Timothy Hartwig, a 2001 graduate of Bethany Lutheran Theological Seminary, has accepted the call from the ELS Board of Regents to be the next president of that institution. He replaces President Gaylin Schmeling, who became the seminary president in 1997. Pres. Schmeling is retiring at the end of the current academic year.
Rev. Hartwig has been pastor of Peace Lutheran Church in North Mankato, Minnesota, since 2011. From 2001–2011 he was pastor of Our Saviour Lutheran Church in Lake Havasu City Arizona. In addition, Rev. Hartwig has served the synod on the Boards for Evangelism and Home Outreach and as a circuit visitor and synodical vice president. He will be installed as seminary president in June at the Synod Convention.