Faces of Bethany Dr. Lisa Reilly — Teaching, Mentorship, and the Bethany Way  - Bethany College Faces of Bethany Dr. Lisa Reilly — Teaching, Mentorship, and the Bethany Way Bethany, W.Va. (April 23, 2026) – When Dr. Lisa Reilly arrived at Bethany, she was beginning her career rooted in curiosity, connection, and the joy of watching students grow. Originally from Franklin, Pennsylvania, Lisa earned her Bachelor of Science in chemistry from Mercyhurst University before completing her Ph.D. in analytical chemistry at Oklahoma State University. After a research post-doctoral experience, she knew her heart was set not on the lab bench alone, but on teaching. “I started to look for a primarily undergraduate institution because I knew I wanted to go into teaching,” she reflected. Bethany quickly stood out. After interviewing on campus, meeting students, faculty, and staff, she knew it stood out. She accepted the offer, and, as she puts it, “the rest is history.” Today, Lisa serves as an associate professor of chemistry, holds the Goulding-Woolery professorship in chemistry, and serves as both chair and associate provost, shaping academic life at Bethany in both the classroom and the administrative wing. Her workload is broad, but her philosophy is simple: students come first. Lisa teaches everything from general chemistry to advanced coursework, and even statistics at times. What she enjoys most isn’t tied to a specific subject, but to a specific moment, “teaching any course is about working to see a student’s ‘light bulb’ go on when they learn something new,” she said. Whether it’s demonstrating natural indicators like red cabbage or guiding students through complex atomic modeling, she thrives on the instant when a student looks up and says, “I got it,” and then proves it on the next problem. “That is the enjoyment of teaching,” she said. One of her most meaningful experiences has been shepherding students from their earliest days to capstone completion. Many of her first-year students return to work with her on senior research, comprehensive exams, and graduation prep. “Experiencing their growth from first-year student to being ready to start their next chapter is impactful,” she said. She gets to see the full arc from tentative problem-solving to confident scientific reasoning, and that continuity fuels her dedication. That continuity extends beyond academics, too. Lisa believes Bethany’s special character comes from truly knowing students. She doesn’t just teach them in the classroom, but she also cheers for them on athletic fields, attends performances, visits exhibitions, and shows up at student-led events. Those encounters, she believes, are part of the education. “The focus on knowing your students is what is special,” she said, and for Lisa, that means meeting the whole person, not just the major declared on paper. Dr. Lisa Reilly’s story is one of intentional teaching, steady mentorship, and the kind of community engagement that makes Bethany distinct. Through her roles as professor, chair, and academic leader, she embodies the Bethany tradition in educating students not just for the workforce, but for life.