Greg Peterson named Director of Athletics at Bethel University

Bethel University Sports Information Department

ARDEN HILLS, Minn. – Dr. John Addleman, Bethel vice president of student experience, announced Wednesday that Greg Peterson has been named the Royals’ new Director of Athletics. Peterson is currently an assistant athletic director and the offensive coordinator for the Royals football team, posts he has held since 2005 and 2003 respectively. 

“It is my pleasure to announce Greg Peterson as the new Director of Athletics,” said Addleman. “Greg has worked full time at Bethel for the last 23 years and brings an in-depth understanding of Bethel athletics, a passion for Christ, and a desire to support and serve student athletes to his new role. Bob Bjorklund will continue as the Director of Athletics until the end of May. In the transition between now and June 1, Greg will continue to work with the football team and will also be learning the ropes of his new position from Bob.”

Peterson came to Bethel as a student in 1988 and was a member of both the Royals football and basketball programs, graduating in 1992. He was immediately hired to the Royals football coaching staff in the fall of 1992 before becoming a full-time member of the athletics department in 1997 as the Royals sports information director and an assistant men’s basketball coach. Peterson’s promotion to assistant athletic director in 2005 has included the responsibilities of facility management for both Royal Stadium and the Robertson Center, overseeing all aspects of athletic department transportation, serving as an academic liaison on student-athlete progress, along with various other roles. Peterson has been a part of the search committee for 15 of Bethel’s current coaches or athletic department staff members. The last two years Peterson has also chaired the Bethel Golf Classic, the department’s top fundraising event, helping shatter the record for net profit through a new format in 2019 while still raising significant funds in a new COVID-friendly format in 2020.    

“I am so excited to have the privilege to represent Bethel in this role,” Peterson said. “Having been intimately involved with Bethel athletics since the fall of 1988, I have experienced the transformational impact Bethel and Bethel athletics has on young men and women. The coaches that I get to rub shoulders with each day take seriously their desire for excellence in their teams, but more so the impact they can have as they speak life into our student-athletes.”

Peterson has been a part of 350 consecutive Bethel football games as a player and coach, including every game of head coach Steve Johnson‘s 32-year tenure. Peterson was the winner of the prestigious AFCA National Assistant Coach of the Year in 2011. The Royals have amassed five MIAC championships, two West Region championships, and appeared in the NCAA playoffs nine times since 2000. Since 2010 Bethel’s balanced offensive attack has produced the MIAC’s leading rusher, passer, and receiver along with four MIAC MVP’s on offense during Peterson’s tenure.

Peterson will continue with the Bethel football program through the spring season and on February 15 will officially begin the overlap period with current Royals’ Director of Athletics Bob Bjorklund, who will retire at the end of May. 

“Bethel athletics has been on a steady climb over the last decade and Bob Bjorklund has uniquely positioned our department to continue that trajectory,” said Peterson. “I’m thrilled to follow someone of Bob’s integrity, character, and passion for Bethel University and our student-athletes.”

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