Bellevue,
25
June
2025
|
16:15 PM
America/Chicago

Bellevue University Honors Outstanding Faculty, Staff

Summary

Bellevue University recognized faculty and staff as recipients of 2025 teaching and service awards at its annual all-campus meeting on June 20. The awards highlight contributions to teaching, service, and student support across the University.

Key Facts

  • Bellevue University presented 2025 teaching and service awards on June 20
  • Patrick Nieland received the Excellence Innovation Award
  • Rick Pennington received the Excellence in Teaching Award
  • Michelle Bahr and Kate Joeckel received the Excellence in Service Award
  • Kelli Robinson received the President’s Service Award
  • Patrick Ruddy received the Lou Soukup Faculty Award (undergraduate level)
  • Jennifer Timmerman received the Lou Soukup Faculty Award (graduate level)
  • Ed Lehotak and Trish Siedlik received recognition for conference and national honors
  • 2025-06-20_all_campus_meeting_photos-006
    Bellevue's Athletic Director Ed Lehotak and Head Volleyball Coach Trish Siedlik both received national recognition in the last year.
  • 2025-06-20_all_campus_meeting_photos-071
    Dr. Rick Pennington, an Associate Professor in the College of Business, received the Excellence in Teaching Award from Bellevue University President Dr. Mary Hawkins.
  • 2025-06-20_all_campus_meeting_photos-065
    Jennifer Timmerman, an adjunct faculty member in the College of Business, accepted the Lou Soukup Adjunct Faculty Award from Bellevue University President Dr. Mary Hawkins.
  • 2025-06-20_all_campus_meeting_photos-054
    Bellevue Head Softball Coach Michala Cimino presented the NSAA Co-Athletic Director of the Year Award to her father, Bellevue Athletic Director Ed Lehotak.
  • 2025-06-20_all_campus_meeting_photos-069
    Patrick Nieland, Assistant Professor in the College of Science and Technology, was recognized with the 2025 Excellence in Innovation Award. He accepted the Award from Bellevue University President Dr. Mary Hawkins.
  • 2025-06-20_all_campus_meeting_photos-046
    Bellevue University Head Volleyball Coach Trish Siedlik was honored this year as the NAIA and ACVA National Coach of the Year. Mike Siedlik, her spouse, accepted the awards on her behalf from President Dr. Mary Hawkins.
  • 2025-06-20_all_campus_meeting_photos-067
    Dr. Michelle Bahr, Associate Professor in the College of Arts and Sciences, accepted the Excellence in Service Award from Bellevue University President Dr. Mary Hawkins. Dr. Kate Joeckel, Professor in the College of Arts and Sciences, was also recognized, but was not present.
  • 2025-06-20_all_campus_meeting_photos-074
    Kelli Robinson, a Student Conduct Manager and Title IX Coordinator, was named the 2025 recipient of the President's Service Award and received the Award from Dr. Mary Hawkins, Bellevue University President.
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Teaching and Innovation Awards

Bellevue University recognized faculty and staff for contributions in teaching, service, and program development during its annual all-campus meeting on June 20.

Patrick Nieland, Assistant Professor in the College of Science and Technology, received the Excellence Innovation Award for his work designing courses and tools in Artificial Intelligence and leading instruction in the Ignite Nebraska program. 

Rick Pennington, Associate Professor in the College of Business, received the Excellence in Teaching Award for his role in expanding Supply Chain Management and Logistics offerings.

Michelle Bahr and Kate Joeckel, faculty in the College of Arts and Sciences, received the Excellence in Service Award for creating a training community for Communications adjunct faculty, redesigning the public speaking course, and contributing to the professional community.

Service and Institutional Contributions

Kelli Robinson, Student Conduct Manager and Title IX Coordinator, received the President’s Service Award for her work supporting students and helping them identify solutions and reach educational and life goals.

Patrick Ruddy, College of Business, received the Lou Soukup Faculty Award at the undergraduate level for his teaching in supply chain and his professional background in logistics and homeland security. 

Jennifer Timmerman, College of Business, received the Lou Soukup Faculty Award at the graduate level for her work in the Master of Healthcare Administration program.

The University also recognized Athletic Director Ed Lehotak for earning North Star Athletic Conference Co-Athletic Director of the Year and Head Volleyball Coach Trish Siedlik for earning ACVA and NAIA National Coach of the Year.

Frequently Asked Questions
About Bellevue University

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).