Nebraska’s ‘50 Over 50’ List Includes Bellevue University President
Dr. Mary Hawkins, President of Bellevue University, earned a place on The BLOC’s 50 Over 50 Nebraska list for 2025. The program recognizes Nebraskans age 50 and older for ongoing contributions across sectors. Hawkins joins a group of leaders in nonprofit, innovation, business, community, and healthcare.
Key Facts
- Dr. Mary Hawkins serves as President of Bellevue University.
- She joined Bellevue University in 1995 as Vice President for Enrollment and Outreach.
- She became the university’s fourth president in 2009.
- The BLOC selected her for the 2025 50 Over 50 Nebraska list.
- The program recognizes Nebraskans age 50-plus for ongoing contributions.
50 Over 50 Award Recognizes Continued Contribution
Dr. Mary Hawkins, President of Bellevue University, has been recognized in The BLOC’s 50 Over 50 Nebraska list for 2025.
The 50 Over 50 awards celebrate and honor Nebraskans aged 50-plus who have and are still accomplishing great things in Nebraska. This year’s class includes leaders from the following categories: nonprofit, innovation, business, community and healthcare.
Honorees will be recognized at an event on Saturday, Oct. 25 in downtown Omaha.
“I’m grateful to be recognized alongside leaders who care deeply about Nebraska’s future,” said Dr. Hawkins. “At Bellevue University, my focus has always been on expanding access to education and keeping learning connected to the workforce. This award is a reminder of how much we can accomplish when community, business, and education work together.”
Leadership at Bellevue University Under Dr. Hawkins
Dr. Mary Hawkins joined Bellevue University in 1995 as Vice President for Enrollment and Outreach and became the University’s fourth president in 2009. Since then, she has overseen significant growth in enrollment, geographic reach, and academic offerings, while strengthening national, international, corporate, and community partnerships.
Under her leadership, Bellevue University has earned recognition as a leading institution for working learners. Dr. Hawkins championed the University’s applied learning model, which equips students at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels with career-ready skills. She has also focused on supporting working parents, military spouses, and others balancing education with career and family responsibilities—driving innovations that expand access and help students build brighter futures for themselves and their families.
Founded in 1966, Bellevue University is a non-profit university with more than 70,000 graduates worldwide. The University is a recognized national leader in preparing students for lifelong success with career-relevant knowledge and skills, while making college affordable. Routinely ranked among the nation’s top military and accessible institutions, the University serves residential students at its main campus in Bellevue, Nebraska, and everywhere online with more than 85 degree programs uniquely designed for working adults. The University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org).