At a May 4, 2023, faculty meeting two long serving Bethel University faculty members announced their retirement. Dr. Roger Johnson has been a faculty member in physics and computer science since 1980. The Reverend Dr. David Lancaster has been a faculty member in religion since 2004. Both were awarded faculty emeritus status by the Bethel University Board of Trustees at commencement on May 6, 2023.

Johnson, the program coordinator for physics and mathematics, implemented a Title III grant to develop Bethel’s computer science program and establishing the first institutional research office at Bethel. He served on every faculty committee, as faculty representative to the Board of Trustees, and as faculty moderator several times.

Lancaster, Bethel University Teacher of the Year in 2009 and a former moderator of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, has served numerous pastorates in the denomination. He served on numerous faculty committees during his tenure at Bethel and was moderator of the faculty. He was a recipient of the Roy and Mary Shelton Teaching Excellence and Campus Leadership Award.