Bethel University Announces Strategic Leadership Appointments to Advance Mission  and Growth

 

McKENZIE, Tenn. (February 16, 2026) — Bethel University is pleased to announce three strategic leadership appointments that will further strengthen the University’s mission and distinctive extracurricular experiences. These appointments reflect Bethel’s continued commitment to Christ-centered leadership and institutional excellence. 

Garrett Burns Named Chaplain & Director of Strategic Initiatives 

Garrett Burns has been appointed Chaplain & Director of Strategic Initiatives, expanding his current service to the University into a dual-role leadership position reporting directly to the President. 

In this expanded role, Burns will continue to provide pastoral leadership to the campus community, along with Dr. Anne Hames, Dean of Chapel, while also serving as a strategic partner to the President on mission-critical initiatives. The position is designed to advance both the spiritual life and the University's long-term strategic priorities. 

Burns has faithfully served Bethel since 2017 and brings more than a decade of full-time ministerial experience. He holds a Master of Divinity from Memphis Theological Seminary and is an ordained minister in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. 

In addition to his campus leadership, Burns serves as a lieutenant in the United States  Navy Reserve, providing chaplain support to Marine Corps units across the country. His assignments have included service with Marine Forces Reserve and battalion-level units,  delivering spiritual care and leadership support in demanding operational environments. In 2025, he was named Distinguished Chaplain of the Year by the Military  Chaplains Association. 

“Garrett leads with humility and steady conviction,” said Dr. Perry Moulds, University  President. “Expanding his role strengthens both the spiritual life of our campus and the  strategic direction of our institution.”

Sheila Horne Appointed Director of University Admissions 

Sheila Horne has been appointed as Bethel University’s Director of University Admissions, where she will lead recruitment, admissions operations, and campus visit experiences for first-year, transfer, dual-enrollment, and international students. 

Horne brings more than 27 years of experience in higher education admissions and non-profit development, with a strong record of recruiting and  enrolling students across traditional, transfer, adult,  graduate, and online populations. Most recently, she served as Associate Director of Transfer Admission at La Salle University, where she led recruitment initiatives, strengthened community college partnerships, and consistently met or exceeded admissions targets. 

Her background also includes serving as Director of Adult, Graduate, and Online Admission at Belhaven University, where she led recruitment planning and staff development efforts while supporting cross-functional collaboration to enhance student engagement and outreach. 

Horne earned a Master of Christian Ministry Leadership from Belhaven University and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration–Management from the University of Mississippi. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Strategic Leadership with a focus on  Christian Ministry, further strengthening her commitment to mission-driven leadership in  higher education. 

“Sheila is a seasoned admissions leader who understands both strategy and the human  side of recruitment,” said Lougan Bishop, Vice President for Enrollment & Advancement.  “She knows how to connect with students, develop strong outreach efforts, and build  teams that execute well. I’m grateful she’s joining us in this role.”

Dr. C. Scott Shepherd Named Interim Executive Director of the Renaissance Performing  Arts Experience 

Dr. C. Scott Shepherd has been appointed Interim Executive Director of the Renaissance Performing Arts Experience, stepping into the role after previously serving as Associate Director of the Renaissance Program. 

In his role as Associate Director, Shepherd provided leadership that contributed to program visibility and recruitment. His familiarity with the program’s artistic standards and operational structure ensures continuity and steady leadership during this transition. 

Shepherd brings more than two decades of experience in performing arts administration and leadership across higher education, nonprofit, church, and community settings. He has overseen large-scale concerts, conferences, statewide  choral initiatives, and complex artistic productions, managing organizations of  hundreds of members. His background includes executive leadership roles within the  Southern Baptist Church Music Conference, the Tennessee Baptist Church Music  Conference, and extensive work as a conductor, clinician, consultant, and educator throughout the region. 

He holds a Doctor of Worship Studies from the Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship  Studies, a Master of Divinity from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a  Bachelor of Music Education from Shorter University. 

“Scott understands the heart of Renaissance and the excellence it requires,” said Dr.  Joe Hames, Interim Provost. “His leadership provides continuity and confidence as the  program continues to thrive.” 

With these appointments, Bethel University continues to build leadership strength across spiritual life, admissions, and extracurricular experiences. Each of these leaders brings  experience and dedication that will help move the University confidently into its next  season of growth and impact.

About Bethel University 

Bethel University, located in McKenzie, Tennessee, is a Christian institution committed to academic excellence and personal growth. Offering a diverse range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs, Bethel equips students to lead with purpose and impact in their communities and beyond.