Bellevue University President Dr. Mary Hawkins Recognized by National Independent College Organization for Leadership Efforts in Nebraska

Bellevue University President Dr. Mary Hawkins has been recognized by the national Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) for her efforts to re-establish and revitalize state-based leadership for private higher education in Nebraska.

Dr. Hawkins received the inaugural State Councils Leadership Award at the CIC State Councils Annual Conference in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on Sept. 11, 2019. .

“Dr. Hawkins’ remarkable leadership and involvement in the newly created Council of Independent Nebraska Colleges Foundation organization offers clear evidence of her abiding commitment to independent higher education,” said Richard Ekmann, President of the CIC.

Treva Haugaard, Executive Director of the CINC Foundation representing Nebraska’s 13 independent colleges and universities, echoed Ekman’s sentiments. “Dr. Hawkins’ leadership has been instrumental in re-establishing and revitalizing private higher education in Nebraska,” she said.

Dr. Hawkins celebrates 10 years as President of Bellevue University in 2019. Since she assumed the role, Bellevue University has grown to become Nebraska’s largest private university in terms of enrollment and has gained national prominence as a leader in preparing students for lifelong success with career-relevant knowledge and skills, while making college affordable.

According to Haugaard, Dr. Hawkins has furthered collaboration among the CINC Foundation member institutions and businesses of all sizes across the state, and led efforts to combine Nebraska’s two independent college associations into a single organization representing all 13 private institutions of higher education within the state.