Beloved Bellevue Professor Considers Herself Lucky

Bellevue University Professor Kate Joeckel makes such a strong impact on her students that the school honored her with an Excellence in Teaching Award in 2022. However, she says that she’s the one who benefits from teaching. 

“I would not describe myself as a great teacher, but rather as a lucky one. I am fortunate to work with faculty and staff colleagues whose creativity and wisdom enrich my teaching experience,” she said. “I am also fortunate to work with so many students who generously share their life experiences and inspire me with their determination to realize the promise of higher education.”

Joeckel is the Program Director for the Communication Studies bachelor’s program and the Master of  Arts in Business and Professional Communication. She’s been teaching at the University since 2010. 

“I had previously worked at a small liberal arts college in Nebraska, and a number of my esteemed colleagues had left the college to work at Bellevue University. I trusted their judgment and when I learned about the opening in Communications, I applied. It has been one of my best professional decisions,” she said.

An Early Love of Communications

Joeckel first felt a connection with communications in an elementary school language arts class that featured public speaking opportunities. Her interest continued to grow with an introduction to debate in high school.

“It became my life's work when I taught my first college class in 1982 at the University of Nebraska,” she said. “Communication has allowed me to combine and dive deeply into so many of my interests: language, politics, social movements, popular culture, literature, and more. Teaching communication classes has allowed me to share some of my interests, but above all, it has allowed me to work with students on developing skills and habits of mind that are critical to their well-being and success.”

Empathy Born From Experience

As a first-generation college student, Joeckel understands the importance of making students feel welcome.

“The experience has stayed with me all these years. I remember feeling embarrassed over what I did not know about going to college and deeply unsure that I belonged in higher education,” she said. “I hope I can help students feel that they are part of the Bellevue University community and empower them to take responsibility for their growth and development.”

In addition to Joeckel’s efforts to make students feel welcome, she says the University provides the right environment to focus on their progress. “Although we may take it for granted, a key difference is Bellevue University's financial health,” she said. This financial stability, she said, frees faculty to focus on education.

Creating High-Quality Courses

In her efforts to give her students the best experience possible, Joeckel has created highly impactful courses, One, her interpersonal communications course, has even earned a Quality Matters certification.

“A Quality-Matters (QM) certified course (online or hybrid) has undergone a rigorous review process against QM standards. The certification tells students that a course is carefully designed and that potential barriers to their achievement have been reduced or eliminated. I learned a great deal about course design by participating in the QM process. Truly, the knowledge I gained now informs all of my course development,” she said.

Joeckel devotes a lot of time to her students but in her spare time she enjoys reading biographies and autobiographies; planning, planting and maintaining container gardens for hummingbirds and butterflies; doing agility work with her Keeshond; and watching "cozy mysteries" on Acorn and BritBox.