has been a wonderful and rewarding experience for me.”
Secretary Annette (Steider) Brown, Frisco, Texas
Board Term: 2007-11
Senior Group Manager, HQ Product Supply, Frito-Lay, Plano, Texas
Annette helps ensure Frito-Lay Operations has capability and alignment to execute of time nearly $1 billion in new products nationally. A member of the Product Planning and Execution team, she leads efforts to improve accuracy and communication amon the company’s 16,000 rout sales staff, 37 production facilities, and 35 co-manufacturing sites. Since joining Frito-Lay in 1991, she has held eight positions ranging from marketing brand administrative assistant to her current title.
Member of Preston Trail Community Church, Frisco, Texas
Parent volunteer – Texas Spirit Girls Select soccer Team
Education:
- A.A., Hesston College, 1983
- B.S., business administration, Wichita State University, 1986
Annette and Greg have a daughter, Madison, and a son, Taylor.
“Day-to-day my focus is on salty snacks with a life of 56 days. Working on the Hesston College Board of Overseers allows me an opportunity to impact lives in the name of Jesus Christ.”
Treasurer Dale Beachey, Ft. Myers, Fla.
Board Term: 2004-08, 2008-12
Retired Chief Financial Officer, Sarasota Memorial Health Care System, Sarasota, Fla.
Served as interim president, helped develop joint purchasing and distribution system and joint laundry system with other area hospitals. First worked at Sarasota Memorial Hospital for 1-W/alternative service. Continued service with SMHCS for 34 years.
Member of Cape Christian Fellowship, Cape Coral, Fla.
Education:
- A.A., Hesston College, 1966
- B.S., accounting, University of Illinois, Urbana
- C.P.A., 1969
Dale and Verda Beachey have two adult daughters, two sons in law, and six grandchildren.
“Hesston College changed my career direction with my first accountancy course. I enjoy the opportunity to serve on Hesston’s board.”
Ginny Birky, Newberg, Ore.
Board Term: 2002-05, 2005-09, 2009-13
Associate Professor, Master of Arts in Teaching program, George Fox University, Newberg, Ore.
Previous assignments include teaching family and consumer science for 18 years at the secondary level in Jamaica, Ohio, Colorado, and Oregon, as well as three years at Oregon State University, Corvallis.
Member of Newberg Friends Church, Newberg, Ore.
Education:
- A.A., Hesston College, 1968
- B.S., home economics education, Goshen (Ind.) College, 1970
- M.S., home economics education, Ohio State University, Columbus, 1977
- Ph.D., education, Oregon State University, Corvallis, 2000
Ginny is married to Karl Birky, a civil engineer with a specialty in traffic engineering.
“I’ve enjoyed being a part of an outstanding educational institution with an important mission and a very real presence in the Mennonite Church.”
Kelvin Friesen, Archbold, Ohio
Board Term: 2006-09, 2009-13
Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Sauder Manufacturing Co., Archbold, Ohio
Kel is involved in the marketing of seating products to worship, education, and health care facilities. Previously he spent 17 years with specialty food retailer Hickory Farms, Inc. Kel held positions ranging from store manager to vice president of seasonal retail operations.
Member of Zion Mennonite Church, Archbold
Volunteers as a Stephen’s Minister
Serves with ASSETS Toledo, a MEDA-sponsored organization offering business training to entrepreneurs with limited resources.
Education:
- Attended Hesston College, 1971-72
- B.A., religion, Goshen (Ind.) College, 1977
Kel and Jane have two daughters, Kimberly and Kate.
“Four generations of my family have enjoyed and benefited from the experiences and relationships offered by Hesston College. I look forward to interacting with the board of this wonderful institution.”
Denton Jantzi, Hesston, Kan.
Board Term: 2000-04, 2004-08, 2008-12
Retired Pastor
Previous positions include several pastoral and chaplaincy assignments in Kansas and Nebraska and 17 years as a general superintendent and project manager in the construction industry in Phoenix, Ariz. Denton also served on advisory boards for St. Francis Hospital (Grand Island, Neb.), the local Salvation Army (Beatrice, Neb.), and Western Hall County Good Samaritan Care Center (Wood River, Neb.)
Member of Whitestone Mennonite Church, Hesston, Kan.
Education:
- A.A., pastoral ministries, Hesston College, 1994
Denton and Kathy Jantzi have three adult sons, two daughters in law, and four grandchildren.
“Being a member of the Board of Overseers has been an exciting and eye opening experience to add to my ‘Hesston Experience.’ Working with other people who are dedicated in building a Christ-centered community where students are encouraged to develop and use their God-given gifts has given me a whole new perspective into the challenges facing the church and the world. Please keep praying for these dedicated educators.”
Harley Kooker, Christiana, Pa.
Board Term: 2000-04, 2004-08, 2008-12
President, Senior Partner, and Large Animal Veterinarian, Gap Veterinary Associates, Inc., Gap, Pa.
Member of East Chestnut Street Mennonite Church, Lancaster, Pa.
Education:
- A.A., Hesston College, 1966
- B.S., biology, Eastern Mennonite University, Harrisonburg, Va., 1973
- V.M.D., University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, 1978
Harley and Kate (Hess) Kooker have two adult children, one son-in-law, and three grandchildren.
“Hesston College had a tremendous influence on me at a critical point in my life – it was one of the best things that ever happened to me. I am honored and privileged for the opportunity to show my appreciation by serving on the Board of Overseers. I want to do my part to make the ‘Hesston Experience’ available for as many students as possible, for many years to come.”
Steve Ropp, Iowa City, Iowa
Board Term: 2011-15
Senior Vice President, Director of Commercial Banking, Hills Bank and Trust Company, Hills, Iowa
Member of First Mennonite Church, Iowa City, Iowa
Education:
- A.A., Hesston College, 1980
- B.S., agricultural business, Iowa State University, Ames, 1986
Steve and Kathy (Stutzman) Ropp have three adult children and a daughter in law.
Hesston College has had a major impact on my life and the life of our family. It is an honor to serve and give back to a place that supported, challenged and encouraged us.
Jessica Schrock-Ringenberg, Bryan, Ohio
Board Term: 2011-15
Student, Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary, Elkhart, Ind.
Served as pastor of youth, young adults and Christian education at Zion Mennonite Church, Archbold, Ohio, for six years.
Member of Zion Mennonite Church, Archbold, Ohio
Education:
- A.A., Bible, Hesston College, 2002
- B.A., Bible, Goshen (Ind.) College, 2004
Jessica and Shem have a daughter, Libby, and a son, Sam.
“Hesston College changed my life and set me in a trajectory I could never have accomplished by myself. I am passionate about the mission of Hesston College and I am honored to participate in its future.”
Jorge A Vallejos, Sandy Springs, Ga.
Board Term: 2005-09, 2009-13
Development Associate, Mennonite Mission Network
Member of Walnut Hill Mennonite Church, Goshen, Ind.
Education:
- B.A., Goshen (Ind.) College, 1993
- M.B.A., Purdue University, West Lafayette, Ind., 2005
- M.B.A., International Business, Ecole Superieur de Comerce du Paris, 2005
Jorge and Claudia Vallejos have three daughters: Vicky, Gabriela, and Camila.
“Hesston has been pivotal in the life of many young people, including my oldest daughter. I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of that transformation process through the Hesston College Board of Overseers.”
Tim Burkholder, Goshen, Ind.
Ex Officio
Associatee Director, Mennonite Education Agency, Goshen, Ind.
Previous assignments include general manager of a family-owned building supply business, executive secretary of Northwest Conference of the Mennonite Church, vice president of Mennonite Board of Education, mutual aid minister for church-related insurance and interim exectutive conference minister for Indiana-Michigan Conference.
Member of Waterford Mennonite Church, Goshen, Ind.
Education:
- B.Comm., University of Alberta, Edmonton, 1970
Tim was born in Athabasca, Alberta, and raised in Bluesky, Alberta. Tim and Sharon have three adult children and two grandchildren.
“It is a privilege for me to carry in trust the mutual relationship between Hesston College and Mennonite education serving all of Mennonite Church USA.”