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Associate Professor of Chemistry

Dr. Will Wiebe-Friesen teaches courses in introductory, general, organic, and biochemistry, and, along with the other chemistry faculty, mentors junior and senior chemistry/biochemistry majors through their capstone research projects. He has also served as the pre-health advisor and co-directs the Bethel College Summer Science Institute.

Will earned his Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry at the State University of New York at Buffalo working under Prof. Troy Wood in the fields of imaging mass spectrometry and analytical biochemistry. At UB, he was a recipient of the Gordon Harris Fellowship and was an active mentor for undergraduate researchers. He earned his B.A. in chemistry from Tabor College, a formational experience that gave him a deep appreciation for the value of a liberal arts college education.

Dr. Wiebe-Friesen is an active member of the American Chemical Society and the ACS Division of Chemical Education. An advocate for teaching methods that center student learning, he presents regularly locally and nationally on topics pertaining to chemistry pedagogy. He was the 2026 recipient of the Ralph P. Schrag Distinguished Teaching Award at Bethel College.

A resident of North Newton, Will can be regularly spotted on and around campus walking his two dogs with his spouse. In addition to his duties in the chemistry department, Will is an accomplished musician and serves as organist and accompanist at Bethel College Mennonite Church, serves on the board of the Wichita chapter of the American Guild of Organists, and is active as a musician and accompanist in the area. He also enjoys baking and cooking, growing a large vegetable garden, and exploring the lore of author J.R.R. Tolkien.