Bethel University in St. Paul, Minnesota, comprises three primary units that each serve a distinct population: the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) is a residential college for roughly 2,800 traditional-age undergraduates; the College of Adult and Professional Studies and Graduate School (CAPS/GS) serves roughly 2,200 adult learners at both the graduate and undergraduate levels; and Bethel Seminary (SEM) provides theological education and ministry training for approximately 1,200 graduate students. Although Bethel University uses separate administrative structures and physical spaces for its three academic units, program planning and student services remain very connected, creating a hybrid balance of centralized and decentralized functions in the overall administrative structure. At Bethel, administrative services are generally centralized but include some decentralized elements as well. This structure works best when the vision for and commitment to the adult learner permeates the highest levels of administrative leadership and the adult education unit is free enough to focus on unique processes for adults. To illustrate this, the author considers the history of two specific administrative and academic support areas: (1) registration and records; and (2) academic program management.