McKENZIE, Tenn. — February 16, 2026 — Bethel University has announced three strategic leadership appointments aimed at strengthening the institution’s spiritual life, enrollment efforts, and performing arts programming.
The university has named the Rev. Garrett Burns as Chaplain and Director of Strategic Initiatives, expanding his current role into a dual leadership position reporting directly to President Perry Moulds. Burns will continue to provide pastoral leadership alongside Dr. Anne Hames, dean of chapel, while also partnering with the president on mission-focused initiatives designed to advance the university’s long-term strategic priorities.
Burns, who has served Bethel since 2017, holds a Master of Divinity from Memphis Theological Seminary and is an ordained minister in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, serving within Cornerstone Presbytery. In addition to his campus responsibilities, he serves as a lieutenant in the United States Navy Reserve, providing chaplain support to Marine Corps units nationwide. In 2025, he was recognized as Distinguished Chaplain of the Year by the Military Chaplains Association. Moulds said Burns’ expanded role will strengthen both the spiritual vitality of campus and the university’s strategic direction.
Bethel also announced the appointment of Sheila Horne as director of university admissions. Horne brings more than 27 years of experience in higher education admissions and nonprofit development. Most recently, she served as associate director of transfer admission at La Salle University. Her previous leadership includes directing adult, graduate, and online admissions at Belhaven University. Horne holds a master’s degree in Christian ministry leadership from Belhaven and is pursuing a Ph.D. in strategic leadership with a focus on Christian ministry.
In addition, Dr. C. Scott Shepherd has been appointed interim executive director of the Renaissance Performing Arts Experience. Shepherd previously served as associate director of the Renaissance program and brings more than two decades of experience in performing arts administration and church music leadership. He holds degrees from the Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and Shorter University.
University leaders said the appointments reflect Bethel’s continued commitment to Christ-centered leadership and institutional excellence as the McKenzie-based university moves into its next season of growth and impact.
