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College of Professional Studies

College of Professional Studies

The College of Professional Studies at Bushnell University prepares students to lead, serve, and excel in today’s professional landscape. The College brings together the School of Education and the School of Business, Leadership & Technology to offer innovative undergraduate, graduate, online, and degree completion programs.

Students gain practical skills, ethical foundations, and real-world experience that prepare them for careers in education, business, and leadership. Rooted in Bushnell’s Christ-centered mission, graduates are equipped to make a meaningful impact in their professions and communities.

College of Professional Studies Programs

Schools

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School of Business, Leadership, & Technology

The School of Business, Leadership, and Technology reflects the deep and enduring commitment Bushnell University has for service and stewardship.

School of Business, Leadership, & Technology
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School of Education

The School of Education is dedicated to cultivating future educators who inspire, lead, and make a lasting impact in the world of learning and teaching.

School of Education
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Hear From Students and Faculty

Connect with the Faculty

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Jenée Cázares, M.A.

Assistant Professor of Spanish and ESOL

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Larry Coburn, M.S.

Program Coordinator, Master of Arts in Leadership

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Peter Diffenderfer, Ph.D.

Professor of Business
Chair of Graduate Business Programs

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João Ehlers, M.S.

Head Men's Soccer Coach
Instructor of Business

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Shelly Hartzell, M.S.M, CPA, CMA

Associate Professor of Accounting
Chair of Undergraduate Business Programs

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Brian Kaelin, Ed.D.

Professor of Teacher Education

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Shirley Lathrop, M.A., M.S.

Program Lead for School of Counseling

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Rachel Meek, M.Ed.

Field Placement Coordinator, Licensure Specialist
Instructor of Teacher Education

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Bryan Olmstead

Instructor of Computer Science

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Ray Ricks, M.Ed.

Program Director
Assistant Professor of Education

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Jennifer Salnas, M.Ed.

School of Education Coordinator

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Christy Silverthorne, M.A.

Assistant Professor of Marketing

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Marilyn Williams, Ed.D.

Assistant Professor of Education

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News

History professor presenting archival photographs and historical artifacts during a university history exhibit
July 10, 2026
Dr. Stephen Andes Named Honors Program Director  

EUGENE, Ore. – Bushnell University has named Dr. Stephen Andes, professor of history, as the new director of the Song Nai Rhee Honors Program. Andes succeeds psychology professor Dr. Erin Mueller, who helped establish and…

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Female professor teaching at the front of a classroom with students using laptops
May 28, 2026
Faculty Features: Christy Silverthorne, M.A.

For marketing professor Christy Silverthorne, teaching begins with a simple idea: students often need someone to help them see the strengths they cannot yet recognize in themselves.  Silverthorne remembers what…

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Awards and recognition plaques displayed for Bushnell University employee appreciation event
May 22, 2026
Bushnell Employees Honored at Annual Awards Luncheon

EUGENE, Ore. — Bushnell University’s All-Employee Recognition Luncheon took place last week, on Monday, May 11. Acknowledgment was given to the recent President’s Award for Teaching Excellence & Campus Leadership…

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Events

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