By Ella Brown
This week’s senior spotlight is on… drumroll, please… Bethany Ellis! Bethany is a film and media major, the head captain of the color guard, and a member of the social club Pi Sigma Phi. Let’s get to know her a little better.
Bethany grew up in Edmond, Oklahoma—just about an hour from Shawnee. When asked how her hometown shaped who she is today, she said, “I personally feel like that shaped who I am because of how close I was to my family. I had great friends, and I have so many great memories of my childhood there.”
Because of that close family connection, one of Bethany’s biggest challenges at OBU was adjusting to life away from home.
“I had to face being away from home and living on my own for the first time, and it was scary,” she said. “I had to move in early because of band camp, and that was not much easier for me. But I definitely felt better once everyone arrived, when Welcome Week started, and when I had a consistent schedule in place.”
Like many college students, Bethany arrived with one plan and left with another. Originally a psychology pre-counseling major, she said she began to feel God leading her in a new direction.
“I liked it at first, but then I felt God nudging at me and telling me that He has a better plan for me. So then I switched my major to film and media because I have always loved being creative.”
Bethany’s favorite class at OBU has been Intro to Digital Photography.
“That is where I found my passion for capturing memories! I remember taking portraits of my friends and having the time of my life with them.”
Another favorite memory came from her very first days on campus.
“When I first came as a freshman, I met some people, and we spent the first few nights of school watching movies in the main WMU lobby,” she said.
Bethany is heavily involved on campus—especially in the color guard, where she serves as head captain. When asked what that leadership role has taught her, she said, “Being head captain has taught me that I am not going to be perfect, and I need to be a color guard representative at all times. I have such a passion for color guard, and I am beyond thankful for this role.”
She admitted she didn’t foresee herself as head captain when she first came to OBU, but added, “I am so thankful for what God had in store for me.”
Along with color guard, Bethany is a member of Pi Sigma Phi. She shared how being part of the club has helped her grow.
“Being a part of Sig Phi has shaped me into being a bigger people person. I am an introvert, but I absolutely love seeing my Sig Phi sisters and hearing how they are doing. The Lord definitely brought me there for a reason, and I am so glad He did.”
When asked which activity has had the biggest impact on her, she didn’t hesitate: “I feel like color guard had the biggest impact on me because I learned different techniques and tricks, and I met my best friends in color guard.”
Bethany has accomplished a great deal during her time at OBU, and one achievement stands out.
“My proudest accomplishment here at OBU was probably getting recognized with OBU Independent at one of the last chapels of the year for our state championship win!”
Reflecting on how she has changed since freshman year, Bethany shared, “I feel like I have changed spiritually and mentally. I feel like I have become way more mature and open over the past four years, and I feel way more confident than when I was a freshman.”
One person who inspired her throughout college was her Residential Director, Whitney.
“She was my RA freshman year, and she made me feel valued, loved, and heard. She inspired me to listen, and she helped me navigate my way through the tough times.”
After graduation, Bethany plans to move back home to Edmond and pursue a career in media ministry or advertising and public relations.
Her advice for incoming students is simple and encouraging:
“If you’re feeling uncertain, scared, or homesick, it will go away over time—especially when you find people who are good for you. College isn’t as scary as it seems!”
To wrap up her spotlight, Bethany answered one final question: If her college experience were a movie, what would the title be?
Her answer: “Adapt and Overcome.”
It’s a fitting title—not just for Bethany, but for many students navigating college life. And as always, remember: No Bison stands alone. Zip Bang!
