Dr. Bethany Sansing-Helton Appointed WVC STEAM Dean

New Dean Brings Engineering and Academic Leadership Skills

Bonnie Johnson
August 14, 2026
Media Article

Wenatchee Valley College has appointed Dr. Bethany Sansing-Helton as dean of STEAM, bringing extensive academic and engineering experience to lead key programs, support student success, and advance educational initiatives across the college.

Wenatchee Valley College (WVC) has named Dr. Bethany Sansing-Helton as its new dean of Science, Technology, Engineering, Agriculture, and Mathematics (STEAM). She will officially begin her role on August 17, bringing a strong background in higher education, engineering, and academic leadership.

As STEAM dean, Sansing-Helton will oversee programs in exercise science, mathematics, science, transfer engineering, agriculture, and natural resources, along with the college's STEM Center. Her responsibilities will include academic planning, program development, instructional assessment, and supporting initiatives designed to strengthen student success.

Sansing-Helton expressed enthusiasm about joining the college and emphasized her commitment to helping students succeed. Drawing on 16 years of experience as a community college faculty member, she plans to collaborate closely with faculty and staff to support learning and achievement across STEAM disciplines.

Her leadership philosophy focuses on building trust, aligning resources with institutional goals, and encouraging innovation among faculty and staff. She believes long-term improvement is achieved when employees feel supported, valued, and connected to a shared mission.

Tod Treat, WVC's Vice President of Instruction, welcomed the appointment and highlighted Sansing-Helton's extensive teaching and leadership experience. He noted her understanding of the unique challenges involved in STEAM education, including classroom, laboratory, and field-based learning environments.

Before joining WVC, Sansing-Helton held several academic and leadership positions at Madison Area Technical College in Wisconsin. Her roles included mathematics faculty member, interim engineering department chair, math department co-chair, lead data partner, and director of electrical engineering technology and electronics programs. She also served as an Equity and Inclusion Fellow.

In addition to her higher education experience, Sansing-Helton spent nearly seven years at Lockheed Martin Astronautics as a senior test engineer and thermal analysis engineer. Her industry experience provides a valuable perspective that complements her academic leadership background.

Sansing-Helton earned a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2025. She also holds graduate degrees in mechanical engineering and mathematics teacher education, along with a bachelor's degree in physics.

Founded in 1939, Wenatchee Valley College continues to serve North Central Washington through innovative educational programs that support student achievement, workforce development, and community growth.

Photo Credit: wvc.edu