PITTSBURG, Kan. — The St. Pius X Catholic Student Center has announced Bethany Kendrick as the new director of development. The center has served students for 110 years in Catholic campus ministry.
The St. Pius X (SPX) Catholic Student Center is located on the Pittsburg State University campus and is dedicated to evangelizing students and forming them into disciples of Christ. SPX offers students opportunities to attend Mass, faith formation, and activities focused on faith and fun.
Kendrick, who began her duties in June, will lead and manage the Catholic Student Center’s fund development program and build relationships and awareness to support the ministry and programs of St. Pius X. She comes to SPX with over 20 years in higher education leadership, marketing and public relations, as well as, capital campaign marketing, donor relations and event planning.
“Since arriving at St. Pius X, I have recognized the need to not simply speak about mission, but to live it, and invite others into it” said Fr. Derek Thome, chaplain of St. Pius X. “Bethany’s passion for the faith, experience in higher education, and engagement with the community makes her a perfect fit for our mission of inviting students, alumni, and friends into the life of discipleship.”
Kendrick earned a degree in arts journalism/mass communication from Labette Community College (LCC) and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Wichita’s Friends University.
She served as a public relations assistant at LCC from 2002-2008, and as director of public relations from 2008-2022. In that role, she acted as spokesperson for the college while leading its public relations and marketing efforts, as well as working directly with the LCC Foundation & Alumni office. In 2022-2023, Kendrick was the director of communications and external relations for Missouri Southern State University in Joplin, Missouri. She provided leadership for internal and external communication efforts and served as a liaison between the Office of the President and key constituents on campus and in the community.
As a previous member of the St. Patrick Catholic Church in Parsons, Kendrick served as a communication committee co-chair, school council, PTO, Booster Club, and CYM sponsor. Prior to moving to Pittsburg, she participated in the Southeast Kansas Regional Leadership Academy as well as Leadership Parsons, served on the United Way board, as well as the Katy Days marketing committee. Kendrick and her family are now members of Our Lady of Lourdes parish in Pittsburg, where her daughter is a sophomore at St. Mary’s Colgan.
“We are still relatively new to the Pittsburg community, so I am looking forward to actively engaging in parish life at Our Lady of Lourdes, St. Pius X, Pitt State, and the community,” said Kendrick.
“The opportunity to serve St. Pius X is truly a privilege as we work to connect alumni, provide outreach and ministry to new students and advance the central mission of the Catholic Student Center,” Kendrick said. “Reconnecting and engaging alumni and providing a space for students to grow in their faith and create authentic friendships will be a core focus.”
