• 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 2010. 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 a scheduling manager, supporting home and community-based care across three counties. She returned to home healthcare after serving in a hospital scheduling role during her MHA program.

“I wanted to gain more exposure to the clinical and administrative side of healthcare,” she said. “Although that experience was valuable, I found myself missing the purpose-driven work I felt in home care; especially supporting seniors, veterans and those impacted by Alzheimer's disease.”

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.

About GFiber

GFiber (formerly Google Fiber) delivers fast, reliable, fairly-priced and open fiber internet service, prioritizing customer service and speed. GFiber started in 2010 as a Google-driven experiment to catalyze the gigabit internet ecosystem, and has since pioneered the gigabit and multigig internet future. For more than a decade, GFiber has maintained its $70/1 Gig base internet plan without any rate increases, and remains committed to bringing the best internet experience to customers in 19 states with plans to expand. GFiber is America's most-decorated internet, winning the JD Power award for Customer Satisfaction in Home Wired Internet in the South Region for the 3rd year in a row in 2025, along with PC Mag Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Overall and Fiber ISP, Best Fiber Internet Provider by Forbes and Carrier of the Year from Fierce Networks, in addition to top recognitions HighSpeedInternet.com, CNET, and many more. You can find more information, check availability in your area and compare plans at gfiber.com.

When Holly Richie talks about her job, she doesn’t start with course schedules, degree plans, or tuition assistance.

She starts with people.

The student in Hawaii who flew thousands of miles to attend commencement and whom she finally met in person.

The student from Houston who persevered through the devastation of Hurricane Harvey and completed his degree against incredible odds.

The countless working adults balancing careers, children, and family responsibilities while trying to build better futures.

After more than 20 years in higher education and 11 years at Bellevue University, Richie has learned something important:

Students don’t just need information. They need someone who believes in them.

A Career Inspired by One Great Advisor

Richie’s path into higher education began with her own college experience.

As a student, she developed a close relationship with an academic advisor who helped her navigate more than course requirements. The advisor helped her make thoughtful choices, pursue subjects that genuinely interested her, and see possibilities she might not have recognized on her own.

That experience stayed with her.

“It inspired me to want to help people reach their personal and professional goals,” Richie says.

After working in financial aid at a community college, she joined Bellevue University as a student coach, eventually becoming a Guild Student Coach, a role she has held for more than six years. Guild is an education platform that works with major employers across the country, and Bellevue University is part of Guild’s academic network.

Today, she supports these students as they work toward their degrees while managing careers, families, and busy lives.

Meeting Students Where They Are

Richie’s students come to Bellevue University through the employer-sponsored education programs offered through Guild.

Companies such as Target, Disney, and others partner with Guild to give employees educational opportunities that might otherwise feel out of reach.

For many students, that support changes everything.

Unlike traditional tuition reimbursement programs, Guild’s model streamlines the process, allowing students to focus less on paperwork and finances and more on learning.

But Richie’s role extends far beyond helping students understand benefits and policies.

She is a coach, cheerleader, problem-solver, and sometimes simply a reassuring voice.

“Adult students have lives outside of college,” she says. “They have families, jobs, and a lot of responsibilities.” Understanding and empathizing with those realities is essential to helping them succeed.

The Power of Encouragement

Throughout her career, Richie has seen firsthand how much support matters.

Many adult learners wonder whether they can really do it.

Can they balance work and school?

Can they make time for classes?

Can they finish something they may have started years earlier?

Richie believes one of the most important things she can do is help answer those questions with confidence.

“Yes. You can do this,” she reassures because she understands that earning a degree is about more than academics. “In college, particularly Bellevue University, you learn so much beyond the academics. You learn a lot about yourself,” she says.

For many students, college becomes a journey of self-discovery, confidence, and personal growth. Richie considers it a privilege to be part of that process.

Relationships That Go Beyond the Classroom

Because many of her students learn online, Richie spends a lot of time talking with people she has never met face-to-face.

Yet those relationships can become remarkably personal.

Students share triumphs and setbacks, celebrations and struggles.

“You can become part of their families,” she says.

Over time, trust develops.

That’s why commencement is one of her favorite experiences. Meeting students in person after years of phone calls and emails is often emotional—for Holly and the graduates.

One student traveled from Hawaii to attend graduation and spent nearly an hour talking with Richie during the open house event.

Another, who had endured extraordinary hardships during Hurricane Harvey, finally met her after completing his degree. “There were definitely tears,” she recalls.

Those moments remind her why she chose this profession. The relationships are real. The impact is real. And the accomplishments are deeply personal.

Changing Lives Through Education

One thing Richie loves about Bellevue University is its commitment to students who might not fit the traditional mold.

Many are working adults. Many are first-generation college students.

Many are returning to school after years away from the classroom. And many are pursuing higher education because they want to create a better future for themselves and their families. Richie understands that earning a degree requires an add-on to intelligence, desire, and ambition. It requires support and encouragement. And it requires someone willing to walk beside students when life becomes complicated.

“I always want to make sure that I do right by the student,” she says.

That student-first philosophy aligns perfectly with Bellevue University’s mission and culture.

A University That Feels Personal

Bellevue University serves students across the country and around the world, so when they get to come to the campus in Nebraska, they are often surprised to discover that the University has a vibrant campus community, championship athletics, and a long tradition of student success.

They arrive and realize something important: This place is real. The people they’ve talked with for years are real and the relationships they’ve built are real. And the accomplishment they’re celebrating is real, too.

For Richie, those moments never lose their meaning.

Every graduate represents persistence, courage, and hope. And every student reminds her why she chose this work in the first place – being a Student Coach isn’t just about helping students earn degrees.

It’s about helping them believe they can.

• Papillion La Vista Community Schools honored its 2026 Hall of Fame inductees on Aug. 15, 2026, during the 17th Annual Back to School Soiree.
• John Erickson was one of five individuals recognized by PLCS.
• Erickson received recognition in the Community Booster category.
• Erickson has spent more than 35 years advancing education through fundraising and development leadership.
• Erickson currently serves as Vice President of Advancement at Bellevue University.
• He remains active in supporting the Papillion and Sarpy County communities.

Honored for Service to Education and Community

Bellevue University Vice President of Advancement John Erickson has been named a 2026 Papillion La Vista Community Schools Hall of Fame honoree in the Community Booster category. PLCS recognized Erickson during the Foundation’s 17th Annual Back to School Soiree on Aug. 15 as one of five individuals selected for induction.

A graduate of Papillion-La Vista High School's Class of 1980, Erickson's connection to the district spans decades. As a student, he served as class president, competed on the school's first Class A state championship tennis team and participated in a variety of school activities and organizations.

Building Support for Students and Schools

For more than 35 years, Erickson has worked in fundraising and development roles that support educational institutions and nonprofit organizations. His career has included leadership positions with the University of Nebraska Foundation, Madonna Foundation and the Papillion La Vista Community Schools Foundation, where he served as executive director for more than 10 years.

During his tenure with the Papillion La Vista Community Schools Foundation, Erickson helped connect community stakeholders with opportunities that supported students, teachers, families and district initiatives. His work contributed to the launch and growth of the foundation's endowment program, named funds, the Skilled & Technical Trades Collaboration Model and Kids Club. Today, Erickson serves as Vice President of Advancement at Bellevue University, where he leads efforts that support student success, community partnerships and institutional growth.

• Bellevue University volleyball earned the 2025-26 AVCA Team Academic Award.
• The award marks the 13th AVCA Team Academic Award in program history.
• More than 1,400 collegiate and high school volleyball programs received the award this year.
• Teams must maintain a year-long GPA of 3.3 or higher on a 4.0 scale to qualify.
• Bellevue finished the 2025 season ranked No. 7 in the final NAIA Women's Volleyball Coaches' Top 25 Poll.
• The Bruins posted a 29-5 overall record and a 20-2 Frontier Conference record.
• Bellevue advanced to the NAIA National Championship quarterfinals for the fourth time in program history.

AVCA Recognizes Academic Achievement

For the 13th time in school history, the Bellevue University volleyball team has earned the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Team Academic Award for the 2025-26 academic year, the AVCA announced today. BU was among a record number of volleyball programs to earn the AVCA Team Academic Award. More than 1,400 collegiate and high school volleyball programs maintained a year-long grade-point average of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale (or 4.1 on a 5.0 scale) to earn the award for their classroom excellence during the recently completed academic year.

AVCA Expands Academic Recognition

This is the second season the AVCA has named a Team Academic Champion for each collegiate division. The 20 programs are being added to this exclusive list for having the highest GPAs in their respective divisions. The AVCA also celebrates programs in the top 20 percent for their division by recognizing them with the Team Academic Honor Roll distinction.

The Team Academic Award was earned by 10 teams that also won national collegiate championships on the court and in the sand during the 2025-26 season. There are also four schools whose women's, men's, and beach teams are all being honored: Barry University, Pepperdine University, Stanford University, and the University of Hawaii.

Bruins Deliver Success on the Court

The Bellevue University volleyball team finished the 2025 season ranked No. 7 in the final NAIA Women's Volleyball Coaches' Top 25 Poll, capping a year highlighted by the selection of three All-Americans: Eve Fountain, Kealy Kiviniemi and Savanna Berger.

The Bruins concluded the 2025 campaign with a 29-5 overall record and a 20-2 mark in Frontier Conference play, finishing second in the league's regular-season standings and as the runner-up in the Frontier Conference Tournament. Bellevue advanced to the NAIA National Championship quarterfinals for the fourth time in program history, marking the Bruins' 18th appearance at the national tournament.

• Ashlea Rodriguez has been appointed Board President of Hero’s Encore.
• Rodriguez serves as Military Veteran Services Center Manager at Bellevue University.
• Hero’s Encore is a Nebraska-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
• The organization provides a nine-month performance and resiliency program for veterans, transitioning service members, and first responders.
• Participants use music, songwriting, and public performances to support personal growth and community connection.
• Hero’s Encore was launched in 2025 by veterans, military family members, and community leaders.
• The organization builds on more than a decade of experience supporting military-connected communities through creative expression programs.

Ashlea Rodriguez to Lead Hero’s Encore Board of Directors

Hero’s Encore has named Ashlea Rodriguez as its new Board of Directors President, marking a milestone in the nonprofit organization's continued growth and long-term development. Rodriguez has supported the organization's mission since its founding and has worked alongside fellow leaders dedicated to serving veterans, transitioning service members, and first responders.

As Board President, Rodriguez will help guide the organization's strategic direction, strengthen community partnerships, and support efforts to expand programming across Nebraska. Her appointment reflects Hero’s Encore's commitment to shared leadership and building a sustainable organization that serves future generations of military-connected individuals and first responders.

Supporting Purpose Through Creative Expression

Hero’s Encore provides a nine-month performance and resiliency program that helps participants develop musical skills, build confidence, and share their personal stories through songwriting and public performances. The nonprofit uses creative expression and community engagement to support post-service transition and personal growth.

Founded in 2025 by Taylor Ullom, David J. Mike, James Hoy, and Jordan Ullom, Hero’s Encore was created by a team with extensive experience serving military-connected communities. The organization evolved from more than a decade of support through a national music program that graduated more than 200 Nebraska veterans. Today, Hero’s Encore continues that work while expanding services to include first responders and transitioning service members.

• Dr. Jerome A. Lewis, associate professor of psychology at Bellevue University, authored Moral Psychology: A Narrative Approach.
• Dr. Lewis wrote the textbook after developing Bellevue University's Moral Psychology course and identifying a need for undergraduate-level resources in the field.
• The text uses stories, parables and real-life events to explain moral psychology research and theory.
• The book will be used in PY 396: Moral Psychology beginning in Winter 2026.
• Bellevue University is one of the few universities in the country with a course offering in moral psychology.
• Dr. Lewis's research focuses on moral psychology, victimology and social cognition.

Meeting a Need in Moral Psychology Education

As interest in moral psychology continues to grow, Dr. Jerome Lewis saw a need for a resource written specifically for undergraduate learners. He developed Moral Psychology: A Narrative Approach after creating Bellevue University's Moral Psychology course and finding few textbooks that introduced the subject in an accessible format while maintaining academic depth.

The book examines questions such as how people determine right from wrong, why individuals reach different moral conclusions about the same behavior and how emotions, intuition, reasoning and identity influence moral judgments. Through stories, parables and real-world examples, the text guides readers through research and theories that explain the psychological forces behind human morality.

Exploring a Growing Field of Research

Moral Psychology: A Narrative Approach leads readers through an interdisciplinary field that draws from psychology, philosophy, neuroscience and related areas of study. The book explores how people make moral decisions, evaluate behavior and develop values throughout their lives.

Dr. Lewis's research interests include moral psychology, victimology and social cognition. Through Bellevue University's Victim Role Research Group, he studies the victim role, prosocial behavior and how people evaluate everyday moral transgressions.

• Forbes Advisor recognized Bellevue University’s online Master of Science in Human Resource Strategic Management as Best for Strategic Management Focus.
• Bellevue University was the only institution on the list recognized specifically for its emphasis on strategic management.
• Forbes Advisor evaluated 138 schools, considering factors such as affordability and student outcomes.
• The program follows a cohort-based model where students complete one course at a time.

Forbes Advisor Recognizes Bellevue University’s Strategic Management Approach

Bellevue University’s online Master of Science in Human Resource Strategic Management has earned national recognition from Forbes Advisor, which named the program the best online master’s in human resources program for students seeking a strategic management focus.

Forbes Advisor evaluated 138 schools to identify leading online master’s programs in human resources. The analysis considered factors including affordability and student outcomes. Bellevue University was the only institution recognized for a program that focuses specifically on strategic management, highlighting the university’s emphasis on aligning human resources practices with organizational goals and business strategy.

The complete rankings can be found at Forbes Advisor.

Program Structure Supports Professional Growth

Bellevue University’s Master of Science in Human Resource Strategic Management is designed to help professionals expand their knowledge of workforce planning, organizational leadership and strategic decision-making. The HR programs at BU have been created and are taught by individuals with direct HR experience who "marry" textbook learning with practical working knowledge of HR departments. Through the cohort-based format, students advance through the program with a group of peers while concentrating on one course at a time.

During the final semester, students can choose a traditional capstone experience or complete a modified capstone that includes preparation for the SHRM certification exam. This option allows students to pair their graduate education with preparation for an industry-recognized credential.

The National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) and Bellevue University today announced a formal educational partnership designed to support the academic and professional advancement of student-athletes, coaches, and NWCA members across the country. Through this collaboration, NWCA members will gain access to the newly launched Coaching Leadership Academies; fully online, self-paced courses offering three undergraduate or graduate credit hours to help coaches develop essential leadership skills for building and sustaining wrestling programs.

Bellevue University serves residential students on its main campus in Bellevue, NE (near Omaha) with more than 80 accredited undergraduate, graduate and credential programs available online and on campus. The University's commitment to flexible, career-focused education makes it an ideal partner for the wrestling community, where coaches and athletes often balance demanding travel and competition schedules alongside their academic pursuits.

"Partnering with Bellevue University allows us to provide our coaches and aspiring coaches with exceptional value in coaching development. This educational collaboration ensures that our community receives the valuable, quality training they deserve, whether they're building programs from the ground up or refining their leadership approach."

— Mike Moyer, Executive Director, National Wrestling Coaches Association

"Great coaches do more than develop athletes. They build programs, lead teams, and create opportunities for students to succeed. Through this partnership with the NWCA, we're proud to provide coaches access to practical leadership education they can apply immediately in their programs and communities."

— Dr. Mary Hawkins, President, Bellevue University

Course Offerings

COLLEGIATE COACHING LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

Designed for current and aspiring college wrestling coaches, this 17-module course covers:

• Program building and long-term development
• Recruiting, budgeting, and scheduling
• Team culture and leadership
• Athlete academics, health, and well-being
• NIL, branding, and community engagement

Enrollment: $650 (Graded); $450 (Pass/No Pass)

SCHOLASTIC COACHING LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

Designed for current and aspiring high school wrestling coaches, this 15-module course covers:

• Program building and administrative routines
• Parent and school community engagement
• Athlete leadership and life skills development
• Wrestler safety, health, and mental well-being
• Social media, branding, and fundraising

Enrollment: $650 (Graded); $450 (Pass/No Pass)

Flexible Learning Options

Both courses are:

• Fully online and self-paced
• Available for immediate enrollment
• Transferable for 3 undergraduate credit hours
• Eligible for professional development hours (varies by institution)

How to Enroll

Interested coaches are encouraged to visit the NWCA course hub at www.nwcaonline.com/bellevue for program details, enrollment information, and credit transfer guidance.

About the NWCA

The National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) strengthens wrestling at every level by equipping coaches, supporting student-athletes, and advocating for the sport's future. Through innovative coaching development, strategic expansion, and a commitment to student-athlete success, the NWCA advances wrestling nationwide. For more information, visit nwcaonline.com.

• Forbes Advisor recognized Bellevue University’s online Master’s in Finance as the “Best Program for Interdisciplinary Concentrations.”
• The program offers 17 concentration options.
• Students can combine finance studies with disciplines such as accounting, entrepreneurship and supply chain management.

Expanding Opportunities Through Customization

Bellevue University’s online Master’s in Finance program has been recognized by Forbes Advisor as the “Best Program for Interdisciplinary Concentrations,” highlighting the program’s approach to flexible graduate education.

The recognition reflects the program’s focus on helping students build expertise in finance while incorporating knowledge from other business disciplines. With 17 concentration options available, students can tailor their degree to support specific career paths and professional goals.

Finance Education Aligned With Career Goals

The online Master’s in Finance program allows students to add concentrations in areas such as accounting, entrepreneurship and supply chain management. By combining finance coursework with specialized concentration options, students can develop skills that address the needs of organizations across industries.

The program’s online format provides access for working professionals seeking to advance their education while continuing to meet personal and professional commitments.

• Ivana Castellanos Morales won the Best Poster Presentation award at the 2026 DELFIN U.S. Chapter Conference.
• The conference took place July 23, 2026, at Wichita State University.
• Students from Bellevue University, Wichita State University and the University of Texas at El Paso participated in the event.
• The conference marked the fourth annual U.S. Chapter gathering of the DELFIN program.
• Her project focused on analyzing genomes of newly identified bacterial species found in extreme environments.
• The research examined bacteria capable of breaking down hydrocarbons and their potential role in environmental remediation.

Research Recognized at National Conference

Ivana Castellanos Morales received the Best Poster Presentation award during the fourth annual DELFIN U.S. Chapter Conference on July 23 at Wichita State University. Undergraduate students from Latin American countries presented summer research projects developed during a seven-week research experience.

Castellanos Morales, a student at Universidad Anáhuac Veracruz, was one of seven students who participated in the program through Bellevue University. Students representing Bellevue University, Wichita State University and the University of Texas at El Paso shared research findings during the conference.

Research Focuses on Environmental Applications

Working under the mentorship of Dr. John Kyndt, professor of microbiology, nutrition and sustainability at Bellevue University, Castellanos Morales analyzed genomes of newly identified bacterial species found in extreme environments. Her research focused on bacteria capable of surviving in hydrocarbon-contaminated environments. Microbial samples were collected from beaches in Veracruz and Tabasco, Mexico, following oil spills earlier in 2026 that affected fishing, tourism and local ecosystems.

The research is part of an ongoing collaboration between Kyndt and Dr. María Magdalena Uribe Flores, Castellanos Morales' research advisor at Universidad Anáhuac Veracruz in Xalapa, Mexico.

The project examined how these microorganisms break down hydrocarbons, including contaminants associated with oil spills. Researchers hope the findings will advance understanding of how bacteria function in polluted environments and support future environmental remediation efforts in areas affected by contamination.

About the DELFIN Program

The Inter-Institutional Program for Strengthening of Research and Graduate Studies in the Pacific, widely known as Programa DELFIN, began in Mexico to encourage student interest in research, strengthen collaboration among universities and motivate young people to contribute through academic preparation.

Participants join research projects led by faculty members at partner institutions and may complete their placements in person or virtually. Opportunities span a range of disciplines and extend beyond laboratory-based research and the traditional sciences.

• Bellevue University will present at the 2026 Faculty Development Professionals Conference on August 18.
• The session is titled Leveling Up AI Fluency Through Faculty Development.
• Presenters are Janel Heitz, Instructional Training and Development Manager, and Adryan Clapp, Instructional Designer.
• The presentation highlights Bellevue University's Applying AI in Higher Education faculty development program.
• The program combines self-paced learning, live discussions, reflection and peer collaboration.
• Conference attendees will receive strategies for building sustainable AI learning opportunities for faculty.

Bellevue University to Share Faculty Development Model for AI Fluency

Bellevue University will showcase its faculty development work at the 2026 Faculty Development Professionals Conference when Janel Heitz and Adryan Clapp present Leveling Up AI Fluency Through Faculty Development on August 18.

The session examines how Bellevue University designed the Applying AI in Higher Education professional development program to help faculty navigate the rapid pace of change in generative AI. Rather than relying on one-time workshops, the program provides ongoing opportunities for learning through asynchronous coursework, live discussions, reflection activities, and peer engagement.

Addressing a Growing Need in Higher Education

As generative AI continues to influence teaching and learning, many faculty members are seeking guidance on topics such as assessment design, ethics, transparency, and student use of AI tools. Bellevue University's model addresses these challenges through a learning experience that evolves alongside emerging technologies and faculty needs.

Built on a Community of Practice framework, the program supports collaboration among faculty with different levels of AI experience and encourages participants to learn from one another. The course continues to evolve through new modules and content informed by faculty feedback and developments in the AI landscape.

Sharing Strategies With Institutions Nationwide

During the conference session, Heitz and Clapp will outline the program's design, implementation, and ongoing development. Attendees will explore strategies for creating scalable faculty development initiatives, maintaining current training content, and supporting faculty as technology continues to change.

Participants will leave with examples, implementation strategies, and a framework that can be adapted for institutions of different sizes, disciplines, and organizational structures.

• Bellevue University named to Phi Theta Kappa 2026 Transfer Honor Roll
• Marks 10th consecutive year of recognition
• 275 colleges and universities are recognized nationwide
• Selection based on transfer student outcomes, credit mobility, financial support, recruitment and admissions, and campus engagement
• More than 1,117 institutions participated in the evaluation process

Bellevue University Earns Place on Phi Theta Kappa 2026 Transfer Honor Roll

Bellevue University has been named to Phi Theta Kappa's 2026 Transfer Honor Roll for its support of transfer students and transfer pathways.

Phi Theta Kappa recognized 275 four-year colleges and universities on this year's Honor Roll. Institutions were evaluated using data from the National Student Clearinghouse and PTK Connect, Phi Theta Kappa's online platform that connects community college students with transfer opportunities.

The evaluation measures how institutions support transfer students from admission through graduation. Colleges are assessed in five areas:

• Transfer student success outcomes
• Credit mobility and degree applicability
• Financial support for transfer students
• Recruitment and admissions practices
• Campus engagement and support for transfer students

Continuing Support for Transfer Students

This recognition marks the 10th consecutive year Bellevue University has earned a place on Phi Theta Kappa's Transfer Honor Roll.

This year, 1,117 colleges and universities completed PTK's institutional profile, which provides students with information about transfer opportunities while allowing institutions to compare their transfer practices with peer institutions. Phi Theta Kappa selected the 275 highest-performing institutions for the 2026 Transfer Honor Roll.

View the full list of recognized institutions.

Sixty years ago, Bellevue University began with a practical question: What if more people could have a real chance to earn a college degree without leaving behind their work, their families, their military service or their community?

In June 1965, Bill Brooks addressed fellow members of the Bellevue Chamber of Commerce with an idea that would ultimately transform higher education in the region. The community of Bellevue, Nebraska, was expanding rapidly, Offutt Air Force Base was bringing military personnel and families to the area, and working adults had limited opportunities to pursue college degrees while balancing careers and family responsibilities. Brooks believed the community needed a college designed to meet those realities.

What began as a brief agenda item quickly evolved into a shared vision among local business and civic leaders. Their work led to the opening of Bellevue College in 1966, creating a new pathway to higher education for students who needed flexibility, accessibility and practical relevance.

From the beginning, Bellevue's mission was different from many traditional institutions. Rather than focusing exclusively on recent high school graduates, the college was built around the needs of adult learners, military-connected students and working professionals. That learner-centered approach would become a defining characteristic of the institution's next six decades.

Built for Learners Who Balance Real Life

Long before terms such as "nontraditional learner" became common in higher education, Bellevue University understood that students often pursue education alongside other responsibilities.

Many of the University's earliest students were balancing employment, military service, family commitments and other life obligations. Bellevue developed academic programs and support systems that recognized those realities rather than asking students to put their lives on hold.

The commitment was personal for founder Bill Brooks himself. After his college education was interrupted by World War II service, Brooks completed his degree as a member of Bellevue College's first graduating class in 1967. His story reflects the institution's belief that educational opportunity should remain available regardless of age, career stage or life circumstance.

Throughout its history, Bellevue University has continued to welcome learners from diverse backgrounds, life experiences and professional paths. That commitment remains central to its identity today.

Innovating to Meet the Needs of Students

One of Bellevue University's defining strengths has been its willingness to evolve as student needs evolve.

The University launched an accelerated degree completion program in 1987, helping adult learners complete degrees more efficiently while maintaining academic rigor. The institution expanded its undergraduate and graduate offerings and continued to refine educational models that emphasized practical application and workplace relevance.

In 1994, Bellevue College officially became Bellevue University, reflecting the institution's growth and expanding academic portfolio. Yet the core mission remained unchanged: creating pathways to success for students seeking a flexible, career-focused education.

This balance between innovation and mission has enabled the University to remain relevant across multiple generations of learners.

Leading the Way in Online Learning

Perhaps no area better demonstrates Bellevue University's innovative spirit than online learning.

Years before online education became commonplace, Bellevue University recognized that technology could expand access and remove geographic barriers for learners. The University launched its first online course in 1995 and introduced the nation's first online MBA program in 1996. It also became one of the first accredited institutions to offer online degree programs.

Importantly, online education at Bellevue was never treated as a temporary solution or secondary option. Instead, the University developed a comprehensive learning model that combined academic quality, faculty engagement and student support with the flexibility adult learners needed.

Today, online learning remains central to Bellevue University's mission. Students can access dozens of degree and certificate programs while receiving academic advising, tutoring, technology assistance, career resources, comprehensive library access, and other support services designed to help them succeed.

Partnerships That Expand Opportunity

Bellevue University's founding story is rooted in collaboration, and partnerships continue to play a critical role in the institution's success.

Over the years, the University has developed relationships with employers, community colleges, educational providers and organizations across the globe. These partnerships help make education more accessible while ensuring programs remain aligned with workforce needs and career opportunities.

Employer partnerships have become a particularly important part of Bellevue University's strategy. Since Bellevue forged its first official corporate partnership in 1999 with Boys Town, the University has continued to work with organizations to create educational pathways that help employees build skills, complete degrees and advance professionally. These relationships help connect education directly to workplace outcomes while supporting long-term student success.

Community college transfer agreements, educational collaborations and international partnerships further extend the University's reach, helping more learners access quality higher education regardless of where they begin their academic journeys.

Student Success Remains the Priority

While technology, programs and partnerships have evolved, one principle has remained constant: student success.

As one of the nation’s few open-access institutions, Bellevue University serves many students who are balancing significant personal and professional responsibilities. For these learners, success requires more than access to coursework. It requires guidance, encouragement and practical support.

The University provides a wide range of student support services, including academic advising, coaching, tutoring, writing assistance, library resources, military and veteran services, career support and technical assistance. These resources are designed to help students navigate challenges, stay on track and achieve their goals.

This commitment reflects a simple belief that has guided Bellevue University since its founding: success should not depend on where students start, but on the opportunities and support available to help them finish.

Looking Ahead: The Next Chapter of Innovation

As Bellevue University enters its seventh decade, higher education continues to evolve.

Students increasingly seek flexible learning options. Employers are looking for workforce-ready talent. Technology continues to create new possibilities for teaching, learning and career development. These trends align closely with the areas where Bellevue University has built expertise over the past 60 years.

The University's future will continue to be shaped by innovation in online learning supported through advances in artificial intelligence, the expansion of strategic partnerships and a deep commitment to student success. Just as importantly, it will continue to be guided by its founding purpose: helping learners achieve more through education.

The challenges facing learners may change over time, but Bellevue University's response remains familiar. Listen carefully. Remove barriers. Create opportunity. Support success. Those principles shaped the University's first 60 years and will continue guiding its future.

Key Facts

• Bellevue earned the ABCA Team Academic Excellence Award for the seventh consecutive season.
• The honor marks the eighth overall time the Bruins have received the award.
• Bellevue was one of 36 NAIA programs recognized nationally.
• More than 500 collegiate programs and over 320 high school programs received the award this year.
• Bellevue finished the 2026 season with a 50-6 overall record and a 24-0 mark in Frontier Conference play.
• The Bruins won both the Frontier Conference regular season and tournament championships.
• Bellevue qualified for its 28th NAIA National Tournament and hosted an Opening Round Bracket for the sixth time.

ABCA Recognizes Bellevue for Academic Excellence

For the seventh-straight season, and eighth time overall, the American Baseball Coaches' Association (ABCA) recognized the Bellevue University baseball team today as the Bruins earned the ABCA Team Academic Excellence Award, presented by Sports Attack.

Bellevue was one of 36 NAIA schools to be honored with the ABCA Team Academic Excellence Award.

Teams from every level of college and high school baseball were honored with this year's award, highlighting programs coached by ABCA members that posted a GPA of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale for the entire 2025-26 academic year.

This year's award recognized over 320 high school programs and more than 500 collegiate programs.

Award Criteria

Coaches were able to nominate their teams for the ABCA Team Academic Excellence Award following the conclusion of their spring semesters before the nomination deadline of July 17. To be honored, teams had to meet the following criteria:

• Must be a high school or college team
• Head coach must be a current ABCA member
• The team must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 on a 4.0 scale during the 2023-24 academic year

About the ABCA Awards Program

The American Baseball Coaches Association has a long tradition of recognizing the achievements of baseball coaches and student-athletes. The ABCA/Rawlings All-America Teams are the nation's oldest, founded in 1949, and the ABCA's awards program also includes the ABCA/Rawlings All-Region Awards, the ABCA/ATEC Regional & National Coaches of the Year, and several other major awards such as the ABCA Hall of Fame and the Dave Keilitz Ethics in Coaching Award.

About Sports Attack

Sports Attack was founded in 1995 in Reno, NV, but our design and manufacturing folks pre-date the first wheel machines in the baseball industry well over 50 years ago. SA is proudly family-owned and operated with three active partners still heavily engaged. To say that we are manufacturers of quality sports training equipment just seems not to capture the essence of who we are. We do not just design our products; we explore, scrutinize, analyze and engineer our products. We do not just manufacture or assemble our equipment; we build each one from the ground up, by hand, the old-fashioned way.

We view our suppliers through the lens of our mission statement, as a critical part of the design and development of our equipment. After fabrication and prior to shipment the equipment is tested thoroughly, every aspect of every unit. This ensures the product reliability on which our brand is built. Our process represents who we are; distinctive and exclusive design, detailed and quality manufacturing, resulting in innovative, highly effective training equipment.

Our corporate integrity is a critical asset, and we are committed to upholding it worldwide. We set high standards and we abide by them as we practice business fairly and behave ethically. We wholeheartedly believe in, enthusiastically embrace and relentlessly pursue our company's mission. For more information, visit sportsattack.com.

Bellevue Baseball Continues Tradition of Excellence

Bellevue baseball wrapped up the 2026 season with a 50-6 overall record, going 24-0 to win the Frontier Conference regular season championship. During the postseason, BU won the Frontier Conference Tournament title, qualified for their 28th NAIA National Tournament, and hosted an Opening Round Bracket for the sixth time.

Robin Bernstein began working in Bellevue University’s library in 1978, when research looked very different than it does today.

There were no online databases. No internet. No search engines. No artificial intelligence.

Students searched through drawers of card catalogs, photocopied pages from printed indexes, and sometimes waited weeks for periodicals and articles to arrive through the mail.

Today, Bellevue University students have access to over a hundred databases, hundreds of thousands of digital resources, and research assistance around the clock.

Remarkably, one person has been there through it all.

As Senior Director of Library Services, Bernstein has spent nearly 48 years helping students navigate an ever-changing information landscape. She is the University’s longest-serving staff member. During that time, she has witnessed—and helped lead—one of the most significant transformations in higher education.

A Student Who Never Left

Bernstein’s Bellevue University story began as a student.

Like so many students and alumna, Robin came to Bellevue as part of a military family stationed at Offutt Air Force Base.

Originally planning to attend college on the East Coast, her Mom (like so many Moms) wanted her to stay closer, so she enrolled at then Bellevue College.

While registering for classes, she noticed a job posting on a bulletin board for a part-time position in the library.

She applied. She got the job. And she’s never left.

“It was the perfect job,” Bernstein recalls. She attended classes in the morning and worked afternoons in the library, balancing both roles throughout her college career.

While still earning her degree in Business Administration, she accepted a full-time position in the library, and in 1994, earned her Master of Library Science (MLS) and became Director, all integral to her storied career that spans nearly five decades.

Reinventing the Library

During Bernstein’s early years, much of the library work was manual.

For nine years, she personally typed catalog cards for the library’s collection. Every book required multiple cards. Every update required manual maintenance.

Then technology arrived.

In 1987, Bellevue University’s library received its first computer system. Soon after came online databases, electronic journals, digital catalogs, and eventually internet-based research tools.

Many industries struggled to adapt to technological change. Libraries were no exception. But Bernstein viewed innovation differently.

“We’ve always been on the leading edge of trying new things,” she says. “We’ve taken risks. Sometimes they pay off. Sometimes they don’t. But we always moved forward.”

That mindset mirrors Bellevue University’s culture of innovation—a culture Bernstein has experienced under three university presidents and countless institutional changes.

Instead of resisting technology, she embraces it. Instead of protecting old systems, she reimagined what a library could become.

Libraries' Relevance in the Age of AI

As AI - artificial intelligence - becomes the latest technological disruptor, some people question whether libraries remain relevant. Bernstein doesn’t hesitate with her answer.

“Libraries are absolutely relevant in the age of AI. In fact, librarians may be more important than ever. I look at AI as another tool,” she went on. “Our role is helping people learn how to use that tool effectively.”

Rather than replacing research, AI introduces new challenges. Students must learn how to write effective prompts, evaluate results, identify inaccuracies, and verify information before using it.

That’s where librarians step in. For decades, librarians helped students find information. Today, they also help students evaluate information.

The skill set has evolved, but the mission remains the same. “We don’t know everything,” Bernstein says with a smile. “But we know how to find everything.”

A Personal Approach to Student Success

Perhaps the most innovative service Bernstein has helped create is Bellevue University’s Personal Librarian Program.

The concept is simple, but powerful. Students who enroll are paired with a librarian who remains their research partner throughout their entire Bellevue University experience.

Whether they’re first-year students or doctoral candidates, participants have a consistent point of contact who understands their academic goals, research interests, and learning needs.

The program currently serves hundreds of students and has become a unique support system for learners who might otherwise feel overwhelmed by the research process, especially with the myriad choices brought to the fore via AI.

“It’s about taking away anxiety,” Bernstein explains.

Students don’t have to navigate complex databases alone. They don’t have to wonder where to start. They have someone in their corner.

In an increasingly digital world, the program creates something surprisingly valuable: a personal connection.

Supporting Students Everywhere

Bellevue University’s commitment to serving working adults and online learners has required the library to evolve in new ways.

Today’s students are located locally, across the country, and across the globe.

To support them, the library offers extensive digital resources, virtual consultations, accessibility accommodations, and a 24/7 librarian chat service that ensures help is always available.

The goal isn’t simply access to information. It’s access to expertise.

Whether a student logs in at noon or midnight, someone is available to guide them.

Bellevue University’s library is part of a national support system, so that librarians are available to students at all hours. So when Bellevue University’s library is closed, another institution’s librarian assists Bellevue University students at that time. But Bernstein’s team always follows up personally to ensure that students received the help they needed.

That level of care reflects a philosophy that has guided her entire career. Technology should make learning easier, not more complicated.

Looking Toward the Future

After nearly five decades at Bellevue University, Bernstein has seen extraordinary changes.

Card catalogs have disappeared. Printed indexes have become searchable databases. Research that once took weeks can now happen in seconds. And AI is reshaping how people seek and consume information.

Yet through every transformation, one thing has remained constant: students still need guidance. They still need trusted experts. They still need people who can help them separate information from misinformation and curiosity from confusion.

That’s why Bernstein remains optimistic about the future of libraries. The tools will continue to change. The mission will not.

As she reflects on nearly 48 years of service, Bernstein’s career offers a powerful reminder that innovation isn’t about replacing people. It’s about helping people succeed.

And for generations of Bellevue University students, that’s exactly what she’s done.

• Money recognized Bellevue University on its latest Best Colleges 2026 list.
• The ranking evaluates colleges based on affordability, student outcomes and value.
• Bellevue University offers more than 80 academic programs.
• Most students can choose online or on-campus learning options.

Bellevue University Earns Recognition for Student Outcomes and Affordability

Bellevue University has earned recognition on Money’s latest Best Colleges 2026 list, a ranking that helps students and families identify institutions that provide strong educational value.

Money evaluates four-year colleges and universities using measures that include graduation rates, affordability, financial aid, student debt and alumni earnings.

Meeting Students Where They Are

Bellevue University helps students earn degrees while balancing work, family and other responsibilities. The University serves more than 18,000 students, with 96% learning online, and supports learners through transfer pathways, employer partnerships and military and veteran services.

Bellevue University also provides a residential experience for students who choose to learn in person. Students can live on campus, participate in student activities and compete on 16 varsity athletic teams. Through more than 80 academic programs and partnerships with employers across the country, the University helps students gain knowledge and skills that support workforce needs and career growth.

I was 13, turning 14, when I left conventional schooling.

At that point, I had been in the Nottingham Forest Academy for almost four years, and when the club offered me the chance to join a program where up-and-coming talent could do a school program tailored to my aspirations of making in the professional ranks, I jumped at the chance.

It might have been quite abnormal at the time, but for me, it was really incredible. I was able to train more, I was on the field more, I was developing quicker, my training and games taking priority over my schoolwork.

Even as a teenager, you know the odds of turning professional having been an academy player all the way through to 17 in England are very slim. I knew it was important to have the educational element to fall back on if things didn't work out. But as an individual, I only ever saw football as my goal.

That’s what I wanted to achieve, and leaving conventional schooling made me certain that that's what I wanted to do.

Little did I know it would happen a continent away.

Looking for a Fresh Start

Ten years ago, I was looking for a fresh start. Although I’d achieved my goal of earning a professional contract with Forest, the next step never quite arrived.

Now a 21-year-old free agent, I was trying to just make any headway into the game that I could, but America beckoned. I connected with Barry Venison, who was a former England international working at Orange County SC at the time, and he had a friend, Carl Craig, who was the Head Coach at Minnesota United FC.

He got me a trial, and honestly, I was just buzzing to be involved with a team at that time. I was excited to show what I could do.

That May, a new door opened. I signed with the Loons for their final season in the North American Soccer League, scored my first professional goal days later, and things were off and running.

Since then, the journey over the past 10 years has been incredible, and I’m really grateful for it.

Football-wise, it’s been great, but I can't think of many better experiences than the places I’ve been, moving around the United States. Going from Minnesota to Florida, then going to Salt Lake City, Utah, San Diego, California, and then here in Indy, I’ve got to live in some great places.

I’m incredibly proud of what I’ve accomplished on the field, too.

Winning the USL Championship with Real Monarchs SLC in 2019 is No. 1 for me. There’s no feeling like lifting a trophy, and to captain the side was an incredible honor. Forming that bond with the other squad mates and winning that championship together was incredible.

I’m also really proud of coming here to Indy, bringing my family here, and integrating into the community. Becoming the all-time leading goal scorer for Indy Eleven was big for me, and something I'm really proud of.

More than 250 appearances into my career, I feel great, and I’m hoping I’ve got many more years left.

As players, it’s up to us how much work we put in, and that ultimately is how you end up getting that longevity in your career. If you’re willing to put in the work – whether that’s recovery, whether it’s working hard in the gym, whether it’s also adapting to the game tactically – I think I’ve always been one to try and get the edge on others and try and work hard to do that.

But I know playing doesn’t last forever. That’s when I knew it was time to go back to school.

Huge Array of Options to Learn From

When I first heard about the USL’s partnership with Bellevue University, I was interested immediately.

It almost seemed too good to be true. You can basically get a scholarship to learn whatever you want, and all you have to do is just be a USL player and be enrolled as a professional footballer, it was a no-brainer for me. I felt like, “I have to do that, and anything I can do to get on that program, try and make possible.”

Having teammates who’d gone through the experience was a godsend as well. One of my good friends, Aedan Stanley, and I had many conversations about finding the balance between playing and school – he was one of the first people that I reached out to and asked, “What’s it like, how are you making it work?” I didn't want to jump into something that I couldn't handle, especially with a small family. He was really helpful, as was James Musa, who was going through the same thing when he was at Indy Eleven last year.

Now I’m pursuing a degree in Sport Management, but the great thing about Bellevue University is there’s a huge array of options to learn from. I think that’s what makes it so good, you can pick and choose what you want to learn.

I’m really enjoying learning aspects of education that I didn't think that I would get to know about. There’s lots of individual classes that go from human geography, nutrition classes, algebra classes, there’s all kinds of stuff that I’m delving into that I honestly couldn’t remember learning about. I think I was diving into the back of my brain with the algebra from when I was 11 or 12, that was a tough one, but I’m really enjoying it.

For my kids, too, I’ve always wanted to be a positive role model for them, and I think them seeing me take the time to do that is something positive. I don’t hide it from them, I don’t go off into a room, if I need to catch up on some work, they’ll see me working. I think that’s important, too.

They’re six and eight years old now, and sometimes we sit around the table as a family and we do schoolwork together. Maybe they're catching up on me, but it’s a positive thing. I think it’s something where I hope they could follow in my footsteps.

‘I Wanted to Give Myself the Tools to Do Something’

Long-term, I think staying in football is something that is a good idea for me. I’m not sure what that role looks like, whether that’s coaching, whether it’s a front office role, whatever that may be, I’m not quite sure yet, but I wanted to give myself the tools of being able to do something if I wanted to, which is where my degree comes in.

What’s been really cool the last few years here at Indy, we get to train with the Academy lads who come up. My son, as well, has been involved in the Academy at Indy Eleven. He’s only eight, and he’s at the youngest age group, so it’s cool to see him at the bottom, and then I’m at the pro level.

I’ve done a bit of coaching in the academy as well with my son’s team. There’s a lot of joy that you get out of it, where you know their brains are like sponges. You give them information, they absorb it, and then you see it happen in real time. I think the coaching side is another passion of mine, where I feel like I can use the experiences I’ve had and hand them down to the younger generation.

As fulfilling as that is, and as much as I’ve achieved as a player, completing my degree is definitely going to be right up there when it comes to accomplishments. Being the first proper degree I’ve worked toward, I’ll be really happy once I achieve that.

I’m definitely looking forward to that feeling.

- Jack Blake, Midfielder, Indy Eleven

From The Pitch aims to provide a platform for individuals within the USL to share their thoughts on things that matter most to them – at the crossroads of life and the beautiful game. USL partner Bellevue University is committed to empowering motivated students to explore their passions, impact change in their communities and chase their dreams.

• 100% online coursework with flexible scheduling and internships in your community
• Prepares social workers to become a skilled, ethical, and justice-oriented professionals
• Offers advanced generalist and Military Social Work specialization
• Requires 920 practicum hours in supervised settings

How the MSW program prepares students for professional practice

Bellevue University designed the MSW program to prepare students for advanced generalist practice and specialized roles. Students study social work practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. The curriculum requires coursework in human behavior, policy, research, and intervention methods. Students learn to apply evidence-informed approaches, assess client needs, and evaluate outcomes.

The program requires students to demonstrate competencies in ethical behavior, policy practice, and research-informed decision-making. Students engage with frameworks that address human rights and social, racial, economic, and environmental issues. Graduates complete the program with the skills to assess, intervene, and evaluate across service settings.

What students experience through practicum education and specialization

The MSW program includes practicum education as a required component. Students complete 920 hours of supervised field experience across foundation and advanced levels. Practicum courses align with classroom instruction and include integrative seminars that connect academic learning to field practice. Students perform direct service, apply theory, and develop professional identity in real-world environments.

In the advanced year, students select either an Advanced Generalist or Military Social Work specialization. The Military Social Work track focuses on practice with service members, veterans, and families, including coursework on military culture, trauma, and policy systems. Both tracks include advanced practicum placements that build leadership, assessment, and intervention skills.

Spend a few minutes talking with Marissa Decker and one thing becomes clear: she knows exactly who she is.

She describes herself as sensitive, high-energy, bold, occasionally edgy and, above all, a storyteller. For years, she questioned whether those qualities belonged in a corporate environment. Today, those very qualities are driving her success.

Working for Metropolitan Utilities District (MUD) since 2015, Decker collaborates with contractors and engineers to improve customer satisfaction in her position as Business Development Builders Clerk. While the role is firmly rooted in a professional, service-driven environment, she has stretched beyond traditional boundaries, especially while completing her Bachelor of Science in Marketing degree at Bellevue University.

In addition to her full-time role, she took on an internal volunteer role within the organization in late 2025 as a creative content marketing lead for the Cultural Employee Resource Group (CERG). However, what began as a simple volunteer gig became a defining lesson.

"You have to be unapologetically yourself and push outside of the box," she said. "That's where the magic happens."

Turning Passion into Credibility

Decker has always been drawn to storytelling, graphic design, and content marketing. What she sought from Bellevue University was the structure behind that passion.

“I have experience. I have knowledge. I have the creative human touch. But I wanted those advanced skills and a deeper understanding of marketing,” she said. “Now I have credibility because I earned my degree.”

Through her coursework, she learned to pair creative instinct with strategic thinking—analyzing audiences, building campaigns and measuring impact. That combination proved transformative.

While working with the ERG, Decker began creating content designed to connect employees, educate the workforce and strengthen culture. Her work aligns with organizational branding standards while bringing warmth, personality and humanity into corporate communications.

Marketing with Empathy

At the core of Decker’s approach is a simple belief: good marketing starts with understanding people.

"You can't be a marketer if you don't ask questions and genuinely care," she said. "You can't serve your audience if you don't understand them."

That mindset shapes everything she creates.

Her newsletters don’t simply share information—they tell stories. When launching a new internal publication, she invited employees to help name it. The final choice, Culture Connect, reflected a shared vision. For an engagement initiative, she developed a global travel-themed campaign that tied into the current “passport program,” which employees collect stamps and points for participation. Decker designs personalized stamps for each event and colorful promotional materials to engage members with intentionality.

In fact, one profile in the program highlighted a colleague from Nigeria and included guidance on how to pronounce his name. It was a small but meaningful detail rooted in respect and inclusion while still being modern, fun, and educational.

"I can physically see people engaging with my work and how it makes them feel valued," she said. "I found my purpose."

That purpose was further recognized when Decker earned a Pinnacle Award from the American Marketing Association Omaha Chapter. Her winning project was one she completed during her time at Bellevue, and it focused on a social media strategy targeting an untapped audience: men interested in skincare. The project combined research, audience analysis, risk assessment, strategic planning and graphic design.

Decker credits Bellevue University faculty member Dr. Randa Zalman for helping elevate her work and being a mentor who saw her talents and encouraged her to put her work out there.

"I've never had a teacher personally reach out and say, 'Marissa, I want you to know you have a gift,'" Decker said. “It's really motivating to have a professor who sees your talents and provides detailed feedback on how to improve. But also provides the tools to be successful and genuinely cares about your wellbeing.”

An Academic and Career Journey to Be Proud Of

Decker’s journey extends beyond awards.

She is a first-generation college graduate who worked full-time while earning her degree. During that time, she also purchased her own home, maintained a 4.0 GPA and earned Dean’s List honors.

"I went from being a college dropout to being recognized as the winner of the Pinnacle Award," she said.

"I felt like a failure at one point in life, constantly comparing myself to others," she said. "Now I'm very confident in so many aspects of my life, seeing what I am capable of and so blessed I went back to school, met amazing people, secured my degree, and chose myself."

That confidence has created momentum beyond the workplace. Her work at MUD and involvement with the ERG have led to freelance opportunities and new ways to apply her skills.

But for Decker, success isn’t defined by recognition. It’s defined by connection.

"I help people feel seen and heard," she said.

And in a field often driven by metrics and dashboards, she’s found something equally powerful. "I am authentically me in everything I do," she said.

After more than four decades in higher education – and specifically at Bellevue University, Dr. Roxanne Sullivan has learned something surprising:

Students haven’t changed nearly as much as people think.

As Bellevue University’s longest-serving professor and longtime Psychology Department Chair, Sullivan has spent 43 years helping students understand human behavior. Along the way, she’s witnessed the rise of personal computers, the internet, online education, smartphones, social media, and now artificial intelligence.

Yet despite all the technological disruption, the fundamentals of learning remain remarkably consistent.

“People always think students today are completely different,” Sullivan says. “The excuses have changed from ‘the dog ate my homework’ to ‘my computer ate my homework,’ but many of the challenges are the same.”

The Human Side of Learning

Sullivan’s perspective is grounded in both scholarship and experience.

A developmental psychologist by training, she earned degrees from the University of Iowa, Purdue University, and Michigan State University before joining Bellevue University in 1983.

Over the years, her focus shifted from researching young children to understanding how college students learn most effectively. One lesson stands above the rest: students thrive when they take ownership of their education.

“The biggest change I’ve seen is the amount of responsibility students take for their learning,” Sullivan explains. “Some simply don’t have modeling when it comes to college.” That’s especially true for first-generation college students, a group Sullivan understands personally.

Despite growing up in a family without college degrees, education was always expected. Her parents encouraged academic achievement and instilled a belief that learning could create opportunities beyond what previous generations had experienced.

Today, she works to provide that same encouragement to students navigating college for the first time.

Psychology Is More Relevant Than Ever

When we asked Sullivan if, and how, psychology has changed over the years, she said that it hasn’t changed much. “When people think about psychology as a major or profession, they think you’re going to analyze them.” Many of Sullivan’s students aspire to be therapists or counselors, and while some go on and earn these credentials, she made the point that what people learn in psychology courses runs wide and deep across many other careers – and life. “In today’s workplace, understanding how people think, communicate, make decisions, and respond to change may be more valuable than ever. It’s not just the content,” she said, “It’s the skill sets.”

Those skills include critical thinking, communication, problem-solving, empathy, and understanding human motivation—capabilities that apply in business, marketing, leadership, healthcare, education, and countless other professions.

In fact, some of Sullivan’s most successful former students never became practicing psychologists at all. Instead, they apply psychological principles in careers ranging from real estate to nonprofit leadership to veteran services.

The common denominator isn’t a specific job title. It’s an understanding of people.

The Online Learning Experiment That Worked

When Bellevue University began expanding its online offerings, Sullivan wasn’t immediately on board. Like many faculty members, she worried about whether students could receive the same educational experience outside a traditional classroom.

Rather than resisting the change, she decided to shape it.

Over the course of several years, Sullivan helped move nearly an entire psychology program online while maintaining the rigor and engagement she believed students deserve. Her goal was simple: online students should receive the same quality education as students sitting in a classroom.

Today, psychology remains one of Bellevue University’s strongest programs, with online enrollment continuing to grow.

The experience taught Sullivan an important lesson about innovation – technology works best when it serves educational goals.

The AI Conversation Is Familiar

As artificial intelligence rapidly enters classrooms and workplaces, Sullivan sees parallels to earlier technological revolutions.

When calculators became common, educators worried students would stop learning math. When the internet emerged, many feared research skills would disappear.

Now, AI has become the newest source of concern. Sullivan believes the discussion should focus less on fear and more on responsible use. “Like anything else, you learn to use the tool appropriately,” she says.

The solution isn’t avoiding the technology altogether. The solution is teaching students how to question it. “Use it,” she advises. “But think about what it’s giving you.”

AI can help students brainstorm ideas, create visuals, summarize information, and explore concepts. But it cannot replace critical thinking, judgment, or genuine understanding.

But Sullivan warns: AI can generate inaccurate information, fabricate references, or confidently present incorrect conclusions. She is fine with students using AI, because she knows they’re going to, but she instructs them to cite their sources and deploy their good thinking to a piece that AI has helped research.

Curiosity Still Wins

Throughout the interview, one theme surfaced repeatedly: curiosity.

Whether discussing psychology, technology, or student success, Sullivan returned to the importance of asking questions, exploring ideas, and remaining open to learning. That’s one reason she remains optimistic about the future.

While technology will continue to evolve, the qualities that drive success remain remarkably stable: Students who are curious. Students who take responsibility. Students willing to challenge assumptions and think critically. Those are the students who thrive.

And after 43 years in the classroom, Sullivan has seen enough evidence to know that will never change.

A Legacy Beyond Psychology

As Sullivan prepares for retirement in a year, her influence extends far beyond the psychology department.

Thousands of students have passed through her classrooms. Hundreds have chosen careers inspired by lessons learned under her guidance.

Perhaps most importantly, she has modeled what lifelong learning looks like.

From adapting to online education to thoughtfully embracing AI, Sullivan has never stopped learning herself. That may be her most enduring lesson. The world will continue to change. New technologies will emerge. New challenges will appear.

But curiosity, critical thinking, and a commitment to understanding people will always matter.

And those are lessons worth carrying forward.