Bellevue University at 60: A Legacy of Innovation, Access and Student Success
- Bellevue University was founded in 1966 as Bellevue College by local business and civic leaders led by William V. "Bill" Brooks.
- The institution was established to serve working adults, military-connected learners, and others who need accessible higher education opportunities.
- Bellevue College became Bellevue University in 1994.
- The University introduced its first accelerated degree completion program in 1987.
- Bellevue University offered its first online course in 1995 and the nation's first online MBA program in 1996.
- Bellevue University was among the first accredited institutions to offer online degree programs.
- Today, the University offers more than 80 online degree and certificate programs.
- The University maintains partnerships with more than 125 employers and organizations.
- Bellevue University continues to focus on student success through coaching, advising, academic support, career services and military-focused resources.
A Community Vision Becomes a University
Sixty years ago, Bellevue University began with a practical question: What if more people could have a real chance to earn a college degree without leaving behind their work, their families, their military service or their community?
In June 1965, Bill Brooks addressed fellow members of the Bellevue Chamber of Commerce with an idea that would ultimately transform higher education in the region. The community of Bellevue, Nebraska, was expanding rapidly, Offutt Air Force Base was bringing military personnel and families to the area, and working adults had limited opportunities to pursue college degrees while balancing careers and family responsibilities. Brooks believed the community needed a college designed to meet those realities.
What began as a brief agenda item quickly evolved into a shared vision among local business and civic leaders. Their work led to the opening of Bellevue College in 1966, creating a new pathway to higher education for students who needed flexibility, accessibility and practical relevance.
From the beginning, Bellevue's mission was different from many traditional institutions. Rather than focusing exclusively on recent high school graduates, the college was built around the needs of adult learners, military-connected students and working professionals. That learner-centered approach would become a defining characteristic of the institution's next six decades.
For 60 years, Bellevue University has prepared people for the work the world needs done. By building programs that move with the economy, not behind it, we've helped generations of graduates contribute immediately in the workplace. As Greater Omaha continues to grow, we're proud to help develop the talent that drives our region's economic strength and future success.
Built for Learners Who Balance Real Life
Long before terms such as "nontraditional learner" became common in higher education, Bellevue University understood that students often pursue education alongside other responsibilities.
Many of the University's earliest students were balancing employment, military service, family commitments and other life obligations. Bellevue developed academic programs and support systems that recognized those realities rather than asking students to put their lives on hold.
The commitment was personal for founder Bill Brooks himself. After his college education was interrupted by World War II service, Brooks completed his degree as a member of Bellevue College's first graduating class in 1967. His story reflects the institution's belief that educational opportunity should remain available regardless of age, career stage or life circumstance.
Throughout its history, Bellevue University has continued to welcome learners from diverse backgrounds, life experiences and professional paths. That commitment remains central to its identity today.
Innovating to Meet the Needs of Students
One of Bellevue University's defining strengths has been its willingness to evolve as student needs evolve.
The University launched an accelerated degree completion program in 1987, helping adult learners complete degrees more efficiently while maintaining academic rigor. The institution expanded its undergraduate and graduate offerings and continued to refine educational models that emphasized practical application and workplace relevance.
In 1994, Bellevue College officially became Bellevue University, reflecting the institution's growth and expanding academic portfolio. Yet the core mission remained unchanged: creating pathways to success for students seeking a flexible, career-focused education.
This balance between innovation and mission has enabled the University to remain relevant across multiple generations of learners.
I like the flexibility. Bellevue University allows me to just go online and take care of my work or do assignments. That part has been great, because when the kids get home, there's no more free time. The afternoons and evenings, it's all about them.
Leading the Way in Online Learning
Perhaps no area better demonstrates Bellevue University's innovative spirit than online learning.
Years before online education became commonplace, Bellevue University recognized that technology could expand access and remove geographic barriers for learners. The University launched its first online course in 1995 and introduced the nation's first online MBA program in 1996. It also became one of the first accredited institutions to offer online degree programs.
Importantly, online education at Bellevue was never treated as a temporary solution or secondary option. Instead, the University developed a comprehensive learning model that combined academic quality, faculty engagement and student support with the flexibility adult learners needed.
Today, online learning remains central to Bellevue University's mission. Students can access dozens of degree and certificate programs while receiving academic advising, tutoring, technology assistance, career resources, comprehensive library access, and other support services designed to help them succeed.
Partnerships That Expand Opportunity
Bellevue University's founding story is rooted in collaboration, and partnerships continue to play a critical role in the institution's success.
Over the years, the University has developed relationships with employers, community colleges, educational providers and organizations across the globe. These partnerships help make education more accessible while ensuring programs remain aligned with workforce needs and career opportunities.
Employer partnerships have become a particularly important part of Bellevue University's strategy. Since Bellevue forged its first official corporate partnership in 1999 with Boys Town, the University has continued to work with organizations to create educational pathways that help employees build skills, complete degrees and advance professionally. These relationships help connect education directly to workplace outcomes while supporting long-term student success.
Community college transfer agreements, educational collaborations and international partnerships further extend the University's reach, helping more learners access quality higher education regardless of where they begin their academic journeys.
Strong partnerships don't just connect institutions—they open doors for people, create pathways for growth, and build a foundation that communities can rely on for years to come.
Student Success Remains the Priority
While technology, programs and partnerships have evolved, one principle has remained constant: student success.
As one of the nation’s few open-access institutions, Bellevue University serves many students who are balancing significant personal and professional responsibilities. For these learners, success requires more than access to coursework. It requires guidance, encouragement and practical support.
The University provides a wide range of student support services, including academic advising, coaching, tutoring, writing assistance, library resources, military and veteran services, career support and technical assistance. These resources are designed to help students navigate challenges, stay on track and achieve their goals.
This commitment reflects a simple belief that has guided Bellevue University since its founding: success should not depend on where students start, but on the opportunities and support available to help them finish.
Bellevue University makes a college degree a realistic, attainable goal.
Looking Ahead: The Next Chapter of Innovation
As Bellevue University enters its seventh decade, higher education continues to evolve.
Students increasingly seek flexible learning options. Employers are looking for workforce-ready talent. Technology continues to create new possibilities for teaching, learning and career development. These trends align closely with the areas where Bellevue University has built expertise over the past 60 years.
The University's future will continue to be shaped by innovation in online learning supported through advances in artificial intelligence, the expansion of strategic partnerships and a deep commitment to student success. Just as importantly, it will continue to be guided by its founding purpose: helping learners achieve more through education.
The challenges facing learners may change over time, but Bellevue University's response remains familiar. Listen carefully. Remove barriers. Create opportunity. Support success. Those principles shaped the University's first 60 years and will continue guiding its future.
Founded in 1966, Bellevue University is a non-profit university with more than 70,000 graduates worldwide. The University is a recognized national leader in preparing students for lifelong success with career-relevant knowledge and skills, while making college affordable. Routinely ranked among the nation’s top military and accessible institutions, the University serves residential students at its main campus in Bellevue, Nebraska, and everywhere online with more than 85 degree programs uniquely designed for working adults. The University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org).