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.”

Hoke’s journey to earning her MHA began when she returned to the workforce in 2014 after taking time to raise her three girls, soon realizing that continuing her education would be essential to achieving her career goals. “I needed a program that would fit into my life, which was already busy with my girls and working full time,” she said. “The level of engagement and availability from the professors built my confidence and pushed me to succeed.”

Similar to Hoke, Vacarro knew a leadership position would require more education. She found that her employer offered tuition reimbursement with Bellevue University. “I decided that there was really no reason not to pursue my MHA. I enjoy learning and I was eager to deepen my knowledge about healthcare,” she said. “I was also able to complete the program without accruing new student debt!”

Growing and Connecting Through Graduate Education

Hoke said earning her MHA has helped her grow personally and professionally over the last decade. ”The ability to work while enrolled in the MHA program allowed me to bring my real-life healthcare experiences to the program,” she said. “In turn, the real application of the ideas not only drove me to be a better professional; it deepened my understanding of the concepts that I was learning,” she said.

She valued her MHA experience so much that she wanted to be an active part of its future. “Bellevue University makes a college degree a realistic, attainable goal, and that is one of the biggest reasons that I sought out an adjunct position,” she said. “I truly believe that being an adjunct continues to grow my knowledge and perspectives in my field with each course I teach.”

Vaccaro agreed that the MHA’s immediate application to her workplace and accommodation of working students helped her succeed. “I had opportunities to ask questions of leaders that might not necessarily have arisen otherwise,” she said. “While I was initially nervous about being part of an online cohort, in hindsight, it was the only way I think I could have completed my MHA in the time that I did.”

During her program, Vaccaro worked closely with Hoke during her Organizational Delivery and Design course, with the two ultimately meeting in person at the graduation open house in January.

Continuing to Learn as Colleagues

Following graduation, Hoke offered Vaccaro a role as Credentialing Coordinator at Midlands Choice, where Hoke works as the Director of Credentialing & Compliance.

“I knew that Shannon would be a great candidate for the position,” Hoke said. “I am excited for the opportunity to work with her in this new capacity and am grateful for the connection formed through the MHA program.”

Vaccaro said she has already seen the impact her graduate program is making in her new role. “I am using my problem-solving skills in a new way and really try to integrate how my role impacts the organization,” she said.

She also said Hoke’s mentorship has made an undeniable impact. “Jenn was a pivotal reason I decided to make the leap into the position at Midlands Choice,” Vaccaro said. “Because of my experience with Jenn at Bellevue University, and because of the MHA program itself, I had the confidence to take on a new role that was outside of my comfort zone.”

MHA Program Director Mike Freel said he often sees lasting connections like these. ”The program is led by highly accomplished faculty, but what truly sets the program apart is how those faculty connect with students,” he said. “As students approach the end of the program, many begin to see new professional doors opening. During this important transition, faculty remain actively engaged. That genuine investment in student success is what helps create lasting relationships that extend well beyond the classroom.”

Education, Experience Lead to Discovering Passion

Lowrey founded Access Period in 2022, after embracing various opportunities, including earning her Master of Arts in Managerial Communications with an emphasis in human resources. Lowrey decided to pursue graduate studies after earning a bachelor’s degree at the University of Nebraska at Kearney.

“I come from a family that really values education,” she said. She said she recalls her mother earning a master’s degree and a Doctorate in Education while she was still in school. “I had a lot to learn and wanted to continue my education. I also knew there would never be a time when I would be as available.”

While seeking out the next step on her educational journey, Lowrey was also working full-time. “ I didn’t think I could be on campus full time or even at night, so I did a lot of research on degrees with online schools,” she said. “It was really important to me that Bellevue University was nonprofit, and I liked that it was local.” She said she also liked the flexibility of having the option to study on campus.

As a young professional, Lowrey said she also benefited from studying with a diverse student body. “I learned from students with different experiences from mine,” she said. This included those further along in their careers and military personnel.

Lowrey began her career in hospitality, where she gained some human resources experience. She eventually moved into the role of Communications Director for a staffing firm. She was in this role when her variety of experiences and lifetime devotion to volunteering led her to establish the groundwork for Access Period.

“I saw it was a huge issue statewide,” she said. While there were many resources to address hunger and homelessness, there was still a gap in making much-needed basic needs products available – including period supplies.  

“I was on my way to making a big difference, and I was fortunate my employer believed in me and this project,” she said. She built the organization part-time alongside her career and was later able to pursue the work full-time as the Executive Director of Access Period.

Building a Movement

Today, Access Period offers 11 statewide access points where people in need can receive a three-month kit with no paperwork or restrictions. Approximately 70 community partners and 150 schools, whether at the district level or through individual counselors, also distribute products. “It has been great,” Lowrey said. “Our partners decide how they can best help their communities.” In total, Access Period distributes approximately 4,500 period products per day.

The organization relies on private foundations, corporate partners and individual donors for funding. Volunteers also play a crucial role, whether it’s participating in weekly events at Access Period’s warehouse or driving across the state to deliver products. Those interested in helping can also participate in Access Period’s monthly donation Period Party program. “Our volunteers and donors are essential so we are a more reliable source for our partners,” she said.

Bellevue University got involved in the effort, as well, hosting a period packing party at the school. “That was really special because I didn’t get to be on campus a lot,” Lowrey said.

Though she didn’t know her path would eventually lead to spearheading a successful, impactful nonprofit, Lowrey said she appreciates the role Bellevue University helped play in her journey. “My experience at BU helped me see the many options available for me, and expanded my view of what was possible.”

The annual award recognizes a community member or student who demonstrates outstanding ethical leadership through their professional and community service across the Bellevue, Omaha and Lincoln areas.

Past recipients have included a young professional who directs after-school programs, a business owner involved with the local school board, and the founder of a nonprofit focused on grief support.

Submit a Nomination

Click here to complete the nomination form. Nominations are due Monday, Dec. 15, 2025.

The 2025 award recipient will be announced early next year and recognized at a presentation ceremony.

Ethical Insights is a faculty-led initiative that supports the teaching and learning of ethics across Bellevue University’s colleges. Current members of the Ethical Insights Committee include Committee Chair Karla Carter, JoDee Goracke, Leo Mayhan, David Thomas, Terissa Upchurch-Butler, Leslie Stager, Khalid Ayyubov, and Michael Woodard.

For questions or more information, contact the Ethical Insights Committee at kcarter@bellevue.edu.

Previous winners of the Ethical Leadership and Service Award include:

2024 – Buffy Bush

2023 – Braxton Crowder

2022 – Debra Parsow

2021 – JR Richardson

2020 – Beth Riley

2019 – Katherine (KC) Noble

2018 – Pete Heineman

2017 – Gina Ponce

2016 – Mike Livergood

2015 – Dr. Jon Kayne

2014 – Rabbi Pesach Lerner

2013 – Frank Kumor

2012 – Dr. Robert Saniuk

2011 – Prof. Del Stites

• Author: Hoda Hassan, RMHCI
• Affiliation: Bellevue University alum
• Publication: Florida Counseling Association newsletter
• Issue: Summer 2025
• Article title: The Nervous System Knows: Somatic Signs That It’s Time to Unplug
• Topic: Effects of screen use on mental and physical health
• Includes research findings and strategies to reduce screen use impact

Article Content

Bellevue University alum Hoda Hassan, RMHCI, published an article in the Summer 2025 issue of the Florida Counseling Association newsletter on the effects of screen use on mental and physical health.

The article, The Nervous System Knows: Somatic Signs That It’s Time to Unplug, explains how screen use can contribute to anxiety, depression, poor sleep, shallow breathing, eye strain, muscle tension, and sensory overload.

Hassan cites studies showing that one extra hour of smartphone use in bed can increase the risk of insomnia, and that heavy daily screen use more than doubles the odds of anxiety and depression in teens. The article also shares strategies such as breathwork, grounding techniques, and daily rituals to reduce the impact of screen use.

About the Organization

The Florida Counseling Association, a branch of the American Counseling Association, promotes the counseling profession through public awareness, professional development, and advocacy.

The full article is available for download below.

Just before he graduated with his Master of Health Administration Degree from Bellevue University this past June, Bellevue University alumnus Erik Tanski had already been recognized for leading the successful implementation of an innovative program to better serve stroke patients. The registered nurse from Loveland, Colorado, received the Magnet Award for Empirical Outcomes from UCHealth, where he specializes in trauma and surgical intensive care at Medical Center of the Rockies (MCR).

Increasing Opportunity with Education

Tanski chose to pursue the MHA program through a collaboration between UCHealth and Bellevue University. The flexibility of studying online allowed him to complete his graduate work while also working a full-time job.

The MHA program provided Tanski with a well-rounded understanding of the various considerations within a healthcare setting. “Being able to have a ‘boots-on-the-ground’ view along with that of how managers and leaders operate helped to give a comprehensive view on how both sides of the hospital work,” he said.

Plus, “Bellevue University professors were available and willing to answer questions and emails, and took an active interest in our discussions weekly,” he said.

Tanski said he’s already seen the impact of the program on his career. “Being able to finish my MHA has allowed me to apply for more managerial level jobs, apply the active concepts about leadership and management into my daily life and share those lessons with my fellow colleagues,” he said.

Leading the Charge for Patients

As Tanski was honing his leadership skills in the MHA program, he was also applying them at work. “I identified that some of our most vulnerable patients – stroke patients – had some of the worst outcomes out of any of our patients, specifically, the hemorrhagic stroke patients,” he said. “There was no established process to proactively involve our Palliative Care team for these patients, which led the patients to be in the ICU for several days, or longer, before any of those goals of care conversations were had. With the help of neurology, palliative care, pulmonary, and hospitalists, I initiated a nurse-driven project that automatically allowed palliative care to be consulted when the patient was admitted.”

Tanski implemented a trial that quickly showed positive results: of 27 total patients with diagnoses of intracranial hemorrhage or intraventricular hemorrhage, 21 received a palliative consult, 20 of whom had a palliative care consult and a goals of care conference within 72 hours.

“That's 77% of patients who met the gold standard and 74% of all patients who received a consult,” he said. “We saw an increase of almost 59%.” Tanski added that the average length of stay decreased from 3.5 days to 1.25 days for these patients and that a staff survey showed 100% of the staff viewed the initiative as a good one to keep in place.

These impressive results earned Tanski the Magnet Award and could positively impact the lives of countless Colorado patients going forward.

The new guidelines for consults are being integrated as part of admission for every hemorrhagic stroke patient that comes into the ICU.

“Ideally, this will be across all of UCHealth and not just our hospital,” Tanski said, “so we can help people across the entire system to get the care and support they need after something as devastating as a stroke.”

Julian Andrade found a home in recreational sports as a young boy, never knowing that one day he would provide the same sense of belonging for youth in his community. Recently appointed the Executive Director of PACE (Police Athletics for Community Engagement) in Omaha, Neb., this Bellevue University Sport Management Degree graduate has embraced his love of sports to make public service his life’s work.

Navigating an Uncertain Path

Growing up in South Omaha with divorced parents, playing recreational baseball provided some stability for Andrade. He even got his first job umpiring in his early teen years. However, he didn’t realize the career opportunities it would provide. “I was always interested but I had never really considered it a viable career,” he said.

Andrade graduated high school with a scholarship and began studies at a public university, but wasn’t sure what major to study or what direction to go. He decided to enter the workforce, and found himself working in the parks and recreation field at Boys and Girls Clubs of the Midlands.

“We kept kids off the streets. I really liked what they were doing, but I needed to have a college degree to build a full-time career there,” he said. Furthering his education was imperative to showing donors the organization’s impact, inspiring kids with possibilities for their futures and ultimately securing the role he wanted.

An Unmatched Educational Experience

Returning to school meant finding the right fit for Andrade’s busy life. “I could no longer do a four-year traditional path,” he said. After completing his associate’s degree at a community college, he found Bellevue University was the perfect fit – thanks to a generous credit transfer policy, tuition reimbursement from his employer and the right program offering.

Andrade studied in a hybrid format, completing some courses online and others on campus. As he took on more responsibility at work, this flexibility made completing his degree more achievable. “They were really cutting edge with their hybrid model at the time,” he said.

He said he felt a strong sense of belonging and understanding from his fellow students and professors. “My professor knew I was working a lot and worked with me closely,” Andrade said. “Bellevue University was great at understanding the real challenges of a working adult. Professors go above and beyond in communication and getting to know your life.”

The program also directly connected to what he was doing every day in his job. “Every time we worked on a lesson, we could apply a real situation or a hypothetical. I was applying the lessons in real time to things I was working on - I didn’t need hypotheticals.”

With such a positive undergraduate experience, Andrade decided to pursue graduate work immediately after completing his bachelor’s degree in 2020.

Focusing on Equity in Recreation

After furthering his education, Andrade continued to grow within his field, assuming increasing responsibilities at Boys and Girls Club and then the City of Papillion – including running adult and youth sports programs, developing programming, overseeing staffing, and facilitating communications.

As Executive Director at PACE since June 2025, Andrade runs all operations for the organization that brings volunteer Omaha police officers and first responders together to offer free sports programs for at-risk and economically disadvantaged youth.

“The longer you keep them engaged, the less likely they are to find something on their own,” he said.

Andrade was honored to be chosen to lead an organization who faced some financial fraud troubles in recent years, followed by a short time with the Omaha Sports Commission taking on leadership as a contractor. “Our supporters wanted an executive director back in place, and I look forward to taking us in a positive direction,” he said.

He has a strong vision for the organization, starting with a strong focus on youth development and communications advancement. Andrade said though the organization has done impressive work in the community for more than two decades it’s time to take a look at where it can go next.

“Gender equity and age discrepancy are important to address,” he said. “Female representation has never been equitable at the recreational level. It has not been encouraged, and we have the chance to introduce programs to girls equally at a young age.”

Andrade said he also hopes to expand programs and grow offerings by considering neighborhoods and areas outside those traditionally considered to be in need. “This organization is for every child who needs it,” he said.

Ultimately, Andrade said his Bellevue University prepared him to lead PACE’s next era. “It was my only educational experience where I really felt part of the school. You weren’t just a number,” he said. “It enabled me to carry on to earn my masters and get my current role. Landing at Bellevue University was the best thing that could have happened.”

Dala Alphonso is a prime example of an Incredible leader with an extraordinary background. The Bellevue University Master of Science in Management alumnus overcame obstacles including surviving a plane crash and defeating cancer on his journey toward mastering technology and leadership, and was recently named CEO of the Omaha, Nebraska-based tech pioneer, the AIM Institute.

“Those experiences made me who I am, knowing that I had a second chance at life,” Alphonso said. “Each life has a purpose,” he continued, explaining that he has found his purpose as a transformative leader. In his current role, he’s able to put this passion to work by focusing on organizational strategy, human capital development and digital evolution.

Initiative, Open Mind Led to New Life in U.S.

Lack of opportunity in Alphonso’s native country of Nigeria pushed him to develop an entrepreneurial mindset early on. He put himself through college with a soccer scholarship, then played professional soccer and ran multiple businesses. “There were no jobs. You had to create your own opportunities,” he said.

His life took a different turn when he visited the U.S. in the late 1990s. “I wanted to live here,” Alphonso said. “Something was drawing me this way.”

Alphonso began looking at legal options for moving to America, recognizing the potential of the tech boom. “There was a high demand for tech skills and computers made sense,” he said.

After completing a 14-week Oracle training, Alphonso was hooked. He began his career as a software consultant, and later traveled to Omaha to work on a project. “It ended up being home,” he said.

Building on Leadership at Bellevue University

As Alphonso progressed in his career, a supervisor who believed in him promoted him to a leadership role. “I went into management without preparation,” he said. It inspired me to get more formal education because  learning is a very important part of who I am.”

He said choosing Bellevue University for his graduate program made sense. “They offered the program I needed and truly supported work-life balance. The program was designed in a way that it applied to real-world experience and the offering aligned with who I wanted to be.”

He earned his degree online, and said he benefited greatly from studying with a cohort of students. “Going on the journey with a group of people who I could trade ideas and share experiences with was a huge part of the program,” he said.

Alphonso also said that the structure of the program, incorporating comments and replies, set the stage for authentic engagement. With social media still being quite new and undeveloped when he completed his degree in 2013, this was unique. “Bellevue University was ahead of the curve at that time,” he said.

Upon graduating, Alphonso was chosen as the Commencement Student Speaker for the January 2014 Commencement Ceremony.

Applying to Leadership Lessons to Build Tomorrow’s Tech Leaders

After earning his master’s degree, Alphonso led technology efforts at several Omaha companies with steadily increasing scopes of responsibility. “I began to learn that being a leader is more about coaching than authority,” he said. “In my program, I learned a lot of the things that formed who I’ve become as a leader today.”

Throughout the years, Alphonso has approached his leadership journey as a discovery of self. “As you get older, the more aware you become of your passion and purpose,” he said. “I’ve realized tech is where I can impact knowledge and leave a legacy. At AIM, I’m able to hone in on that.”

The AIM Institute is dedicated to building and retaining the tech talent pipeline in the Omaha area. Alphonso is taking the helm in doubling its impact, reach and resources over the next five years. “We must be intentional in expanding our footprint,” Alphonso said. “Tech is an important component of every business and by bridging the gap of unfilled jobs, we are adding exponentially to the future of our city.”

When Alphonso has a free moment from transforming the Midwest tech landscape, he enjoys traveling, reading, riding his motorcycle, and spending time with his four kids. “They are my world,” he said.

“After joining the hospital, my engagement grew, and I turned to love the mission and purpose of BBGH,” the 2018 MHA graduate of Bellevue University explains. “In the first few years, I got involved in several committees, shared my opinions on different things, and truly found my rhythm within the finance department.”

Mazanec was eventually promoted to controller and believed she was on track to become the next CFO. After five years in that role, the CEO approached her about applying for the open Chief Operating Officer position — an opportunity she had never considered.

“He mentioned he saw me eventually sitting in his chair as CEO someday,” Mazanec shares. “That one moment is what led me to visioning myself as a hospital CEO.”

• Buffy Bush is the founder of Families of the Stolen (FOTS).
• She earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Bellevue University.
• Bush founded FOTS in 2012 after the death of her sister, Jameila Hesseltine.
• FOTS provides grief support, anti-violence awareness, and community engagement.
• Bush worked with Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaderer on Cold Case Awareness Month.
• The City of Omaha recognized the “Gone, But Not Forgotten” campaign.
• Bellevue University presents the Ethical Leadership Award each year.

Award Recognition

Buffy Bush, founder of Families of the Stolen (FOTS), has been named the recipient of the Ethical Leadership Award by Bellevue University’s Ethical Leadership Committee.

Bush, a graduate of Bellevue University with both her bachelor's and master's degrees, founded FOTS in 2012 after the loss of her sister, Jameila Hesseltine, to violence. FOTS is a nonprofit organization that focuses on grief support, anti-violence awareness, and community engagement. The organization helps families who have lost loved ones, offering a shared bond through memories and community support.

Community Work and Advocacy

In addition to her nonprofit work, Bush has worked with Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaderer to help establish September as Cold Case Awareness Month, a campaign titled “Gone, But Not Forgotten.” This initiative was recognized by Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert, furthering the city's commitment to advocating for victims of unsolved violent crimes.

Ethical Insights and Award Background

Ethical Insights is a faculty-driven initiative that fosters the teaching and learning of ethics across the colleges at Bellevue University. The current members of the Ethical Insights Committee include Committee Chair Karla Carter, Associate Professor Pat Artz, Associate Professor Leo Mayhan, and Assistant Professor David Thomas.

The Ethical Leadership Award is presented annually to a community member or student for leadership in ethics as demonstrated by professional and community service.

Previous winners of the Ethical Leadership and Service Award include:

• 2023 – Braxton Crowder
• 2022 – Debra Parsow
• 2021 – JR Richardson
• 2020 – Beth Riley
• 2019 – Katherine (KC) Noble
• 2018 – Pete Heineman
• 2017 – Gina Ponce
• 2016 – Mike Livergood
• 2015 – Dr. Jon Kayne
• 2014 – Rabbi Pesach Lerner
• 2013 – Frank Kumor
• 2012 – Dr. Robert Saniuk
• 2011 – Prof. Del Stites

Premsai Ranga, a 2017 graduate of Bellevue University with a Master of Science in Computer Information Systems, has been invited to join the Forbes Technology Council, an invitation-only community for senior technology executives.

With over 11 years of experience, Ranga has specialized in Identity and Access Management (IAM), zero-trust architectures, and enterprise security frameworks. He has successfully led deployments of IAM platforms, including Privileged Access Management (PAM), Single Sign-On (SSO), and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), leveraging technologies such as machine learning and behavioral analytics to enhance threat detection and response.

Throughout his career, Ranga has achieved significant milestones, including automating Identity Lifecycle Management (ILM) to streamline access governance, implementing zero-trust principles with adaptive authentication and monitoring, and developing security programs aligned with NIST, ISO 27001, and CIS standards to meet GDPR, CCPA, and HIPAA requirements.

Ranga is also an active voice in discussions on IAM trends, including passwordless authentication and decentralized identity, and he is committed to mentoring emerging security professionals. His invitation to the Forbes Technology Council reflects his work's impact and dedication to advancing cybersecurity practices and enabling secure digital transformation.

Amazon Web Services’ AWS Cloud Institute and Bellevue University, one of the nation’s leading online universities, are teaming up to connect even more learners, regardless of their technical background, to cloud computing careers.

As one of the first higher education institutions teaming up with AWS Cloud Institute, Bellevue will leverage AWS Cloud Institute across its diverse learner and corporate partner network.

“The availability of skilled cloud talent is one of the largest barriers to industry transformation,” said Kevin Kelly, Director of AWS Cloud Institute. “Teaming up with Bellevue allows us to connect into a community of motivated learners who are eager to build opportunity for their lives and careers. It also opens up new dimensions of conversation with Bellevue's engaged employer partners who use AWS services, allowing us to explore how they can address their cloud talent needs through reskilling and internal mobility programs.”

According to a 2022 McKinsey & Company report, most cloud hires will come from existing employees who have upgraded their skills. The report noted that up-skilling workers’ skills can cost significantly less than hiring new ones.

Individuals who enroll in AWS Cloud Institute gain in-demand skills and hands-on technical experience through nine core courses, 150+ labs, and a capstone project in preparation for two AWS certifications – AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner and AWS Certified Developer. The program can be completed in as little as nine months.

“With a deep focus on employee growth planning, we’re uniquely qualified to help adult learners and the employers we partner with connect with specialized cloud computing education delivered by AWS,” said Dr. Mary Hawkins, President of Bellevue University. “‘It’s cloud on,’ and we’re ready to work together to drive careers and companies forward quickly.”

Dr. Hawkins added that those who complete the AWS Cloud Institute program will earn 45 credit hours that can be applied to cloud computing-related college degrees.

AWS Cloud Institute program prepares graduates for job roles such as cloud developer, cloud engineer, DevOps engineer, cloud administrator, or cloud support engineer.

About AWS Cloud Institute

AWS Cloud Institute is a virtual cloud skills training program helping any learner build the skills and experience they need to launch a career in cloud in as little as 9 months – regardless of technical background. Learners are trained straight from the source through a comprehensive program developed by AWS and delivered by AWS-accredited expert instructors with extensive cloud and instruction experience and credentials.

Our mission is to accelerate cloud innovation for AWS customers and partners by increasing the pool of job-ready cloud-skilled talent.