• Bellevue University's Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling ranked No. 1 in Nebraska for 2027 by MastersinCounseling.org.
• The ranking highlights programs that prepare future counselors to support the mental health needs of individuals, families and communities.
• Bellevue University's 60-credit-hour, CACREP-accredited program combines online coursework, two residencies, a 100-hour practicum and 600 internship hours to prepare graduates for licensure pathways and counseling careers.

Recognition Highlights Bellevue University's Leadership in Counselor Education

Bellevue University has been named the top Clinical Mental Health Counseling master's program in Nebraska in the 2027 rankings released by MastersinCounseling.org. The ranking evaluated Nebraska programs based on factors that include accreditation, accessibility, licensure alignment, program outcomes and educational quality.

The recognition places Bellevue University at the top of Nebraska's Clinical Mental Health Counseling programs at a time when demand for licensed mental health professionals continues to grow. The ranking also reflects the university's commitment to providing graduate education that prepares students to serve individuals, families and communities through professional counseling practice.

Online Program Prepares Students for Licensure and Professional Practice

Bellevue University's Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is delivered online and designed to provide students with the academic and clinical experiences required for professional counseling careers. Students complete a 60-credit-hour curriculum, participate in residency experiences and gain supervised field experience through practicum and internship placements.

As a CACREP-accredited program, the curriculum focuses on counseling theories, ethics, assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, multicultural competence and clinical practice. Students graduate with the knowledge and supervised experience needed to pursue licensure and serve clients in a variety of mental health settings.

• Ella Yapo is a Bellevue University alumna.
• Yapo graduated from Bellevue University's CACREP-accredited Clinical Mental Health Counseling program.
• She is a licensed mental health therapist and founder of Sunval Healing Center.
• The book explores healing, identity, survival, self-love and personal growth.
• The public launch event will take place Saturday, Nov. 14, from 4-6 p.m. CT
• The event will be held in the Symposium Room on the B Level of the John B. Muller Administrative Services Building, 812 Bruin Blvd., Bellevue, Nebraska.

From Counseling Student to Published Author

Ella Yapo has spent her career helping people navigate challenges, healing and personal growth. Now, the Bellevue University alumna is sharing her own journey in her debut book, The Love That Led Me Home.

The book explores identity, survival, self-love and the process of returning to oneself after difficult experiences. Yapo tells the story through three distinct perspectives: Little Ella, Patient Ella and Therapist Ella. By weaving together these viewpoints, she offers readers insight into how personal experiences and professional understanding can shape the healing process.

Community Invited to Book Reading and Signing

Bellevue University will host Yapo's book launch on Saturday, Nov. 14, from 4-6 p.m. CT in the Symposium Room on the B Level of the John B. Muller Administrative Services Building located at 812 Bruin Blvd., Bellevue, Nebraska.

The event will give attendees an opportunity to hear Yapo read selections from the book, learn about the inspiration behind her writing and participate in a book signing.

• Event: Novel Brew featuring September Thomas
• Date: Thursday, Nov. 19, 2026
• Time: 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Central Time
• Location: Freeman/Lozier Library, 1028 Bruin Blvd. Bellevue, NE, Room 480, and Zoom
• Registration is required for all attendees, whether participating in person or via Zoom
• Featured book: Of Monsters and Madness
• Bellevue University's campus coffee shop, Bruin Blend, will offer a signature drink inspired by the featured book

Bellevue University Library Continues Novel Brew Series

Following the launch of the Novel Brew series earlier this year, the Freeman/Lozier Library will host its second author conversation on Nov. 19, 2026, featuring Nebraska author September Thomas. The event offers students, faculty, staff and community members an opportunity to engage directly with a published author and learn about the creative process behind developing stories, characters and fictional worlds.

Thomas will discuss Of Monsters and Madness, the second installment in the ongoing Three Kingdoms fantasy trilogy. The conversation will explore worldbuilding, storytelling, publishing and the themes that influence the author's work.

Connecting Readers, Writers and Learning

Novel Brew connects readers with authors through discussions about books, writing and publishing. Attendees may participate in person or online. 

As part of the program, Bellevue University's campus coffee shop, Bruin Blend, will feature two drinks inspired by Of Monsters and Madness: the Curse of the Kraken, a hot beverage, and the Cattle Dog Grog, a cold refresher.

Thomas is an independent fantasy-romance author with more than half a dozen published novels for young adult and adult readers. A Nebraska resident, Thomas draws inspiration from everyday observations, music and personal reflection, incorporating themes such as acceptance, perseverance, loss and belonging into their work.

The founding institutions are Merrimack College in Massachusetts, Benedictine College in Kansas, the University of Mount Saint Vincent in New York, Bellevue University in Nebraska and Houston Christian University in Texas.

“We are exceptionally pleased that these distinguished institutions have demonstrated their confidence in the mission and vision of the National Association for Academic Excellence by joining us as founding members. Their commitment reflects a shared belief that accreditation can and should do more to advance academic excellence, protect institutional independence, and strengthen accountability to students and the public. These institutions bring a tradition of academic quality, principled leadership, and a willingness to help shape the future of higher education. We are honored to have them as partners in building a new model of accreditation,” said Dr. Rob Manzer, president and CEO of NAAE.

These founding members will hold seats on NAAE’s Board of Directors and its Commission on Accreditation, the decision-making authority over accreditation decisions. Among their responsibilities, founding members will help refine standards, procedures, training, technology, evidence requirements, and terminology.

NAAE is designed specifically for independent colleges and universities. Its standards emphasize demonstrable student achievement, educational value, formation of the whole person, and integrated institutional accountability while respecting each institution's autonomy to define and pursue its distinctive mission as it meets the changing needs of students and society.

“Independent colleges and universities are among higher education's most effective at supporting a wide range of students, yet they rarely participate in the governance of the accreditors that oversee them and are often overshadowed within those organizations by much larger public or highly selective universities,” said Dr. Rob Manzer, president and CEO of NAAE. “This accreditor is built specifically for institutions like these, giving them a direct hand in shaping standards designed around how they actually operate, and this narrowed focus will support a more conscientious review of institutional and academic quality.”

For most of the last century, the majority of American colleges and universities have been accredited by one of a handful of regional accreditors charged with evaluating a wide variety of institutions across a geographic footprint from large public research institutions to two-year community colleges. Serving that range of institutions made it difficult to consistently apply standards and uphold academic rigor. In NAAE’s view, moving from a territory-focused model to a sector-specific model forms the cornerstone of a more coherent and exacting approach to academic excellence.

Federal regulations that took effect in 2020 ended the monopoly of six accreditors over their respective regions in order to create competition and choice among accreditors for the first time. These regulations also supported the formation of new accreditors to ensure a greater variety of approaches to accreditation. Building on those reforms, these founding institutions are helping to develop a demanding accreditation model designed around the distinctive missions, governance structures, and student populations of independent colleges and universities.

NAAE’s Founding Members expressed the importance of their association with a new accrediting body to advance the quality of higher education for the long term:

University of Mount Saint Vincent President Susan Burns: “NAAE will ask whether we are truly meeting learners when, where and how they need us. Independent colleges and universities serve wonderfully diverse students in wonderfully diverse ways. We are helping to build an accreditor that will uphold academic excellence, recognize the value of different approaches and keep student success at the center of the process.”

Bellevue University President Mary Hawkins: "At Bellevue University, success means access to a quality education that helps learners build better lives. Regardless of their circumstances, students deserve learning that is relevant, affordable and aligned with the needs of today's workforce. We are helping build an accreditation model that maintains high standards while giving institutions the flexibility to innovate, respond to employers and create greater value for students."

Merrimack College President Christopher E. Hopey, Ph.D.: “Why should accreditation remain bound to the regional model of the past? That sixty-year regionalized model was adopted to accommodate an extraordinarily broad range of institutions, from community colleges to large public universities and highly selective private institutions. Inevitably, that breadth produced standards over the past sixty years generalized enough to accommodate nearly every type of college and university—a one-size-fits-all approach within a geographic region of the United States. We are now seeking something more focused: an accreditation model that recognizes our mission, holds us to rigorous and meaningful standards, and gives us the freedom to pursue a more distinctive vision of academic excellence with like institutions. Higher education needs room to innovate, and students, families and employers deserve clear, specific, and meaningful standards for learning, achievement, and student success. We have an opportunity to embrace an accreditation model that strengthens accountability while also advancing the larger purpose of higher education: educating and forming the whole human person while supporting academic excellence, religious freedom, freedom of expression, rigorous scholarship and research aimed at bettering society and humankind".

Benedictine College President Stephen Minnis: “Independent colleges and universities make their greatest contribution when they are free to follow their missions in an unimpeded manner. We are excited to help build an accreditor that will demand the highest standards of academic excellence while allowing faith-based institutions to form students in accordance with their faith traditions.”

Houston Christian University Acting President Sandy Mooney: “My experience on both sides of accreditation has shown me the importance of rigorous peer review and clear standards. It has also shown me how quickly documentation can become the focus instead of meaningful institutional improvement. An effective accreditor must understand the missions of independent colleges and universities, evaluate the outcomes that truly matter and help institutions strengthen the education they provide.”

NAAE will seek formal recognition from the U.S. Department of Education. Until that process is complete, the five founding institutions will remain accredited by their current federally recognized accrediting agencies.

To learn more about NAAE and its founding institutions, visit www.naaeinc.org or contact press@naaeinc.org.

• Fall 2026 Industry Days will take place Oct. 20-22, 2026.
• Events will be hosted virtually through Handshake from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. CT each day.
• The series includes three industry-focused career fairs.
• Bellevue University students and alumni can attend based on their career interests.
• Participants can connect with employers through group sessions and one-on-one conversations.
• Student and alumni registration opens Oct. 12, 2026.
• Career Services offers resources to help participants prepare before the event.

Career Connections From Anywhere

Bellevue University will host its Fall 2026 Industry Days Career Fair Series from Oct. 20-22, creating opportunities for students and alumni to connect directly with employers from across the country. Hosted virtually through Handshake, the event allows participants to explore career opportunities, build professional networks and engage with recruiters in an online environment.

The new Industry Days format organizes employers and participants by career field, making it easier for attendees to identify opportunities that align with their interests, academic programs and professional goals.

Industry Day Schedule and Registration

Students and alumni are encouraged to attend the Industry Day events that align with their career interests. Because Industry Days consists of three separate career fairs, registration is required for each event.

Day 1: Business, Finance, Supply Chain & Corporate Careers

Tuesday, October 20, 2026

11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. CT

Register for Day 1: Business, Finance, Supply Chain & Corporate Careers

Day 2: Technology, STEM & Data Careers

Wednesday, October 21, 2026

11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. CT

Register for Day 2: Technology, STEM & Data Careers

Day 3: Healthcare, Education, Human Services & Public Service Careers

Thursday, October 23, 2026

11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. CT

Register for Day 3: Healthcare, Education, Human Services & Public Service Careers

Preparing for Industry Days

Bellevue University's Career Services team provides resources to help students and alumni prepare for success before, during and after the career fair series. Participants can find guidance on registration, employer research, resume preparation, networking strategies and virtual event participation in the Student Virtual Career Fair Guide.

A student once asked Dr. Scott Pinkerton what he needed to score on his final exam to pass general chemistry. The answer was 60%. When Pinkerton graded the exam, it was worth 58%. He knew what the number alone could not show. The student, a business major from Guatemala who had taken chemistry because it fit his schedule, had worked hard all semester and had told his professor of his desire to do well. Pinkerton added two points to the graded exam with a note: “For trying.” The student passed.

It is a story Pinkerton still tells his classes at Bellevue University, where he primarily teaches chemistry and directs the biology program. His message is straightforward: Show up, do the work and let your professor see that you care about learning. He realizes that not every student is on the same plain with similar motivations. “Some arrive ready to push themselves,” he said. “Others need time to find their footing. I just want them all to understand that effort matters.”

Pinkerton has had plenty of time to see what that approach can mean. He joined Bellevue University in July 2009 and is now in his 17th year here. Students in the biology program may take his classes across five or six semesters, moving from introductory science to subjects such as Organic Chemistry and Botany. By graduation, the professor and students know far more about one another than just their names. “They’re going to know who I am,” he says. “And I’m going to know who they are.”

A Nebraska Beginning

Pinkerton grew up in Lincoln, where his parents and grandparents lived. He graduated from Lincoln Southeast High School in 1993 and headed to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Science appealed to him early, though he had to choose which branch to pursue. He settled on Biochemistry and became involved in undergraduate laboratory research.

He also spent four years playing trombone in the Cornhusker Marching Band. His daughters have carried music into the next generation, although he says it has been a long time since he last played.

After earning his undergraduate degree, Pinkerton went directly into a doctoral program at Texas A&M University. He spent seven years in Texas, earned his Ph.D. and married into an Aggie family. His first experience teaching had come during his senior year at Nebraska, when a shortage of graduate students gave him the chance to lead a laboratory section. He taught labs again at Texas A&M.

His career initially led toward research. In 2004, Pinkerton took a position as a Research Molecular Biologist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Peoria, Illinois. He and his wife moved there, started their family and eventually welcomed three daughters, including twins.

Five years later, when his USDA appointment was ending, a position opened at Bellevue University. He interviewed by phone and happened to mention that he would be visiting Nebraska the following week. The University invited him to interview in person. Soon, the Lincoln native was back in his home state.

Fellow Students with Varied Experiences, Plus the Learning

Pinkerton remembers being a bit nervous in his first semester at Bellevue University. Then, one day, sealed the deal: He was teaching Organic Chemistry for the first time when he looked up and saw the University’s new president, Dr. Mary Hawkins, sitting in the back of his classroom. Then she began asking questions. He thought, “is THIS some kind of indoctrination?”

Turns out, the president was simply walking by and was curious about the class content. This is totally in her nature as a lifelong learner. The surprise visit became a story he still laughs about—and, a few years later, he encouraged Dr. Hawkins to repeat the classroom visit with a newly hired colleague.

That’s how Pinkerton rolls. He likes to know his students, and he likes to have fun. His students arrive at different ages with varied experiences and goals. A recent high school graduate interested in healthcare might sit beside a nurse who has worked in the field for 20 years. There are adult students and spouses, from US Stratcom and the 55^th Wing and athletes. “There is always something they can learn from each other’s perspectives,” he said.

For students just beginning to imagine a career, say in healthcare, the working nurse in the class has already seen what happens in real life and they can more readily connect the dots from lab work to patient outcomes.

Pinkerton compared the Bellevue University online and in class experience to other colleges and universities. “We manage class size, and we are intentional about communication so it’s relevant and meaningful,” he said. “There is no comparing what happens in our setting with a large lecture hall setting. Students catch me after class, ask for help real time, and we build on the conversations throughout the semester, and even multiple classes.”

The University Community that Reflects Pinkerton’s Care Back on Him

In November 2021, Pinkerton’s wife died unexpectedly after suffering a heart attack. Pinkerton was moved by the support he received from fellow faculty and University leaders. When he returned to teaching, he explained to his class what had happened. As the students left that day, every one of them stopped to shake his hand or give him a hug.

Their kindness has stayed with him. For someone who spends semesters learning his students’ stories, it was a reminder that they had come to know his, too. “My students actually do care,” he said.

Today, Pinkerton sees Bellevue University graduates throughout the region, sometimes in places he does not expect. Recently, when one of his daughters taking a chemistry course at UNL went into the chemistry stockroom, the attendant saw her name and asked if she is related to Dr. Pinkerton. She had once been his student.

His daughter did not get the former student’s name, much to Pinkerton’s frustration. Still, he enjoyed hearing the story and it felt good to be remembered. “It’s fulfilling to know that the students who were once In my classroom are out making a difference in the world,” he said.

• Topic: AI risk management and governance
• Speaker: David Kohrell, Bellevue University Center for Cybersecurity Education
• Format: Lunch-and-learn discussion with in-person and virtual attendance options
• Cost: Free to attend
• Audience: Students, technology professionals, business leaders and community members
• Focus Areas: AI risk governance, AI risk program management and AI life cycle risk management
• Zoom Link: https://bellevue.zoom.us/j/92860123152?from=addon

How Organizations Can Approach AI Risk

Artificial intelligence is becoming part of operations across industries, creating new opportunities and new responsibilities for organizations. As leaders evaluate AI tools and technologies, they must also consider governance, accountability, compliance and risk management practices that support informed decision-making.

To support that conversation, Bellevue University will host a Cybersecurity Awareness Month Lunch and Learn, AI is Risky, Fun Business, on Oct. 22 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The session will take place in Humanities 206, IS Lab, on Bellevue University's campus located at 1040 Bruin Blvd. Bellevue, NE, with a Zoom attendance option available. Participants are encouraged to bring their own lunch. Food will not be provided.

Applying AI Governance in Practice

The session will be led by David Kohrell of Bellevue University's Center for Cybersecurity Education. Kohrell participated in the beta cohort for ISACA's Advanced AI Risk certification, completed the certification examination in January and earned the credential in May.

During the discussion, Kohrell will share concepts from AI Risk Governance and Governance Integration, AI Risk Program Management and AI Life Cycle Risk Management. Participants will examine how organizations can evaluate AI technologies, identify potential risks and establish governance structures that support responsible adoption.

• Bellevue University won the Best Employer, More Than 25 Employees category in the Best of Bellevue 2026-27 Awards.
• The recognition marks Bellevue University's fourth consecutive year receiving a Best of Bellevue employer award.
• Bellevue University serves more than 18,000 students.
• Bellevue University has more than 70,000 graduates worldwide.
• Bellevue University maintains more than 125 employer partnerships.

Bellevue Community Recognizes Bellevue University

Bellevue University has earned recognition as a Best of Bellevue 2026-27 winner in the Best Employer, More Than 25 Employees category. Selected by Bellevue voters, the award reflects the University's connection to the community it has served for going on 60 years.

Supporting Students and Workforce Development

The recognition comes as Bellevue University continues to support learners through programs designed for working learners, transfer students, military-connected learners and first-generation college students. Today, the University serves more than 18,000 students, including learners from 24 countries, and supports a network of more than 70,000 graduates worldwide.

• Bellevue University's Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling ranked No. 2 in Nebraska in CounselingPsychology.org's 2027 rankings.
• The ranking evaluated counseling programs across Nebraska.
• CounselingPsychology.org identified Bellevue University as a leading option for working adults seeking online coursework.
• Bellevue University's program holds accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
• The program is delivered online and includes practicum and internship experiences required for professional preparation.

Bellevue University Earns Recognition in Nebraska Counseling Program Rankings

CounselingPsychology.org has named Bellevue University's Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program the No. 2 ranked master's in counseling program in Nebraska for 2027.

The ranking highlights graduate programs that support students evaluating counseling education pathways, licensure preparation, program costs, delivery formats and career outcomes. CounselingPsychology.org reported that Bellevue University's CACREP-accredited program stood out for its online delivery model, support for working adults and accessibility for students across the country.

The recognition places Bellevue University among a select group of Nebraska institutions identified as preparing future counselors to meet workforce needs across mental health, behavioral health and community settings.

Preparing Counselors for Professional Practice

Bellevue University's Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program prepares students to work with individuals, families and groups in a variety of clinical settings. The curriculum aligns with professional counseling standards and includes academic coursework, supervised practicum experiences and internship requirements that help students pursue counseling licensure.

The fully online format allows students to complete coursework while balancing professional and personal responsibilities. Students work with faculty and support staff throughout the program as they progress toward degree completion and professional practice.

• Bellevue University received the Pillar of the Nebraska Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Award on Sept. 25.
• The award recognizes organizations that have supported the Chamber through long-term partnership and engagement.
• Socorro Carrera, Bellevue University Global Partnerships Specialist and Nebraska Hispanic Chamber of Commerce board member, presented the award.
• Jim Nekuda, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships, and Julie Verbeley, Director of International Student Services, accepted the award on behalf of the University.
• The recognition highlighted Bellevue University's work with the Latino community and its commitment to expanding access to education.

Bellevue University Recognized for Partnership and Community Impact

Bellevue University received a Pillar of the Nebraska Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Award during the Chamber's Hispanic Heritage celebration on Sept. 25. The award honors organizations whose partnership and commitment have contributed to the Chamber's mission and the communities it serves.

Socorro Carrera, a Global Partnerships Specialist at Bellevue University and a member of the Chamber's Board of Directors, presented the award. During the presentation, she recognized Bellevue University's engagement with the Latino community and the role education plays in creating opportunities for individuals and families.

Strengthening Access to Education Through Partnerships

Bellevue University works with community organizations, employers and education partners to expand access to higher education for learners from a range of backgrounds and experiences. Through these partnerships, the University supports students as they pursue certificates, undergraduate degrees and graduate degrees aligned to workforce and community needs.

• Dr. LaNita Jefferson represented the counseling profession at the American Counseling Association Hill Day 2026 on Sept. 16-17 in Washington, D.C.
• Hill Day connects counselors, counselor educators, counseling students and professional leaders with members of Congress and their staff.
• Participants discussed access to mental health services, counseling workforce development and issues affecting the counseling profession.
• Dr. Jefferson serves as an Assistant Professor in Bellevue University's Clinical Mental Health Counseling program.
• The experience will help inform classroom discussions about advocacy, leadership and professional responsibility in counseling.

Bellevue University Faculty Member Brings Advocacy Experience to the Classroom

Dr. LaNita Jefferson joined counseling professionals from across the country at the American Counseling Association's Hill Day 2026, an annual advocacy event that gives counselors an opportunity to engage with federal policymakers on issues affecting mental health care and the counseling profession.

The two-day event included advocacy training, networking opportunities and meetings with congressional representatives on Capitol Hill. Participants shared professional experiences and discussed policies that affect counselors, mental health providers and the communities they serve.

For Jefferson, the experience reinforced the connection between counseling, leadership and public policy. By participating in conversations with lawmakers, she gained insight into how federal decisions can influence mental health services, workforce development and access to care.

Bellevue University Connects Counseling Education and Professional Advocacy

Dr. Jefferson said experiences such as ACA Hill Day help bridge classroom learning with the policy discussions that influence mental health care across the country. By participating in conversations with lawmakers and counseling leaders, Bellevue University faculty gain perspectives they can share with students preparing to enter the profession.

Bellevue University's CACREP-accredited Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program includes coursework focused on counselor identity, ethics, advocacy, multicultural competency and professional practice. Students also complete supervised practicum and internship experiences that connect academic preparation with the counseling field.

Dr. Jefferson said bringing advocacy experiences back into the classroom helps students understand that counselors not only support clients but also contribute to conversations that shape access to mental health services, professional standards and the future of the profession.

Counseling, Leadership and Advocacy

Dr. Jefferson said advocacy is a professional responsibility that extends beyond direct client services and plays a role in shaping systems, policies and access to care.

• The President’s Medal is Bellevue University’s highest honor, recognizing outstanding generosity, leadership, and service.
• 2026 recipients include Berniece and Bill Grewcock, Marsha and Milton Kleinberg and Neely Kountze on behalf of his father Mallory Kountze and the Gilbert M. and Martha H. Hitchcock Foundation.
• The honor reflects Bellevue University’s focus on high-performance, open-access education that prepares students to achieve both their education and career goals.
• Recipients are recognized for advancing educational access, student success, and community impact.aragraph

Bellevue Names Three President’s Medal Recipients

Bellevue University is awarding its highest honor, the President’s Medal, to the following supporters and their families, whose generosity, leadership, and service have helped sustain the University’s mission during its first 60 years.

Berniece and Bill Grewcock

Berniece and Bill Grewcock are recognized for their longstanding commitment to education, American heritage, and values-based leadership. Their longtime support of Bellevue University reflects a belief in expanding access to learning opportunities while reinforcing the importance of civic responsibility and America’s founding principles, and sustaining values. Their contributions include the Bill and Berniece Grewcock Chair of American Vision and Values and the University’s Vision and Values program supporting high school- and college-level civics education. These efforts have helped Bellevue University continue to serve students seeking education that connects purpose with career outcomes.

Bill Grewcock spent his 57-year career at Kiewit, retiring as Vice-Chairman of Kiewit in 2007. He and his wife founded the Bill and Berniece Grewcock Foundation in 1990. In addition to education, the Grewcocks have supported native and international wildlife conservation, including initiatives at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo. Bill Grewcock passed away in 2018; Berniece recently celebrated her 100th birthday.

Marsha and Milton Kleinberg

Marsha and Milton Kleinberg are honored for their deep commitment to education, patriotism, and student success. Milton Kleinberg was born in Poland in 1937 and is a Holocaust survivor who endured years of displacement, labor camps and hardship before immigrating to the United States as a teenager. After serving in the U.S. Army, he built a career in the insurance industry, ultimately becoming chairman and CEO of Senior Market Sales, Inc. Under his leadership, the company grew into one of the country’s leading insurance marketing organizations. He later shared his life story in a memoir, Bread of Death: Memories of My Childhood During and After the Holocaust. He gifted the book to Bellevue University students at the University’s America Dream Scholarship ceremony in 2021, where he and Marsha served as the keynote speakers. Marsha Kleinberg has been an educator, a business partner and a community leader in her own right. She served as office manager at SMS and played an integral role in the company’s growth alongside Milton after their move from Milwaukee to Omaha in 1990.

Together, the Kleinbergs are known for their philanthropy and civic engagement, supporting a wide range of organizations across Omaha, including educational institutions, Jewish community organizations, and human service nonprofits. Their generosity includes establishing the Marsha and Milton Mendel Kleinberg Endowed Student Support Fund at Bellevue University, reflecting their belief in education as a pathway to opportunity and achieving the American Dream.

The Kountze Family

Mallory Kountze (1924–1984), a prominent Omaha business leader and philanthropist, was one of Bellevue College’s earliest and most influential champions. In 1969, he became the first non‑founding member of the institution’s Board of Directors and helped bring broader Omaha business and philanthropic support to the young college. Through his leadership and as a trustee of the Hitchcock Foundation, Kountze helped stabilize and grow the University, advancing early capital projects such as the Hitchcock Humanities Center and ensuring continued momentum during Bellevue’s early years.

That legacy continues through his son, Neely Kountze, and Neely’s wife, Mary Kountze, who have sustained and expanded the family’s philanthropic leadership. Neely serves as President of The Gilbert M. and Martha H. Hitchcock Foundation and is one of its longest‑tenured trustees, while Mary serves in a senior leadership role and has decades of involvement in charitable and educational causes. The Kountze family, along with current trustees of the Gilbert M. and Martha H. Hitchcock Foundation, steward foundation investments that support education, arts, health, and community institutions across the Omaha region, including ongoing support for Bellevue University. The Gilbert M. and Martha H. Hitchcock Foundation is a lead sponsor for Bellevue University’s annual Signature Event, which is part of its Vision and Values education and community outreach portfolio.

• Forbes Advisor named Bellevue University among its Best Online Hospitality Degree Programs.
• Bellevue University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management.
• The program requires 127 credit hours.
• Coursework includes team leadership, anthropology of tourism, new media marketing for hospitality services and financial skills for managers.
• Students complete an independent hospitality research project as a capstone requirement.
• Forbes Advisor evaluated institutions using 17 data points across student outcomes, affordability, student experience, credibility and application process.

Forbes Advisor Includes Bellevue University in National Ranking

Forbes Advisor recognized Bellevue University's online Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management as one of its Best Online Hospitality Degree Programs. The ranking evaluated 25 accredited, nonprofit colleges and universities offering online hospitality bachelor's degree programs in the United States.

Bellevue University's online Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management requires 127 credit hours and examines the business and operational aspects of the hospitality industry. Students study topics including team leadership, tourism, hospitality marketing, customer service, financial management and hospitality operations while completing an independent research project as a capstone experience. Most coursework is delivered asynchronously, although some courses may include synchronous components.

Ranking Evaluated Student Outcomes, Affordability and Student Experience

Forbes Advisor based its ranking on 17 data points grouped into five categories: student outcomes, affordability, student experience, credibility and application process. Measures included graduation rates, retention rates, earnings after graduation, tuition costs, student loan debt, student-to-faculty ratios and accreditation status.

According to Forbes Advisor, schools selected for the list received a curved final score of 70% or higher. Data for the ranking came from sources including the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System, third-party data providers and institutional websites.

Key Facts

• National Hispanic Heritage Month is observed annually from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15.
• Bellevue University will host a Hispanic Heritage Dinner on Sept. 23.
• The dinner will feature entertainment by Emmanuel Burciaga and a presentation of La Guarda Cuidadosa ("Guard in Love") by Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra.
• The Bellevue University Library will screen Maestra: The Women of Cuba's National Literacy Campaign on Sept. 24.
• All events are open to the public.

Hispanic Heritage Dinner

Bellevue University will host a Hispanic Heritage Dinner on Sept. 23 at 5:30 p.m. in the Margre H. Durham Student Center, 1008 Bruin Blvd. The event will include dinner, entertainment by Emmanuel Burciaga and a presentation of La Guarda Cuidadosa ("Guard in Love"), a work by Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra.

Community members may attend by purchasing dinner through Bruin Dining. Bruin Dining is cashless.

Documentary Screening and Discussion

The Bellevue University Library will present a free screening of Maestra: The Women of Cuba's National Literacy Campaign on Sept. 24 at 6 p.m. in the Criss Auditorium of the Hitchcock Humanities Center. Registration is encouraged.

The documentary examines Cuba's National Literacy Campaign and the role young women played in expanding literacy opportunities throughout the country. Attendees may participate in a discussion following the screening.

• Governor Jim Pillen proclaimed Sept. 12, 2026, as Bellevue University 60th Anniversary Day in Nebraska.
• The signing ceremony took place Sept. 15, 2026, in the Warner Chamber at the Nebraska State Capitol.
• Bellevue University opened in 1966 as Bellevue College.
• The university enrolled 355 evening students and 54 daytime students when classes began in September 1966.
• Bellevue University now serves students across the United States and around the world through more than 85 degree programs.
• The university has awarded degrees to more than 70,000 graduates.
• Bellevue University launched its first online course in 1995 and the nation's first online MBA program in 1996.

Bellevue University Celebrates a 60-Year Milestone

Bellevue University leaders, employees and supporters gathered at the Nebraska State Capitol on Sept. 15 for a proclamation signing ceremony recognizing the university's 60th anniversary. During the event, Governor Jim Pillen proclaimed Sept. 12, 2026, as Bellevue University 60th Anniversary Day in Nebraska and called on Nebraskans to recognize the institution's contributions to students, employers, military families and communities throughout the state.

Bellevue University Continues Its Mission

The proclamation highlighted the university's origins in 1966, when local business and civic leaders established Bellevue College to create educational opportunities for working adults, military personnel and others seeking to advance their careers. Classes began in September 1966 with 355 evening students and 54 daytime students, creating a foundation for an institution focused on access and student success.

Today, Bellevue University serves learners across the United States and around the world. The university offers more than 85 degree programs and has awarded degrees to more than 70,000 graduates whose work supports businesses, organizations and communities in Nebraska and beyond.

Innovation Has Shaped Bellevue University's Growth

The proclamation also recognized Bellevue University's role in expanding access to higher education through new learning models and technology. The university introduced accelerated degree-completion programs, offered its first online course in 1995 and launched the nation's first online Master of Business Administration program in 1996. It later became one of the first accredited institutions to offer online degree programs.

Throughout its history, Bellevue University has partnered with employers, community organizations and educational institutions to help learners prepare for career advancement and meet workforce needs. The university continues to support active-duty military members, veterans and military families while providing educational pathways for students at every stage of life.

Key Facts

• Event: Constitution Day
• Date: Thursday, Sept. 17
• Time: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Location: Margre H. Durham Student Center, 1008 Bruin Blvd., Bellevue, Nebraska
• Audience: Bellevue University students, faculty and staff
• Activities: Voter registration, voter information updates, Constitution-themed trivia game and civic engagement resources

Constitution Day Event Promotes Civic Participation and Constitutional Awareness

Bellevue University students, faculty and staff are invited to participate in the University's Constitution Day event on Thursday, Sept. 17, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event will take place in the Margre H. Durham Student Center, located at 1008 Bruin Blvd., Bellevue, Nebraska.

The event will feature the League of Women Voters, which will provide information on voting rights, voter registration and civic participation.

Participants can also take part in a Constitution-themed trivia game or stop by for swag items.

Constitution Day marks the signing of the U.S. Constitution by delegates to the Constitutional Convention on Sept. 17, 1787. The federal observance also recognizes individuals who hold U.S. citizenship.

The event supports Bellevue University's mission to encourage civic participation. All undergraduate students complete the Kirkpatrick Signature Series (KSS), a course series that examines the principles of American government and the responsibilities of citizenship.

• Bellevue University established the Anne E. Nelson Professorship in Teacher Education through a gift from Bellevue University long-term board member John P. Nelson and the Nelson Family Foundation.
• The professorship honors Anne (Tucker) Nelson and her commitment to education and community service.
• Recipients receive recognition and a renewable annual stipend to support approved projects and initiatives.
• Dr. Joe Anson was selected as the second recipient for the 2026-27 academic year.
• He serves as Associate Professor of Education in Teacher Education and English.

About the Anne E. Nelson Professorship Award

Bellevue University established the Anne E. Nelson Professorship Award in Teacher Education through a leadership gift from long-term Bellevue University Board Member John P. Nelson and the Nelson Family Foundation in honor of his wife, Anne (Tucker) Nelson. The professorship supports faculty and staff who develop projects that strengthen teacher preparation and respond to the evolving needs of K-12 education.

The award encourages initiatives focused on teaching and learning, program delivery, educational technology, research, and professional development. Recipients may use award funds to advance approved projects that contribute to educator preparation.

Dr. Joe Anson Selected for 2026-27 Academic Year

Bellevue University named Dr. Joe Anson as the second recipient of the Anne E. Nelson Professorship Award in Teacher Education for the 2026-27 academic year.

Dr. Anson serves as Associate Professor of Education in Teacher Education and English. His work focuses on writing instruction, adolescent literature, teacher education, secondary education, and English language arts. Before entering higher education, he taught English at the secondary level from 2000 to 2018. He has served as a university professor since 2017 and earned a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from Utah State University.

"I am excited to use this opportunity to explore how we can better prepare future teachers for the realities of today's classrooms," said Dr. Anson. "I want to examine how initiatives such as the Science of Literacy and emerging technologies can support teacher development and student learning. The professorship gives us the ability to investigate new approaches, including AI-based teaching simulations and other tools, while maintaining the human connections that remain at the heart of effective teaching."

As recipient of the professorship, Anson plans to explore initiatives related to the Science of Literacy, teacher professional development, and emerging educational technologies. His work will also examine ways to balance technology with the interpersonal elements central to effective teaching and learning.

• Bellevue University's Military Veteran Services Center is coordinating the 2026 Veteran Backpack Drive.
• The University has organized the drive annually for more than 10 years.
• The initiative supports veterans served by Siena Francis House and New Visions.
• The goal is to fill 100 backpacks with donated items.
• Donations will be accepted now through Nov. 5, 2026.
• Donation drop-offs may be made at 812 Bruin Blvd., Bellevue, NE 68005.
• Community members may contribute through the drive's Amazon Wishlist.
• Community members may make a monetary contribution through the Online Monetary Donation link.
• Volunteer Packing Event Registration

About the Veteran Backpack Drive

Bellevue University's Military Veteran Services Center is conducting its annual Veteran Backpack Drive to collect essential items for veterans served by Siena Francis House and New Visions. The 2026 campaign seeks to fill 100 backpacks with donated supplies. Donations will be accepted now through Nov. 5, 2026.

Ways to Support the Drive

Community members can support the Veteran Backpack Drive by donating requested items, making a monetary contribution, or purchasing items through the drive's Amazon Wishlist. Donations may be dropped off at 812 Bruin Blvd., Bellevue, NE 68005, now through Nov. 5, 2026.

• Amazon Wishlist
• Online Monetary Donation
• Donation Drop-Off Location (812 Bruin Blvd., Bellevue, NE 68005)

Critical Items Needed

The Veteran Backpack Drive is collecting the following items:

• Individually packaged snacks
• Winter gloves
• Winter hats
• Scarves
• Socks
• Blankets
• Towels
• Baby wipes
• Razors
• Shaving cream
• Nail clippers
• Shampoo
• Liquid body soap
• Toothbrush cases
• Toothpaste
• Mouthwash
• Hand warmers
• Foot warmers

Volunteer Packing Event

The Veteran Backpack Drive will conclude with a volunteer packing event on Friday, Nov. 6, 2026, at 10 a.m. at Bellevue University's Military Veteran Services Center, 812 Bruin Blvd., Bellevue, Nebraska. Volunteers will help pack backpacks with donated supplies for veterans served by Siena Francis House and New Visions. Lunch will be provided for volunteers.

Students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members are invited to participate. The packing event serves as the final step in the donation drive before backpacks are distributed to partner organizations.

Individuals interested in volunteering are encouraged to register in advance so organizers can plan for participation and lunch. Questions may be directed to mvsc@bellevue.edu.

• Event: Open House
• Organization: Omaha EITC Coalition
• Date: Sept. 17
• Time: 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• Location: 2108 Harvell Circle, Bellevue, NE 68005
• Attendees can meet coalition staff, coalition members and community partners.
• The event will provide information about the coalition's mission and free tax preparation program.
• Light refreshments will be available.

Open House Marks Move to Bellevue

The Omaha EITC Coalition will welcome community members, coalition members and partners during an open house Sept. 17 at its new Bellevue location. The event provides an opportunity for attendees to meet the team, connect with supporters and learn more about the organization's work in the community.

The open house will take place from 4 to 6 p.m. at 2108 Harvell Circle in Bellevue. Attendees can visit the new location, engage with coalition representatives and celebrate the organization's continued efforts to serve area residents.

Attendees Can Learn About Free Tax Preparation Services

During the event, the coalition will share information about its mission and free tax preparation program. Staff members and volunteers will be available to answer questions and discuss how the program supports individuals and families through tax filing assistance.

The gathering will also provide opportunities for networking among coalition members and community partners. Light refreshments will be served throughout the event.

• Date: Monday, Sept. 28
• Check-In Time: 9:30 a.m.
• Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Location: John B. Muller Administrative Services Building, 812 Bruin Blvd., Bellevue, NE 68005
• Cost: FREE
• Audience: Family caregivers of individuals with dementia, care partners, and professionals
• Register by September 18: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-empowered-caregiver-conference-bellevue-tickets-1989251053450
• Presenters: Ethan Schroeder, Maggie Rempe, Joel High, Sadie Hinkel

Event Overview

Bellevue University will host the Empowered Caregiver Conference in collaboration with the Alzheimer’s Association Nebraska Chapter. The event will bring caregivers, care partners, and professionals together to build skills and access resources related to dementia care. The conference will take place on campus and will include sessions led by educators from the Alzheimer’s Association.

What Attendees Will Learn

The conference will provide instruction on communication approaches, behavioral responses, care planning, and strategies that support independence and safety for individuals with dementia. Attendees will learn methods to manage caregiving responsibilities while addressing stress and long-term care needs. Presenters will share resources, tools, and approaches that support daily caregiving decisions and outcomes.

Community Connection

Participants will also connect with local services and peer networks during the event. The conference will support individuals across caregiving experience levels and create opportunities for partnerships between community organizations and education providers. Registration is required in advance.

As a Training and Talent Acquisition professional at Tillamook, Bella Nguyen has continued to grow and learn throughout her career. After earning her Ph.D. in Human Capital Management at Bellevue University, that journey has become even more rewarding than she expected.

Through a partnership with her employer and Bellevue University, she gained a doctorate title, a promotion and an unforgettable experience.

Growing With a Supportive Employer

Nguyen, a native of Chicago, moved to the Portland area and in 2021 assumed a role as Technical Training Manager at Tillamook. She has since grown into a role as Senior Talent Acquisition and Technical Training Manager.

“This progression reflects both my commitment to human capital leadership and the opportunities the organization has given me,” she said. “Tillamook is an amazing place to work because it genuinely invests in its people.”

Included in Tillamook’s commitment to its employees is extensive support for education. “The Bellevue University partnership and its continued support for learning and development are perfect (and only a few of the many) examples of how the company helps employees grow and thrive,” Nguyen said.

Intertwining Education and Career

The program helped Nguyen build on her background to expand her future potential.

“I'd like to think this degree program helped accelerate my growth by strengthening my strategic perspective and expanding my toolkit,” she said. “The combination of the program and the company's investment created the perfect environment for becoming the leader I am today.”

Thriving in a Learning Community

During her time at Bellevue University, Nguyen found a supportive environment designed for student success.

“My experience at Bellevue felt supportive and flexible,” she said. “Although I've had great experience in my previous educational programs, I felt that Bellevue University did a great job of blending academic rigor with real-world relevance. Even more so, I think Bellevue University understands working professionals and designed a program where we would be successful.”

A large part of Nguyen’s positive experience was connecting with professionals from around the globe.

“My favorite experience at Bellevue was being part of a cohort. Going through the program with a group of people who were equally committed made the journey feel meaningful and human,” she said.

The strong connections between classmates resulted in them being a support network for each other. “Having people to turn to, celebrate with and struggle alongside made the experience richer and reminded me that learning is always better in community,” Nguyen said.

In fact, Nguyen was able to meet some of these classmates in person when she flew to Nebraska for graduation. “It was genuinely unforgettable for me,” she said. “Being surrounded by people who had fought their own battles to get there made the celebration feel bigger than a ceremony; it felt like a shared victory for all of us.”

Moving Forward With Confidence

Nguyen said completing her Ph.D. at Bellevue University had a direct impact on her career. “These opportunities and deeper partnerships have reinformed my commitment to lifelong learning and continuous growth,” she said.

She said she highly recommends the Human Capital doctoral program. “It truly supports working professionals while still delivering meaningful academic rigor,” she said. “It's a place where learners can grow, feel supported and walk away with skills that immediately translate into real‑world impact.”

• Event: Novel Brews Author Series
• Featured Author: Erica Wright
• Date: Sept. 15, 2026
• Time: 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Central Time
• Location: Freeman/Lozier Library Room 480, located at 1028 Bruin Blvd or Zoom
• Specialty Drink: The Crimson Exhibit, created by Bruin Blend in honor of Wright's latest book
• Registration: https://bellevue.libcal.com/event/17189933
• Author Website: https://ericawright.org/

Bellevue University Library Launches Novel Brews Series

Bellevue University Library and Bruin Blend have partnered to launch Novel Brews, a new author series designed to connect readers with authors through conversations about books, storytelling and the writing process.

The series will feature four author talks throughout the academic year. For each event, Bruin Blend, Bellevue University's on-campus coffee shop, will create a specialty beverage inspired by the featured author's work. Additional authors and event details will be announced throughout the year.

Erica Wright Opens the Series on Sept. 15

The first Novel Brews event will feature Erica Wright, author and Bellevue University instructor, on Tuesday, Sept. 15, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. The event will be held in the Freeman/Lozier Library, located at 1028 Bruin Blvd. on the university's main campus.

Wright will join the event virtually, while attendees can participate in person in Library Classroom 480 to watch the livestreamed conversation or register to join the Zoom livestream from their own location. Registration is encouraged.

Earlier this year, Bellevue University announced the release of Wright's latest novel, The Museum of Unusual Occurrence. The Sept. 15 Novel Brews event gives readers an opportunity to hear directly from Wright about the development of the book, the launch of the Psychic City mystery series and her career as an author and educator.

Wright's featured novel follows Aly Orlean, who returns to her hometown after inheriting a museum filled with unusual exhibits. When a body is discovered inside one of the displays, she becomes involved in a murder investigation.

To commemorate Wright's appearance, Bruin Blend has created the Crimson Exhibit, a specialty drink inspired by The Museum of Unusual Occurrence. The beverage is the first in a series of drinks that will accompany Novel Brews events throughout the year.

About Erica Wright

A poet, novelist and educator, Wright teaches composition and literature courses at Bellevue University. According to Bellevue University's previous announcement about the book, the novel reflects Wright's interest in museums, places and how people navigate change when life takes an unexpected turn.

Barbara Gaskins’ career sits at a powerful intersection: criminal justice, community violence intervention, reentry, public policy, technology, and community-based advocacy.

It is a space few people occupy—and one urgently in need of her perspective.

Based in Greenville, North Carolina, Gaskins works to improve the systems serving people affected by incarceration and community violence. She has created two reentry manuals for North Carolina, adapted a U.S. Department of Justice reentry simulation specifically for the state and pursued public office, running for the U.S. House of Representatives and mayor.

Now, she is exploring how data science and artificial intelligence can support violence-prevention professionals while protecting the humanity of the people they serve.

Her path to this work began long before AI became part of everyday conversation. It was strengthened by an education at Bellevue University that helped validate the professional-level work she was already doing—and gave her the confidence to take that work further.

Doing Degree-Level Work Without the Degree

Before attending Bellevue University, Gaskins worked in mental health, substance use, and criminal justice. She knew she was capable and experienced. She was already performing work that required significant knowledge and responsibility.

The problem was that she did not yet have the degree to prove it.

Gaskins understood that earning a degree would help align her credentials with her abilities. Yet, as a working mother who had welcomed her first child at 18, she needed a university designed for the realities of adult life.

Bellevue University provided that opportunity.

Gaskins earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Behavioral Science in 2010 while balancing work, motherhood, and the responsibilities of maintaining a home. She found the coursework relevant to her experience in mental health and substance use—and immediately applicable to the communities she served.

“Bellevue was that University for me,” she said.

'A Stepping Stone to Everything Else'

She also remembers the accessibility and encouragement she received. Her university coach, Tamara, was available by phone or text, offering praise, accountability, and reminders to keep moving forward.

That support mattered. So did the sense of validation that came from completing her degree.

Gaskins describes her Bellevue University education as “a stepping stone to everything else” she has accomplished. Without it, she believes she might still be doing high-level work without receiving appropriate recognition or compensation.

After earning her bachelor’s degree, she went on to earn her Master of Science degree in Data Science from Bellevue University in 2026. Her last course was called Generative AI.

When Data Does Not Tell One Story

Gaskins’ interest in data science grew directly from her re-entry work.

In North Carolina, she found that three different sources could provide three significantly different statistics about the same issue, including recidivism. When information is outdated, inconsistent, or influenced by funding priorities, it becomes difficult to understand what is actually happening—and even harder to design effective solutions.

“How can we actually help people if we’re getting three different reports for the exact same people?” she asked.

Her advanced studies in data science helped her connect her knowledge of communities with a more formal understanding of technology and responsible data use. Her goal is not simply to collect more information. It is to ensure that data and AI are used accurately, equitably, and in ways that genuinely help people.

One of her greatest concerns is the way AI can misunderstand African American Vernacular English, particularly when people express grief, anger, or trauma.

Working on Technology That Supports Rather Than Interrupts

Language that reflects pain following the death of a friend, for example, could be interpreted by an automated system as a threat. Without cultural understanding or human context, AI could misidentify someone as dangerous when that person is actually grieving.

The implications extend well beyond community violence intervention. Similar biases could affect hiring, criminal justice, education, and other settings where automated systems review people’s words, histories, or online activity.

Gaskins is working to bring those risks into the conversation—and to help create something better in the world of Community Violence Intervention (CVI) that is built on trust, lived experience, emotional intelligence, credibility, and local knowledge. Violence interrupters and other trusted community messengers develop relationships no algorithm can reproduce.

“I am not trying to replace our credible messengers or our violence interrupters with AI,” Gaskins said. Instead, she envisions technology that supports practitioners while leaving intervention and decision-making in human hands.

Unique Work That Has Earned a Kaggle Research Grant

That distinction captures what makes Gaskins’ work so important. She is not approaching AI only as a technologist. She understands the people, language, histories, and communities behind the data, and her unique work has earned Gaskins a Google/Kaggle Benchmark Research grant. Her AI Assistant is the first artificial intelligence evaluation framework for CVI that measures whether AI models can safely support violence interrupters and credible messengers in their life-saving work.

Kaggle (owned by Google) Benchmark grants are given to builders of novel Large Language Model (LLM) evaluations, access to major models (OpenAI, Google, Anthropic, DeepSeek, etc.), and managed engineering infrastructure via Kaggle Benchmark.

Her Bellevue University education helped give her the credentials, knowledge, and confidence to step forward. Since then, she has continued learning, questioning systems, and turning her experience into resources that can help others.

Technology will continue to advance. Barbara Gaskins is working to ensure that humanity, fairness, and community advance with it.

When Sarah Kemp pursued the Bellevue University Master of Healthcare Administration program, she never imagined that the experience would also help guide her through one of the most challenging times of her life. The skills and information she acquired throughout her program equipped her to excel in her career while also addressing family medical situations.

Taking on a New Challenge

While working in home care as a supervisor, coordinating care and supporting caregivers, Kemp felt she could do more. “I wanted to better understand how I could make a bigger difference; not just in day-to-day operations, but in improving systems and outcomes for patients and families,” she said.

As Kemp explored options, she found Bellevue University through her supervisor and a partnership with her company. “I needed a program that would allow me to continue working while still pushing me to grow,” she said. “I knew I wanted to do more, but I needed the education and structure to get there.”

As a resident of Ohio, Kemp also found that the online option provided much-needed flexibility. “Bellevue University felt like the right fit because it was built for people who are balancing real life with their education,” she said.

Real Life Collides With Learning

Kemp quickly learned that she’d apply her MHA program in more ways than she thought. “Very early in the program, my motivation became much more personal,” she said.

Her stepmother experienced a stroke during the first semester of her program. “I saw moments where quality was not maintained, staffing was short, concerns from families were not always heard, and symptoms were sometimes overlooked, which led to complications that could have been prevented,” she said.

During the same time period, Kemp’s father experienced a rapid health decline due to complications of several conditions. “I was balancing school, a full-time job, and traveling two hours one way each week to help support them,” she said. “That season included navigating hospital care, doctor visits, hospice, and stroke recovery, while also helping both sides of my family understand how to care for both of them.”

She continued to address several additional family health and life challenges, including guiding her mother and sister through end-of-life care decisions and bringing hospice in for her stepfather, who passed away in May 2025.

“Living through all of this while studying healthcare gave me a completely different perspective,” Kemp said. “In a way, the schoolwork grounded me. It also made everything I was learning real, urgent and deeply meaningful.”

Gaining Takeaways From the Beginning

Kemp said the MHA program provided immediately applicable content. “The program helped me think more critically about healthcare systems, quality, and leadership,” she said. “It gave me language, structure and confidence in moments that were otherwise overwhelming.”

She said her professors were also helpful beyond the classroom. “I was incredibly fortunate to have professors who were understanding and supportive, which made a lasting impact on me,” she said.

Kemp said she recommends the MHA program for anyone who wants to grow in healthcare while continuing to work. “It is flexible, but still rigorous, and it prepares you in a very real way for the challenges you will face in the field,” she said.

Maintaining a Patient Focus While Growing Professionally

Kemp is now an Outreach Specialist/Care Coordinator with Waymark, working with Medicaid members and helping connect them with healthcare and community resources.

“Being in this position has made me realize how much more prepared I feel because of the MHA program,” she said. "I’ve been able to apply what I learned about healthcare leadership, access, operations, and patient-centered care in a much more direct way."

Kemp said her current role has expanded her impact while allowing her to connect with the populations she is most passionate about serving. Directly aligned with this, she said earning her MHA has helped her grow from managing day-to-day tasks to understanding and improving the systems behind them.

“It has strengthened my leadership skills, my decision-making and my ability to think more strategically about how care is delivered,” she said. “This experience has reinforced why I chose this field in the first place.”

Kemp also said earning her graduate degree is an accomplishment of resilience. “There were many moments where finishing or taking a break would have been easy, but I didn't. I am incredibly proud of that,” she said. ”The love and support of my family, my partner Evan, and even the quiet comfort of my two dogs carried me through some of the hardest moments.”

• GFiber (formerly Google Fiber) will sponsor Bellevue University’s Cyber League team for the 2026-27 academic year.
• The sponsorship will help expand student access to Cyber League competitions.
• Bellevue University’s Cyber League team placed No. 24 nationally in the Spring 2025 National Cyber League competition.
• Students participate in individual and team-based National Cyber League competitions.
• Participants receive a Scouting Report that documents their performance across cybersecurity skill categories.

GFiber sponsorship expands access to Cyber League

GFiber’s sponsorship will help more Bellevue University students participate in the Cyber League during the 2026-27 academic year. The support will help remove a barrier to participation and give students opportunities to apply cybersecurity skills through National Cyber League competitions.

The Cyber League is available to students in Bellevue University’s College of Science and Technology. Students participate in the National Cyber League, a virtual cybersecurity competition that provides individual and team challenges focused on applying cybersecurity knowledge and skills.

Students demonstrate skills beyond the classroom

The Cyber League gives students an opportunity to apply cybersecurity skills outside the classroom and demonstrate what they can do in a competitive environment. Participants receive a Scouting Report that documents their performance across cybersecurity skill categories, giving students information they can use as they pursue internships and employment.

“The Scouting Report gives students something they can point to when they are competing for jobs against other candidates who also have bachelor’s degrees. They have demonstrated they have the drive to work on honing their skills above and beyond degree requirements. GFiber’s support will help more Bellevue University students gain that experience and demonstrate their cybersecurity skills to employers.”

For students pursuing careers in cybersecurity and related fields, competition experience provides another way to demonstrate technical skills beyond academic coursework. Bellevue University offers undergraduate and graduate programs in cybersecurity and related fields, along with cybersecurity concentrations and certificates. More information is available through the Center for Cybersecurity Education.

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