Before stepping into administration, Dr. Steve Betts, Ph.D., was seated behind the piano—teaching students not only how to play music, but how to truly listen. Today, as Vice President for CUGS Enrollment and Student Success at Southern Nazarene University, he carries those same philosophies into his leadership—blending faith, collaboration, and purpose to help students grow into who God has called them to be.
When asked what drew him to higher education, Betts offered a simple but meaningful answer: “The chance to work with college-aged students.”
Betts earned his Bachelor of Arts in Piano Performance from MidAmerica Nazarene University, followed by a Master of Music in Piano Performance and Pedagogy from Wichita State University, and a Ph.D. in Music Education from the University of Oklahoma. While his academic journey required years of dedication, his faith shaped that path long before his professional career began.
“I accepted Christ as a child during Vacation Bible School,” he shared. Deeply influenced by his home church and experiences at MidAmerica Nazarene University, Betts had a front-row seat to see how relationships with Christ could intertwine with education.
“I taught at Louisiana State University for a few years, but when the opportunity arose to teach at SNU, I was excited to join a university where faith could be integrated into college learning,” he explained.
Now in administration, Betts finds fulfillment in collaborating with faculty and helping shape the university’s direction. Still, one part of his former role remains close to his heart. “I miss teaching very much,” he admitted.
Betts relished getting to know his students and connecting classroom lessons to faith. “I miss the interactions with students—their successes, their struggles—and showing how course content is shaped by God,” he said.
His musical background continues to influence his leadership style. “In music ensembles, the group must listen to each other, move forward as a unit, and present a unified piece to the audience,” Betts said. “That’s a wonderful analogy for how other teams should function.”
For Betts, that same spirit of unity defines student success—a process he describes as a “glorious experience.”
“Student success means growing in all areas to be who God wants them to be,” he said. “This includes spiritual, academic, emotional, and social growth. It’s glorious to see how students transform from their first semester to the moment they walk across the stage at commencement.”
Betts finds great joy in seeing his former students impact the world. One moment that confirmed his calling came when a former student became a piano teacher in Yukon, Oklahoma. “Twice a year, I attend her students’ recitals,” he shared. “She’s having a profound influence on their lives, and it’s meaningful to think I may have played a small part in her development.”
If he could offer one message to every student, Betts says it’s simple but deeply intentional: “Develop or start a relationship with God that grows deeper each day. Have integrity. Love yourself and love others as Christ has loved us.”
Though Betts has worn many hats at SNU—from professor to administrator—his mission remains unchanged: to guide students toward growth, purpose, and a deeper walk with Christ.
Photo courtesy of SNU Administrative Cabinet