Noe Finally Found Undergraduate Success at the Right University

When Crayton Noe graduates from Bellevue University, it will mean so much more than a piece of paper. Completing his Bachelor of Science in Business Management and Leadership will be the culmination of years of studying at various schools without success. What makes the difference is the support, connections and real-world relevance he’s finding at Bellevue University.

Making Strides in the Military

Originally from Seward, Neb., Noe attended a local university after high school. However, when it became quite expensive to continue after two years, his now-wife suggested the U.S. Air Force. That would set the course for his journey.

Noe was looking forward to traveling the world, but instead served his first six years at Offutt Air Force Base in Bellevue. Succeeding in his career and education simultaneously was a struggle at the time.

“There was a continued expectation to get your bachelor’s degree,” he said. “I was getting promoted and took classes at a couple of different local universities, but I had to keep putting it on the back burner when I got deployed.”

Noe separated from active duty last year after 10 years of service and is now serving in the Air National Guard. In his time with the Air Force, he developed a passion for leadership through career roles including managing affairs for chaplains and representing Offutt in welcoming distinguished visitors.

Finding a One-of-a-Kind Education Experience

As he looked toward the next chapter of his life, Noe began looking at schools again. He landed on Bellevue University, where he could continue exploring leadership.

From the beginning, the experience has been completely different than his previous ones. “It was such a smooth process that I hadn’t experienced anywhere else,” Noe said. “It was seamless, and they easily helped me apply my educational benefits to continue my education.”

Noe has found many unique benefits came from studying in a cohort format where he completes all his classes with the same peers.

“It is a much different experience. I am able to commit to something I’m passionate about and the support system has been phenomenal,” he said. “It is also the first time in a classroom that my background has been respected and sought after.”

Program Director Rebecca Barnes said his classmates are directly benefiting from his background and perspectives. “Between his experience in the Air Force and his work in the nonprofit space, Crayton adds depth and meaning to our discussions,” she said. “He's constantly thinking about how what we're learning applies in the real world, and that service-oriented approach makes the learning experience better for everyone.”

In addition to contributing academically, Noe is known among his peers for mentoring others through professional transitions and helping connect classroom learning to real-world leadership challenges. He recently partnered with Professor Hinkle to facilitate an in-class activity on transformative leadership through communication, drawing on his "Cup of Trust" experiential exercise.

The cohort format also gives Noe the opportunity to connect with peers at different levels of leadership within their careers. “The diversity of peers is vertical compared to my other experiences where it was horizontal. I can connect with people implementing leadership programs the way I want to,” he said. “It reframed my world and my thinking.”

Noe is even getting straight A’s for the first time in his life. “I even made the dean’s list multiple times and will graduate with honors,” he said.

Helping Organizations with Leadership Learnings

Noe is now taking steps to make an even bigger impact with his leadership expertise. Building on his military background, Noe has designed experiential leadership development frameworks that help teams build trust, make decisions under pressure, and communicate more effectively—several of which he has already piloted with local organizations.

He said Bellevue University is playing a large role in this venture. “Bellevue University perfectly aligned with where I’m at in my life, with who I am right now and where I want to go,” he said.

Noe credits both staff and faculty with helping him succeed. “Having an advisor coach really makes a difference and the professors have challenged me to grow and make an impact,” he said.

Barnes said Noe’s story is a perfect example of how the University designs the entire student experience to meet their needs. “Bellevue University is built for students who are ready to finish what they started,” she said. “We meet students where they are and give them the support they need to cross the finish line with skills they can use immediately.”

Looking ahead, Noe plans to continue developing leadership programs that emphasize service, accountability, and real-world application—values shaped by his military experience and refined through his education at Bellevue University.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What will I learn in the Bellevue University Business Management and Leadership (BML) degree program?

A: You’ll build practical skills in communication, critical thinking, teamwork, and ethical leadership. You’ll also learn how to understand business environments and make decisions that move teams forward.

Q: Is the Bellevue University Business Management and Leadership degree offered fully online?

A: Yes. The program is 100% online and uses an accelerated cohort format where you take one course at a time with the same group of classmates.

Q: What makes the Bellevue University Business Management and Leadership program a good fit for working learners?

A: The one‑course‑at‑a‑time format, flexible online delivery, and stackable certificates make it easy to balance school with work and family. You’ll also build a strong network through the cohort experience.

Q: What kinds of courses will I take?

A: Courses cover business communication, talent management, leadership techniques, and introductory business intelligence using Excel — all designed to build real‑world business and leadership skills.

Q: What career‑ready skills will I graduate with?

A: You’ll learn how to manage operations, interpret business environments, improve team performance, and apply proven leadership practices—skills that prepare you for supervisory and leadership roles.

Q: Do I earn any credentials as I move through the Bellevue University Business Management and Leadership program?

A: Yes. After your first two courses, you’ll earn a Certificate of Completion in Communications and Team Building. You can continue stacking additional certificates as you progress.