Bellevue University Alumna Leads Training Program Design for Scooter’s Coffee

For more than 25 years, Louise Ellis worked in the nonprofit sector, dedicating herself to supporting underserved communities, especially individuals with disabilities, through continued adult learning programs.

She did this all while raising three children on her own.

“Parenting gave me firsthand experience of how education can transform lives as I watched my children grow into adults and independent thinkers,” she said. “My passion for the arts allowed me to envision a future where learning design and creative thinking converge to impact business.”

As an instructional designer and artist, Ellis is able to do all that while pursuing her biggest passion: making a difference in people’s lives through adult learning. She currently works for Scooter’s Coffee in learning and development and franchise operations education.

“I am fortunate to use my education in a fast-paced, quick service restaurant environment, collaborating on training approaches that solve problems and enhance experiences,” Ellis said. “Blending creative design and technology, I create engaging and innovative learning experiences, from in-person workshops, microlearning, eLearning, and skill simulations to collaborating on virtual reality learning experiences. I'm thrilled to embrace new vistas where education, creativity and business meet.”

Since graduating from Bellevue University in 2017 with a bachelor’s degree in adult education, Ellis has also earned a master’s degree in instructional design and technology from Concordia University Chicago.

Both programs have benefitted Ellis and her career greatly, but she feels the adult education program specifically enabled her to gain real-world and practical experience.

She actually discovered Bellevue University and the program while researching colleges with her eldest son.

“Initially looking on his behalf, I soon realized I was filtering information myself,” she said. “With encouragement from my three teens, I decided to pursue a new career and the education to achieve it. Bellevue (University) met my needs as a non-traditional student with online cohorts, degree options, resources and fantastic faculty. The flexibility allowed me to continue working full-time while earning my bachelor's degree in adult education.”

Ellis feels it’s the knowledge and skills she built at Bellevue University that have provided her with a strong foundation on which she’s advanced her career in instructional design.

“The lasting influence of the knowledgeable professors and accomplished peers I encountered remains significant as I face new opportunities and overcome fresh challenges,” she said. “I sincerely appreciate the exceptional Dr. (David) Byers, whose guidance has helped me navigate my journey toward professional development and excellence.”