When Carter Woetzel ’21 went up for the first time on the campus of Bethel University, the place was already familiar. Three of his brothers and sisters had attended Bethel, and he had spent years hearing their stories about teachers who cared deeply, a campus community that felt like family and opportunities that inspired daring thought. But familiarity was not the only draw. For Woetzel, his decision to come to Bethel was the intersection of academics and faith.
“I had the chance to run the track and the cross-country, which I loved,” he said. “And when I realized that I could continue computer science and business here, which sealed it. Bethel was the only place that offered it all in an environment that felt at home. ”
As Woetzel arrived as a first -year student, he was already ahead of the curve. At Blaine High School, he was part of the STEM program, according to rigorous and graduate college lessons with 57 university credits already won. He was also active in Business Professionals of America, a national organization that promotes leadership and professional skills. This combination of technical training and exhibition to companies has created a single dilemma for its future studies: should it specialize in computer science or business? “When I sat down with a Bethel registration advisor, I learned that I could do both,” explains Woetzel. “This conversation has changed everything.”
He chose to continue a BS in computer science, a BA in business by emphasizing finance and a minor in mathematics. It was an ambitious academic charge, but Woetzel prospered on the challenge. “I think I was bored if I didn’t push myself,” he said. “Bethel gave me space to take a lot, and I loved it.”
During her stay in Bethel
Throughout her stay in Bethel, Woetzel found teachers who not only taught equipment to him but also shaped his perspective on leadership, problem solving and integrity. In the business department, Professor Brian Holland left a lasting impression. “Brian did an incredible job that taught us to love the operation of companies,” explains Woetzel. “He helped me see the science behind commercial operations and systems that make companies prosper.” On the computer side, teachers Nathan Gossett and Deborah Thomas challenged Woetzel with some of the most difficult courses in the department. “Nathan built the technical foundation that I count today to lead computer teams,” explains Woetzel. “Deborah was such an encouragement – she pushed me to see what I was capable of.”
He also worked as a computer tutor under Patrice Conrath. “Patrice is a soldier,” he said. “His faith, his work ethics, his real care for students – these are the types of qualities that remain with you.”
During the summer after his second year, Woetzel worked at Bethel’s It Help Desk when his cousin, a colleague from Bethel, presented him with blockchain technology – an innovative way of recording and sharing digital information on a decentralized network, without relying on a single authority like a bank or a government. Intrigued, Woetzel began to explore the concept, to read everything he could find and to take detailed notes. “At the end of summer, I had 40 pages of notes,” he says. “At one point, I realized, maybe it’s a book.”
