Institute Staff
Dr. Cheryl Rude is the Executive Director of the Institute for Discipleship at Southwestern College, which is committed to providing Christian education that builds disciples and strengthens ministries. Cheryl develops relationships with partners, guides the strategic plan, and directs the overall work of the Institute.
Dr. Steve Wilke is the Director Emeritus of the Institute, having retired from his role as Executive Director in December, 2025. His current role with the Institute is primarily fundraising and networking in ways that promote the Institute’s ministry and mission.
Lori Richey is the Director of Online Education for the Institute for Discipleship. She oversees BeADisciple.com courses and certifications, as well as the work of the entire BeADisciple team. She loves connecting learners and instructors to the quality educational content found at BeADisciple.com.
Kathy Armington is the Director of App-Based Learning. She leads the technical, community, and content development of the BeADisciple Study App, a new mobile platform promoting spiritual growth of Christian disciples via paced personal study and facilitated small group interaction.
Britt Bradley is the Digital Systems Manager for the Institute. She oversees all of the Institute’s websites as well as its data and communications systems. Britt also assists with content for the BeADisciple Study App, designs promotional materials and graphics for the Institute’s ministries, and manages the Timothy Circle project alongside Steve.
Sara Weinert is Communications Manager for the Institute for Discipleship. In addition to writing and sending all of the Institute’s regular newsletters, she also manages press communications.
Melissa Hanson provides the financial and administrative oversight for the Institute. She manages payrolls for the Institute as well as all vendor reimbursements and BeADisciple.com instructor payments. Melissa also keeps the BeADisciple.com schedule and course postings up to date.
Krysta Wood is the Administrative Assistant for the IFD, covering all the tasks that keep us running smoothly.
Dr. Michael Beardslee is the Advanced Christian Studies and LMS Administrator. He manages partnered certifications such as the Wesley Academy and most things related to BeADisciple’s learning management system, Blackboard.
Rev. Beth Galbreath is the Registrar for BeADisciple.com. She provides customer service for BeADisciple, manages course enrollment and certification records, and supports instructors and learners. She herself is also a popular instructor on BeADisciple.com!