Championing Military Students at Bellevue University
Stan Hawkins is committed to helping service members and their families
With 20 years of Air Force service and a wealth of experience in intelligence and leadership under his belt, Stan Hawkins now serves as the Director of Military and Government Affairs at Bellevue University. His journey from military service to higher education is a testament to his commitment to helping service members and their families achieve their educational and professional goals.
Stan, could you share a bit about your military background?
I proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1990 to 2010, holding various roles throughout my career. I began as an Apprentice Electronic Intelligence (ELINT) Analyst, developing critical skills and expertise in intelligence operations.
What drew you to the military in the first place?
My decision to join the Air Force was inspired by a deep sense of duty to follow in my father’s footsteps and serve our great nation. It also offered an opportunity to explore the world beyond my home in central Missouri, pursue my education, and embrace a career that valued physical fitness and outdoor activity — a perfect match for my background as a former college athlete.
What has your career looked like?
After completing basic training at Lackland AFB Texas and technical training at Goodfellow AFB in San Angelo, Texas, my first permanent duty assignment was at Offutt AFB Nebraska, where I served as an ELINT Ground Processing Analyst for the Combat Sent and Rivet Joint programs. After four years, I made a permanent change of station to Oahu, Hawaii, where I worked as an ELINT Analyst for the Joint Intelligence Center Pacific for one year, followed by three years at the Kunia Regional SIGINT Operations Center. From there, we PCS’d to Warner Robins AFB in Georgia, where I served as the NCOIC of Intelligence for Air Force Special Operations Electronic Combat Support.
Four years later, I joined a small hand selected team at Shaw AFB, South Carolina, at the 9th Information Warfare Flight, tasked with enhancing CENTAF’s information operations and non-kinetic capabilities in preparation for Operation Iraqi Freedom. The assignment required I complete the Psychological Operations Officers Course at then Fort Bragg, now Fort Liberty in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Training and research were daily, deployments were many. This highly decorated unit was decommissioned following secession of hostilities in theater.
In 2005, we returned to Bellevue and to Offutt AFB (USSTRATCOM). I worked as a MIDB Analyst for the NSA. My final assignment was at Buckley AFB, where I served as the NCOIC for the Intelligence Squadron Command Staff, supporting the Aerospace Data Facility – Colorado (ADF-C). Also, during this assignment, I enjoyed having the time to return focus on my education and start preparations for retirement. After retiring in September 2010, I transitioned into an intelligence analyst role with Lockheed Martin at ADF-C.
What motivated you to transition to higher education, and what drew you to this particular role at Bellevue University?
Following a year with Lockheed Martin, I returned to Omaha and joined National American University as an Admissions Advisor. Within six months, I was promoted to Director of Admissions, leading a team of 12 advisors and earning multiple awards for institutional effectiveness. I later joined National Radon Defense as Director of Business Development and Market Analysis, where I grew the owner network from 27 to over 70 organizations in three years.
My career also included two years in the mortgage industry with US Bank and our family’s real estate business. I ultimately found my passion for helping students when I joined Bellevue University as the Assistant Director for Military Programs, focusing on outreach and helping military families achieve their educational goals. My biggest motivator was to help our servicemembers start their education early in their career for an easier transition back to the civilian sector.
Can you describe your current role at the University and how you support military members and veterans?
As the Director of Military and Government Affairs at Bellevue University, I work to ensure that education remains accessible to service members, their families, and government civilians. My role includes contract development and building partnerships with government agencies to further the University’s mission.
Every military experience is unique, but the shared lifestyle and language of the military community are universal.
How does your own military experience help you connect with the military students you work with?
Every military experience is unique, but the shared lifestyle and language of the military community are universal. My 20 years of active duty provide me with a deep understanding of the motivations behind service members’ decisions and the challenges they face both personally and professionally.
What do you find most rewarding about working with military students?
One of the most rewarding aspects of my role is witnessing the growth of students. Watching them commit to their education and rediscover a sense of purpose and direction is truly inspiring.
How do you see Bellevue University as being uniquely equipped to serve military students and veterans?
At Bellevue University, we have a strong veteran presence among our staff, allowing us to understand and address the unique needs of military students and their families. Our processes are designed with the military student in mind, and we continually innovate to provide military-focused programs. When needed, we also design and build customized solutions to meet their specific needs.
What’s on the horizon for you?
As we look to the future, we are thrilled about our upcoming partnership with the Defense Language Institute’s Offutt Language Center, a revitalized focus on Army and Air Force ROTC programs, and the development of an innovative aviation program that will set new standards for excellence.