Bellevue University Honored with National Award for Leadership in Student Retention
Award-Winning Research Identifies Key Strategies to Boost Student Success
Bellevue University has received the 2024 Institutional Research Leadership in Student Retention Award from the Consortium for Student Retention Data Exchange (CSRDE). The award recognizes institutions for research and practices that improve student retention and success.
The award-winning paper, titled A Guide for Assessing Student Retention and Recommended Strategies for Change, was authored by Bellevue University College of Business faculty members Sharon Rea and Mike Freel. Drawing on their work with Bellevue University’s 2022-2023 Retention Committee, Rea and Freel presented the paper at the 20th Annual National Symposium on Student Retention, held Nov. 4-7 in Destin, Florida.
Their research analyzed retention strategies across Bellevue University programs, with the Retention Committee’s work involving faculty, administration, and student services. The paper highlights best practices to support adjunct faculty, enhance student engagement, improve communication, and refine curriculum design.
“These findings provide a framework for Bellevue University and serve as a model for institutions aiming to improve student retention and success,” said Sharon Rea, Assistant Dean of the College of Business. “We are honored to share our insights with the higher education community.”
Mike Freel, Professor in the College of Business, added, “By focusing on practical, evidence-based approaches, we’ve developed recommendations that can be applied not only at Bellevue University but also at institutions nationwide. We’re proud to contribute to the broader conversation on enhancing student persistence and achievement.”
The Retention Committee members included:
- Sharon Rea Retention Committee Chair, Assistant Dean, College of Business
- Alaina Smith Senior Director, Residence & Student Life
- Joe Anson Assistant Professor, College of Business
- Liz Pettinger Director, Key Account Management & Operations
- Lou Gruneiro Assistant Dean, College of Science and Technology
- Ron Brouwer Assistant Professor, College of Business
- Mike Freel Professor, College of Business
- Sarah Kloewer Assistant Dean, Academic Services and Support
- Tim Hawver Director, Enrollment Initiatives
- Mary Dobransky Dean, College of Science and Technology
- Peter Heineman Director, Institutional Accreditation
CSRDE, an association of higher education institutions, presents this award to recognize institutions demonstrating innovative, data-driven retention strategies. Bellevue University’s work supports CSRDE’s mission of advancing student success through collaboration and research.
The Retention Committee work can be viewed via the download below.
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).