Gregory Allen has a long and storied history in law enforcement and security.

Born and raised in Omaha, Allen served in the U.S. Army and completed a stint as an undercover narcotics agent in North Dakota before shifting his career to the Omaha Police Department in 1971.

Years later, Allen transitioned into the security sector, serving as a special agent with Union Pacific Railroad before becoming the Director of Security at ConAgra’s corporate campus. His extensive experience totals more than 25 years in public law enforcement and security.

Allen entered academia in 2004 as an Assistant Professor and Director of the Security Management program at Bellevue University. Under his leadership, this program, which was initially designed in response to the 9/11 attacks, became one of the largest of its kind in the United States. Over time, the program evolved to address emerging security threats such as domestic and international terrorism and active shooter scenarios.

Allen later developed the Emergency Management program at the undergraduate level and the MS in Emergency Management at the graduate level. He underscores the growing importance of emergency management professionals today, especially in response to events like the California wildfires of early 2025, where support is needed long after the flames are extinguished.

Allen’s transition to academia was fueled by prior curriculum development work at a community college in Omaha while serving with the Omaha Police Department.

Today, much of his focus is on designing Bellevue University’s new threat assessment master’s program and spearheading initiatives in threat assessment management — an area of growing importance in schools and communities.

Allen draws from his service with the Sarpy County Threat Assessment Team, established in 2016 by the Sarpy County Sheriff’s Department. This collaborative initiative brings together school districts, local law enforcement, the county attorney, probation officers, and mental health professionals. The team conducts bi-weekly meetings to review specific threats to student and public safety, addressing issues ranging from shootings to self-harm. The program operates proactively, encouraging anyone to report threats involving students or adults.

“We have a real gamut of individuals involved, but what we’re realizing is that threat assessment is vital when it comes to mental health,” Allen says. “Mental health is the number one challenge we’re facing in schools. Each new generation — whether millennials or Gen Z — requires us to adjust our approach to help them succeed.”

Allen’s expertise in security threat assessment extends to authorship. He co-wrote a textbook on threat assessment and risk analysis, which has proven increasingly relevant today.

“We face risks every single day, both professionally and privately,” Allen explains. “This textbook helps individuals assess and manage those risks.”

Bellevue University’s Master of Science in Threat Assessment and Management leverages Allen’s expertise. Designed for working professionals, the accelerated, cohort-based program will prepare students who enroll to manage threats of violence, public safety risks, and mental health crises across law enforcement, education, juvenile justice, and corporate settings.

“Threat assessment is the next level of thinking in security management,” Allen says. “We need to move from a reactive mindset to a proactive one.”

Allen believes the school threat assessment training in the program will help eliminate the thought of “it’ll never happen here” by preparing organizations, school districts, and other institutions to address potential threats.

“This program will help change that mindset, equipping communities to prevent and mitigate risks before they become crises,” he says.

In addition to developing educational and security training programs, Allen remains active in the classroom, valuing the opportunity to learn from his colleagues and students alike.

“I’ve been there, I’ve done it, and now I can talk about it,” he says. “I learn from my colleagues’ approaches and how they motivate students. It’s rewarding to see how they do it and to work alongside them.”

Allen prioritizes student interaction, believing it’s important for helping them achieve their goals.

“The neat thing about our programs is that there are no age limits,” he says.

One of his earliest students was a 65-year-old man who entered the Security Management degree program. This student later became the second highest ranking official at the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Today, as security threat scenarios evolve, Allen continues to innovate, ensuring that those on the frontlines are equipped with the knowledge and skills to prevent and mitigate crises before they escalate.

Bill Scott passed away on Feb. 24, 2024. Over the years, Bill and his wife, Ruth, generously supported Bellevue University students by providing scholarship funds to Omaha-area students to ensure they could attain their goal of earning a college degree.  The Bellevue University Board of Directors presented Bill Scott with an honorary doctoral degree in 2016 for his decade of service as a member of the University’s Board from 1998-2008.

Builders of Bellevue University: Across the Years and Generations

Bill and Ruth Scott are long-time “investors,” who have known each other since they were eight years old. As a 10-year-old, William J. “Bill” Scott helped carry out bags of groceries purchased by customers at his father’s Ashland, Nebraska, store, including some purchased by Ruth’s family, who were Ashland-area farmers.

The two dated in high school and married in 1950, while in college at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. After graduating from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1953, Scott worked in banking. In 1959, the Scotts bought shares in Buffett Partnership, a company run by now-legendary investor Warren Buffett. In a fortuitous career move in the 1962, Scott got a job as an assistant to Buffett, becoming the first employee of what would become Berkshire Hathaway, Inc., a diversified multi-national corporation with well over 300,000 employees and headquarters in Omaha. Over three decades, Scott accumulated considerable company stock holdings, eventually retiring as a Vice President in the early 1990s.

Through the William and Ruth Scott Family Foundation the Scotts established in 1999, the Scotts have generously invested in more than 100 non-profit organizations and causes serving the greater Omaha area and beyond, including Bellevue University. Since 1997, Scott personal and Foundation funds have helped with endowment, technology, campus expansion, and program development. The Family Foundation is overseen by their son, John A. Scott, who works with Bellevue University and numerous other nonprofits and charities throughout the local community.

Scholarships are by far their largest area of giving to Bellevue University. While serving on the Board in 1999, Scott helped provide the impetus to launch the South Omaha Outreach Program, a University Board-driven initiative. Since 2001, the program has provided need-based scholarships and support services to hundreds of deserving students from the South Omaha community. Scholarship donations from the Scotts and others also enabled the University to broaden the impact, providing “Outreach Scholarships” for students throughout the metro area.

“Bellevue University has a great reputation and offered the online format, which helped me work in HR and teach about HR,” she said. “Without this flexibility, I would not be able to share in real time how business happens in the business world.”

Motivated by Helping

Berry Barlow, who works at Midwest retail giant NFM (Nebraska Furniture Mart), said her passion for both her career and teaching come from the heart.

“I love working in the HR field, being innovative and learning how to create a work culture that values and respects individuals,” she said. She wanted to share this expertise, and found the perfect avenue with teaching human resources management at Bellevue University 15 years ago. ”It was a no brainer. I get energy from my students and the shared learning experience.”

Diving fully into the worlds of business and academia has helped Barlow make a bigger impact for both her employees and students.

“I actually do what I teach every day,” she said. “Doing them simultaneously helps me stay current in teaching, and helps me bring new ideas and perspectives that I get from students to the business world.  It is constant growth and learning.”

Connecting With Students

The University recently honored Barlow with the Lou Soukup Adjunct Faculty Award for her dedication to her students and her teaching.

“Being recognized by an organization that I hold in such high esteem affirms my choice of careers and employment,” she said. “I wish everyone could feel so validated by their employer and choice of profession!”

As an online teacher, Barlow finds meeting her students in person is incredibly rewarding. “I love when students request that I attend graduation,” she said. “It might be easy to feel a bit disconnected when you teach online. I try hard to make the work and interactions relevant and personalized, so being asked to watch a student at one of their biggest life achievements feels pretty special.”

Air Force veteran and career teacher Sue McDaniel, Ph.D.,  brought her daughter, Shawnee, into her classroom when Shawnee was just 5 years old.  Shawnee absorbed her mom’s teaching approach and enthusiasm for learning. Today, mother and daughter – who is also a professor - share teaching styles, a deep love of constant learning, and the excitement of seeing their students achieve big dreams.

Sue is a beloved professor in the College of Science and Technology, having taught over 11,000 students— more than any other Bellevue University faculty member. She is Program Director for the Business Analytics graduate and undergraduate degree programs, as well as the Management Information Systems undergraduate degree program.  Also, Sue designed an information technology program for a special group of students from China.

It’s no wonder Sue has set a Bellevue University teaching record as hundreds of comments from student evaluations tell individual stories of a life-changing professor-student relationship:

“Professor McDaniel is encouraging, helpful, and patient! I started this class fearful and with no knowledge on coding. I feel I have learned a great deal, and felt very comfortable asking questions to either the professor or my fellow classmates. This was probably one of the most inviting classes I've been in. Thank you, Sue, for helping to set that tone!”

“I have really enjoyed having Professor McDaniel as an instructor. This is the third class I have had with her and it gets better with each one.”

“By far one of my best teachers. She has a gift and gives you the tools to succeed. I am glad I took her class because that challenged me and made me discover what I can do.”

“I've had Professor McDaniel for multiple courses and have enjoyed every single one of them. She is so kind and supportive in her feedback, which motivates me in these pretty difficult courses. She responds to emails in a timely manner and helps us work through difficult queries. Tech or conceptual-heavy classes can be really difficult to be motivated in, but she's an incredible professor that makes me want to continue to challenge myself.”

What’s equally remarkable about Sue is the daughter she raised. Shawnee McDaniel was recently named Bellevue University’s Assistant Professor of Data Science and Business Analytics. Shawnee has worked in industry and has taught as an adjunct professor at the University. She holds master’s and bachelor’s degrees in Business Analytics and is close to completing her doctorate in Business Administration and Data Analytics.

“My Mom and I live to work because we thoroughly love what we do!” Shawnee said.  “For me, the biggest thrill is seeing students apply their newly found skills to achieve goals that are greater than they ever believed possible. Knowing I helped gives me great satisfaction.”

Sue and Shawnee share a walk and morning coffee every single day. And, they share great enthusiasm for the future of artificial intelligence (AI). “AI is the biggest shift since the internet became mainstream,” Sue said. “It’s exciting to teach our students how to effectively use AI to bring extensive amounts of information into an easily digestible format.”

Sue added that she believes AI is here to stay. “The key for our students is to figure out how to use it to help their company while at the same time, making themselves a more valuable asset.”

When asked why they choose Bellevue University, both Sue and Shawnee are quick to answer.  “Across all of our colleges, faculty believe in positive reinforcement,” they emphasized. “Plus, students learn the skills to get the job they want — not just to fit into a box.”

One student who took classes from both Sue and Shawnee commented:

“Sue McDaniel is - in my opinion - a perfect instructor. She has a laid-back attitude while also being professional - which is inherently hard to attain - and she truly cares about her students and career. Her daughter - Shawnee McDaniel - emulates the exact traits. I truly wish I can continue taking classes under both of them, and thank them for everything.”

Sue raised not only an accomplished daughter but one who might someday step into her shoes at Bellevue University. Students will be thrilled either way.

Gabriella Batchelder presented “An Experimental Investigation Into the Relationship Between TikTok Consumption and Reports of Psychological Symptoms.”

Paige Holdsworth presented “Auditory Perception of Pedestrian Direction in Three-Dimensions.”

Brooklyn Hundt presented “The Impact of What You See and What You Hear on the Perceived Severity of Contact.”

According to Associate Professor of Psychology and Faculty Sponsor Dr. Mike Russell,  the students' poster presentations culminated their comprehensive work on their individual topics. 

“Presenting at academic conferences is a fantastic opportunity for our students and their learning and development,” said Dr. Russell. “From identifying their research topics and reviewing the existing literature to designing a novel study and collecting and analyzing data, they demonstrated their expertise in the field of psychology.”

The Rocky Mountain Psychological Association and the association’s annual conference advance psychology as a science, as a profession and as a means of promoting human welfare. 

Embodying the essence of lifelong learning, Lesley pursued her degree. Her aspirations became achievements, fueled by the support of her daughters and her entire family. Hear Lesley's story made possible in part by her employer @JPMorgan Chase’s partnership with @Guild. JPMorgan Chase’s investment paved the way for Lesley, covering her tuition expenses in full, and setting her up for the next step in her career – a true testament to the power of determination and accessible education.

One example of this is the recent work by Tim Parsons and Jess Charlesworth, who are a Chicago-based artist couple (Parsons & Charlesworth), that designed and build the ‘Algae Kin-Gatherer’ which was on display at DEMO23 on Pier17 in New York this past month.

DEMO23 is a new festival created by NEW INC, the New Museum’s incubator for art, design, and technology.   Tim and Jess are design artists that care deeply about, and are inspired by, broad science topics related to climate change and the ongoing extinctions of species. Since earlier this year, they have been discussing various topics of art and science overlap with Professors David Thomas and John Kyndt at Bellevue University, particularly related to understanding the concept of algae cultivation and algal biology. These discussions challenged both artists and scientists to understand more about how algae sense and interact with their environment. This gave rise to the artists design of a device that is intended to enhance the sensory-based interaction with algae in their natural environment.

“The Algae Kin-Gatherer, is the inaugural sculptural piece from our ongoing climate fiction project, Multispecies Inc. This artwork is an example of a new object typology we are exploring – the kin-gatherer – which we see as a tool for extreme empathy that goes beyond data-collection to attempt a more visceral connection with the “umwelt” of other species.”-explain Tim and Jess.  

The Algae Kin-Gatherer comprises a raft and accessories that allow users to “make kin with algae” and gain a profound understanding of their world. It involves floating face-down on water, attracting and observing algae, feeding them with exhaled CO2, and breathing in the oxygen they produce. The artwork is accompanied by an audio story, accessible here.

To learn more about the Algae Kin-Gatherer, you can:

• Watch Tim and Jess 7-minute talk from the Creative Science day at the NEW INC DEMO2023 Festival.
• Listen to The Algae Kin-Gatherer. audio story here.
• Explore Multispecies Inc: Volume 1 for a deeper understanding of the overall project’s concept and vision.  

Besides the resulting art work, algal samples that were collected from the NY East River are now forming the basis for further student research and DNA sequencing at the BU science labs. “By doing genome sequencing on the samples from the NY East River we can get a better understanding of what species are present and how these interact with each other, and whether or not they can give rise to algal blooms”, says Dr. John Kyndt.

Tim and Jess are looking forward to continuing their collaborations with BU scientist and artist as part of next years ART+SCIENCE incubator project at Bellevue University.

- by John Kyndt

This story was originally published on Science on Display, a blog published by the Bellevue University Natural Science Center of Excellence. 

Bellevue University graduate student Brittany Keating recently competed in the Collegiate DECA International Career Development Conference (ICDC), placing sixth in her category in the Business Research competition. 

DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management in high schools and colleges around the globe. 

The Business Research category in which Keating competed provides an opportunity for students to demonstrate business and marketing research skills needed by management personnel. 

Students work with an existing local business or organization to conduct business and marketing research about a specific topic with the ultimate goal of improving an area of the business.  

Keating created a proposal for her current employer, Walt Disney World, and shared her proposal with the judges.

“I felt that I had the background and insight that could help obtain the information that I needed for this proposal,” said Keating, who is enrolled in Bellevue University through the Disney Aspire program. Through the program, Disney pays 100% tuition up front for a variety of education programs including college degrees. Bellevue University is part of Guild’s academic network. 

Keating, who has competed in DECA since high school, went on to share just how challenging the competition is. 

“There were times that I received nearly perfect scores and did not make it to finals,” said Keating. 

DECA competition includes all types of educational levels and experiences. This year's competition had around 1,300 attendees and 20 teams.

Within Collegiate DECA there are about 25 different events involving individual case studies, team case studies and prepared business presentations. Keating said that due to the variety of work and educational backgrounds, the Business Research category is the most competitive aspect because you never know who you are up against. 

“You could do an amazing job, but someone just did it a little better,” Keating said. “It’s a very real-world experience.”

In high school competitions, Keating had placed in the top at district competitions, but she had not made it to state competition. In college, she placed at state, but never made it to the finals. After years of hard work she feels good about finally placing in the top 10.

“The competition is very real, but to make it on stage at the closing ceremony, that feeling is irreplaceable,” Keating said.

In addition to the competitions, Collegiate DECA provides opportunities for students to practice professional speaking, network, and obtain leadership experience. DECA has over 4,000 collegiate members and 197 chapters preparing emerging leaders and entrepreneurs.

“Growing up, and even in school, I never really felt heard. So, I’ve always wanted to make sure that others have someone there who will actively listen and give their full attention,” said Brugmann, one of six Mental Health Co-Responders attached to the Omaha Police Department’s (OPD) Behavioral Health and Wellness Unit. All but Brugmann are licensed counselors.

A Co-Responder since May 2021, Brugmann has been embedded in the Omaha Police Department’s Northwest Precinct, monitoring police radio dispatch and emergency 911 channels and responding to calls that have a mental health component. Wearing civilian clothing and a large-print ID vest or jacket covering her bullet-proof vest, she arrives equipped with basic first aid training and her professional knowledge and experience.

“I love the crisis field and working with first responders, because it’s something new every single day. You’re able to connect with people in their worst moments,” said Brugmann, who plans to complete her coursework and internship requirements in March 2024. Her resume so far, includes an Associate’s degree in Human Services, Metro Community College; a Bachelor of Social Work degree, the University of Nebraska-Omaha; and an M.S. in Justice Administration and Crime Management (now Criminal Justice) degree (2019), Bellevue University; and three-plus years as a child family and service specialist for Nebraska Child Protective Services investigating and managing cases of alleged child abuse and neglect, gathering collateral information and testifying at court proceedings.

Last year, Brugmann and Co-Responder Carolina Soto received Omaha Police Department “Preservation of Life Ribbon” citations for de-escalating a potential suicide situation after a woman was reported standing outside the guardrail of a bridge crossing the Interstate 680 beltway in northwest Omaha. In a collaborative effort, Omaha Police Department officers recruited several semitrailer drivers from the jammed Interstate traffic to move their rigs under the bridge while other officers shut down the street and on-ramps and Omaha firefighters climbed to the top of a trailer and used a ladder to rescue the distressed woman.

“Once we got the woman down off the bridge and she was safe, I was able to get with her and stay with her until we got her safely to the hospital. She was able to get connected to the appropriate resources.” Brugmann said.

This January, Brugmann and others responded to comfort distressed shoppers and employees at a west Omaha Target store shortly after a man entered the store and began firing an AR-15 rifle, sending frightened store occupants running for cover. Within minutes, the man was shot dead by an Omaha Police Department officer after repeatedly refusing to put his weapon down. Brugmann commended the actions of first responders and Target managers for their response, and said her work experiences have both complemented and affirmed what she is learning from her CMHC coursework.

The Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree program now enrolls well over 600 students, making it the University’s largest graduate program, according to Dr. Barb Daubenspeck, Program Director. Enrollment has more than doubled since 2017, when the program earned accreditation by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).

Accreditation was an important milestone for the program and enrollment growth, said Daubenspeck, who led and orchestrated the combined efforts of University faculty and staff.  More than 100 graduate students from throughout the U.S. now complete the program each year. Most pursue state licensure, often a required qualification for working as a counselor, and graduates’ job placement rate is 100 percent. There are now 15 full-time and 10 adjunct faculty, most of whom have CACREP-required Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision degrees and are counselor practitioners themselves.

Adversity and personal tragedy over a period of years have redirected Daubenspeck’s perspective on human behavior from the academic to the applied side, and she decided to pursue a counseling license herself. In 2010, she lost her longtime Psychology Department Chair position when Dana College in Blair, Nebraska, closed, and divorce abruptly ended her 18-year marriage. After remarrying, she and her husband lost a newborn son. She has been counseling part-time for five years ago, meeting with 10 to 15 clients a week, in addition to teaching and directing the CMHC program.

“I absolutely love counseling. It is such a gift to be able to sit with people and be a witness to their difficulty and pain as well as their successes,” said Daubenspeck, whose current focus is on building the faculty, working with them to continuously improve the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program, and helping students become better listeners and counselors. “My passion is working with future mental health professionals and helping them to not only learn about counseling and develop counseling skills, but also helping them shift their professional identities and become counselors.”

When she was promoted to interim president and CEO of New Visions Homeless Services – roles that have since become permanent – Wallar sought out the opportunity to continue working closely with the “amazing team and programming” at Bellevue University.

“One of my missions in my organization is to have everyone who enters our doors leave in a better place, including our team members,” Wallar said.

So, she reached out to Bellevue University to learn more about its education benefits program for employers and their teams. New Visions Homeless Services is now ready to launch this program, providing up to $5,250 per year in tuition assistance, for all of its employees.

“After connecting with Jerry Dempsey (senior director of strategic partnerships at Bellevue (University) about this program, we found out there were several other ways to partner to have an impact in our community,” Wallar added.

She explained how New Visions Homeless Services operates two campuses, one in Council Bluffs and another targeted toward veterans in Omaha.

“Bellevue University’s focus on serving veterans resulted in several of their team members visiting our campus and ultimately supporting our veterans on Veterans Day with brand-new backpacks filled with essential items,” Wallar said. “I was very impressed with Stan Hawkins, director of veteran services at Bellevue University, during one of our visits and asked him to serve on our board of directors. Stan recently accepted a position so he can continue to use his experience not only from Bellevue, but also as a veteran himself to better the lives of those who served our county.”

New Visions Homeless Services’ connections with the university continue. During Wallar’s visit with Hawkins and Dempsey, they talked in detail about the need for mental health services.

“Stan and Jerry both reached out to me about an amazing opportunity where one of Bellevue’s generous donors offered to pay for individuals to go through the university’s Mental Health Technician Certification Program,” Wallar said. “One of my team members who previously experienced homelessness but who has overcome that crisis and recently bought her own home as a single mother was excited to take advantage of the program and started the classes last week.”

Wallar added that she’s since spoken with a local funder, who’s expected to fund a new position for this woman after graduation so she can focus on New Visions Homeless Services’ guests who are experiencing a mental health crisis.

“This amazing opportunity to expand my team was spurred on through Bellevue University’s dedication to bettering and strengthening our communities in more than just a traditional student and school relationship,” Wallar said.

While Wallar’s professional connections with Bellevue University have clearly made a big impact on the lives of others, her education from the university has affected her personally, as well.

Her time within the professional studies master’s program enabled Wallar to cherry-pick classes from different course catalogs. 

“Looking to become a CEO/executive director of a non-profit, this program appealed to me as you must have several skillsets and knowledge as a leader in a non-profit organization,” she said. “This program allowed me to take courses out in clinical counseling, human services and others that have proven to be valuable in building my skillset as a leader in my sector. As a non-profit leader, especially in homeless services, you need to have emotional intelligence and understand mental illness, all while balancing budgets, making ethical decisions, and developing policies and procedures around best practices in the human service field.  I was able to pull all these learning experiences together through Bellevue's innovative programming.”

Wallar added that she had just started her second semester at the university when the pandemic hit. Working in homeless services and food security, New Visions Homeless Services went from serving around 2,000 individuals a year to over 20,000. She was also in charge of expanding and starting five new programs during the height of the pandemic, all while being enrolled at Bellevue University and helping her own children navigate online schooling while she was still going into the office every day. 

“My professors and advisor were amazing to work with and very understanding and accommodating to my personal and work schedules,” Wallar said. “It allowed me to not withdraw from classes but continue my educational journey throughout the pandemic.”

Looking to the future, Wallar plans to continue building strong relationships with community partners like Bellevue University to break down barriers for people experiencing hunger and homelessness and provide long-lasting safe housing opportunities for those experiencing homelessness.

“I am blown away by the opportunities that Bellevue University has afforded not only myself but my organization in less than two years since graduating with my degree,” Wallar said. “I am excited to see the amazing things that our collaboration is going to do for our community in the future.”

The prompt and instructions are below - we look forward to reading your expressions of nature's forces and the human spirit. Happy writing!

Prompt: “Nature's Forces: The Interplay of Seasons and Human Endeavors”

Description: April brings with it the shift from Winter to Spring, a time of change, adaptation, and renewal. In this poetry contest, we invite you to explore the dynamic relationship between the changing seasons and human endeavors, including the challenges and triumphs we encounter in our daily lives.

How do the cycles of nature connect with our personal or collective experiences, from academic pursuits to personal growth or overcoming obstacles? How do the forces of nature reflect or contrast with our individual and shared journeys? Consider both the strength and fragility of the natural world as well as our human vulnerabilities and resilience.

We encourage you to use vivid imagery, metaphor, and personal experiences to bring your poem to life, while examining the interplay of nature's forces and human endeavors. We invite you to embrace any poetic form or style, as long as your submission remains within the theme.

Let the power and beauty of nature inspire you as you craft your poem, and may your words resonate with the hearts and minds of our campus community. We look forward to reading your expressions of nature's forces and the human spirit.

Instructions:  To ensure that participants have the opportunity to express themselves adequately while still maintaining focus and brevity, the following word count limits apply:  

Minimum: 3 lines

Maximum: 36 lines, including title, lines of verse, and lines between stanzas

Submit your entry via email before the end of the day on Sunday, April 30, as an attachment or a link to your OneDrive to bellwether@bellevue.edu. Please use “Bellwether Poetry Contest” as the subject line. Make sure you set any OneDrive link permissions to allow anyone to view.

1st Place: $50

2nd Place: $30

3rd Place: $20

Winning entries will be announced in May and published in the next issue of the Bellwether. This is a fantastic opportunity for you to showcase your creativity, explore the connection between nature and our experiences, and have your work published in our campus magazine.

Contest Rules

1. The writer must be a current University student or employee.

2. The entry must be the submitter's original work, and NOT previously published.

3. Entries cannot contain excessive profanity and/or gratuitous violence and/or be sexually explicit. This is a for a family-friendly publication and kids might be in the audience.

4. Participants are limited to ONE submission.

For questions or additional information, contact Professor Karla Carter, kcarter@bellevue.edu.

Layla Vazquez, a freshman at Bellevue University, has been named the recipient of the Bellevue Papillion Rotary Club Scholarship for the 2022-23 academic year. 

Vazquez, a Bellevue resident who is pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Human Performance, plans to pursue a career in physical training. 

“I've always been in the world of athletics," said Vazquez. “As I begin my journey, I am not only motivated to make myself proud, but also you (the Rotary Club members).” 

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• Imagine it's 50 years in the future --the year 2073--and the highly anticipated Super Bowl CVII is just around the corner. What do you think the TV ads for the big game will look like and what products or services will they be promoting? How will the game and ads be viewed? (Smell-o-vision?)
• This is not only a writing contest - this is a wide-open speculative fiction contest in which you pick the genre! 
• You could write a magazine or newspaper article reviewing the top TV ads that will feature during the Super Bowl in 2073. 
• You could write a magazine or newspaper article reviewing the products or services that are featured in the 2073 Super Bowl TV ads. 
• You could write a script for a 2073 Super Bowl TV ad. 
• You could record an actual ad (video or audio) that would air during the 2073 Super Bowl. 
• You could write an editorial opinion piece about how one of the products or services featured in the 2073 Super Bowl ad is going to either bring about the downfall of society or be the best thing since sliced bread.

Instructions for Entrants

These are merely suggestions! We want you to take the prompt, dive into your imagination, and create a peak into the future. Remember: Audentes Fortuna iuvat!

Submit your entry via email before the end of the day on Tuesday, February 28, as an attachment or a link to your OneDrive to bellwether@bellevue.edu. Please use “Super Bowl 2073” as the subject line. Make sure you set any OneDrive link permissions to allow anyone to view.

• 1st Place: $50
• 2nd Place: $30
• 3rd Place: $20

Winning entries will be announced in March and published in the next issue of the Bellwether

Contest Rules

1. The writer must be a current University student or employee.
2. The entry must be the submitter's original work, and NOT previously published.
3. Written submissions may be no longer than 1,000 words. Video or audio must be no longer than 1 minute.
4. Entries cannot contain excessive profanity and/or gratuitous violence and/or be sexually explicit. This is a for a family-friendly event and kids might be in the audience.
5. Participants are limited to ONE submission.

For questions or additional information, contact Professor Karla Carter. 

Tynes graduated from the MHA program in summer 2017, after which he earned a promotion at the substance use and mental health treatment agency he was employed at.

He worked at that company for 10 years before leaving this past April. About a year prior, he became a director there.

“I would have never been able to get that job or likely any job prior to that if I didn’t have the master’s degree from Bellevue,” Tynes said. “I know that for a fact. It directly helped me with that company.”

Tynes started working for the agency after receiving his bachelor’s degree in business administration from York College of Pennsylvania and moving to Florida to get sober. He graduated right during the Great Recession, so the job market wasn’t accommodating, and he didn’t get to use his degree much.

Tynes’ job at the substance use and mental health treatment agency ended up being a great fit for him. There, he also did a lot of work with family systems and helping people process addictions and compulsive behaviors.

After his first four years at the agency, Tynes was promoted to a management position. It was then that he realized he wanted to stay in the industry because he could make a difference, and the work brought him joy. At that point, he decided to further his administrative skillset and go back to school for an advanced degree.

Tynes chose to pursue his MHA at Bellevue University in part because he could do his studies on his own time.

“I needed the flexibility to make my own schedule,” he said. “I like facilitating my own learning.”

One Bellevue University professor who especially stood out to Tynes was Director of the MHA Program Mike Freel – someone who challenged Tynes’ thinking and opinions, which is something he had hoped graduate school would offer him.

Recently, Tynes applied to Columbia University’s School of Social Work. Freel wrote him a letter of recommendation, and Tynes believes that directly aided his acceptance. He will begin his studies on January 17.

He added, “I for sure know I wouldn’t have gotten into Columbia if I didn’t have my degree from Bellevue, and my GPA, which was a 4.0.”

Ultimately, Tynes feels his professional life has done nothing but blossom since he earned his MHA from Bellevue University.

“Instead of having a job, I am self-employed and involved with a few different companies within the mental health and substance use space, including a company that my wife and I started together – a therapeutic practice called Parallels Consulting,” he said.

“Having the MHA provided the knowledge and confidence to be where I am today. I feel the Master of Social Work program will provide me with more technical knowledge to allow me to better treat patients and families directly.”

Lenita Copple is no stranger to embracing change or taking charge, but when it came to moving upward at Walmart, she wasn’t sure. After completing the People and Business Leadership certificate program and taking on a leadership role, she couldn’t be happier with the decision. “This is the best job I’ve ever had,” she said. “I love it.”

Finding New Opportunity with Walmart and Bellevue University

After running a home daycare, homeschooling her kids and owning a cleaning company for many years, Copple and her husband moved from Texas to the Denver area to be closer to their grandkids. She began exploring new career options, and found that she really enjoyed working in sample programs, first at various grocery stores, then at Sam’s Club. However, this was soon cut short by COVID-19.

When Copple was able to get back to work, she began a role as Front End Member Specialist at Walmart. With her husband having Parkinson’s and caring for a grown son with autism, she is the main breadwinner for her family. She considered leadership roles, but didn’t know if she was ready. “I was lacking confidence to take that step, even though I ran my own business for 18 years,” she said.

One day at work, she saw a flier in the breakroom about the certificate program, which is offered through Walmart’s Live Better U program. Live Better U is managed through Guild Education, and Bellevue University is part of Guild’s academic network. “I was excited about free college classes,” Copple said. “I wanted to see if I could get a push to move forward into a leadership role with a big company.”

Exploring a New College Experience After Three Decades

Copple started the program late last year, which consists of two six-week, online classes covering management and leadership.

“In just 12 weeks, students can earn a credential that allows them to show their understanding and ability to apply business management and leadership concepts and practices,” said Assistant Program Director Rebecca Barnes.

Copple had taken some college classes in the past, before online offerings were available. “I had not taken a college class for 30 years,” she said. “It was entirely different in every way.”

Online learning was a challenge, but also full of opportunity for Copple. She said she got a secondary education in technology along the way. “I wasn’t great with computers but I pushed myself as far as I could,” she said. “I knew I would need to be using computers a lot if I moved into a leadership role.”

Her professor in the program, Andrea Gaylord, knows what it’s like to tackle technology as a non-traditional student. “My first online instructor addressed the fact that some students may be new to online learning, and walked us through certain parts of the program if we needed assistance,” she said. “He was patient and kind. I try to be the same with my students.”

In the class, Copple also got to connect with Walmart associates from across the country. “This is an excellent refresher program for those with extensive experience, as well as a great introductory program for those aspiring to management and leadership positions,” Barnes said.

Comments from her peers, and those from Gaylord, meant a lot to Copple. “My professor was so encouraging,” she said. “She and my classmates told me I would no doubt make a great leader. It gave me so much confidence to move forward.”

Gaylord said the class is structured to help with that confidence. “Each student takes everything they learned and makes a Personal Leadership Plan,” she said. “They create a vision statement for themselves, come up with personal goals and steps to achieve them. This program gives students the confidence to chase their career dreams, or continue their education with a bachelor's degree!”

Putting Her New Knowledge to Work

Within months of completing her certificate, Copple landed the position she really wanted: Club Supervisor for Product Connections. She now runs the entire sample program for her local Sam’s Club store.

“I do feel like the certificate helped a lot in getting this job. I applied once before and they chose someone else,” she said. “It gave me an edge and, more importantly, helped me be much more successful more quickly.”

She uses the lessons she learned almost daily, like business emails and scheduling. “I think back to the class a lot,” she said. “A lot of people quit this job because it’s intimidating, but I hit the ground running.”

“Throughout the program, we use a case study approach so that students can take what they have learned and apply it, thinking about how they would handle different common scenarios they might encounter on the job,” Barnes said. “It's the ‘real learning for real life’ that students expect at Bellevue University. Students tell us they are excited that they can apply what they learn immediately on the job. “

Created in 2012, Giving Tuesday encourages people to do good. It takes place annually, always on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving. Locally, Giving Tuesday is sponsored by SHARE Omaha and this years' giving day is presented by CORE Bank. 

Contributions made to Bellevue University will go toward student scholarships and help ensure that a Bellevue University education remains affordable.

You can support Bellevue University by visiting the Bellevue University SHARE Omaha page at https://shareomaha.org/nonprofit/bellevue-university-foundation, where you can donate or shop the university’s wish list.

You can also make a gift directly to Bellevue University at https://www.bellevue.edu/about/alumni/giving-to-bellevue, where you can designate the area for your gift.

Cathexis Northwest Press has published three poems by Dr. Clif Mason, a Professor of English and the Humanities at Bellevue University.

The three poems are titled: “Ocean Canticle,” “After the Mass Shooting at Robb Elementary, Ulvade, Texas” and “Daybreak Light Rejoining.”

This is the third time the press has featured Dr. Mason’s poems. Each poem, recorded and read aloud by Dr. Mason, can be found on the Cathexis Northwest Press website.

“These poems are related in that the same subterranean river flows between and connects each of them, just as a river connects towns along its length in the above-ground world,” Dr. Mason said.

Featured work from other poets can be found on the site, as well and Dr. Mason encourages viewers to read his peers’ work.

Dr. Mason, a former Fulbright Fellow to Rwanda, Africa, is also the author of the collection Knocking the Stars Senseless and three chapbooks: The Book of Night & Waking, Self-Portraits in Which I Do Not Appear, and From the Dead Before. 

Bellevue University, one of the nation’s leaders in preparing students for lifelong success with career-relevant knowledge and skills, is one of the best colleges in the nation to work for, according to a new survey by The Great Colleges to Work For® program.

The results released today on GreatCollegesList.com will be published in a special insert in The Chronicle of Higher Education on Sept. 16. Bellevue University was also distinguished on the survey’s Honor Roll, an additional recognition for outstanding institutions.

Bellevue University is among 68 institutions out of 212 nationwide that received the award this year. A total of 42 institutions are on the Honor Roll. This is the fourth year Bellevue University has been named a Great College To Work For.

"Bellevue University’s culture and mission are what make it a great place to work," Bellevue University President Dr. Mary Hawkins said. "Our staff and faculty understand the power of education and they share a passion for students, learning and innovation — and these strong values create a resilient culture which permeates our students' experience and the workplace experience."

The results are based on a survey of 212 colleges and universities from across the country. In all, 68 of the 212 institutions achieved "Great College to Work For" recognition for specific best practices and policies. Results are reported for small, medium and large institutions, with Bellevue University included among the medium institutions.

Bellevue University was honored across multiple categories this year and because of that has received Honor Roll recognition for the third consecutive year. The survey results are based on a two-part assessment process. An institutional questionnaire captures employment data and workplace policies, while a survey administered to faculty and staff captures employee views.

The Great Colleges to Work For program is one of the largest and most respected workplace recognition programs in the country. ModernThink, a strategic human capital consulting firm, administers the survey and analyzes the data.

For more information about the survey and results, visit the Great Colleges program website at greatcollegesprogram.com. 

She was born in England but moved to a tiny North Dakota town when she was 3 years old.

After graduating from high school there, Borchert married her now ex-husband, who was in the Air Force. Because of his job, they moved around a lot. Amidst the multiple moves, Borchert earned an associate degree in business and then graduated from cosmetology school. She was working as the assistant manager of a hair salon, but after another move, she ended up staying at home with her daughter.

Fast forward to 2016, when Borchert moved to the Omaha area to live with her now husband and blend their families.

It was around this time, Borchert realized her passion for the field of human resources.

“I just thought being the person to help employees would be the way I would want to go if I ever decided to go back to school,” she explained. “After looking into it, I realized that to break into the HR world (which isn’t easy to do) I would have to take a massive pay cut and work my way up (which I couldn’t afford to do) or go back to school and finish my bachelor’s degree. I ultimately decided to go back to school (mid-pandemic) simply to show my kids that it’s possible to achieve your dreams once you’re a parent.”

Borchert shared a story of how one day, her two older kids told her that they better finish college before having kids of their own because you can’t finish college once you have kids. They thought this because of something they overheard someone else talking about. Borchert told them that they could achieve anything even if they became parents before finishing college, but she knew she couldn’t just tell them – she had to show them.

“Them telling me that lit a fire under me, and I enrolled at Bellevue University by the end of the week,” Borchert said. “I had to show them that even though your life hasn’t turned out exactly how you planned, it doesn’t mean that your dreams are impossible to achieve.”

Borchert chose Bellevue University because she wanted to attend a local university with a good reputation that also enabled her to complete her degree fully online. She graduated this past spring with a Bachelor of Science in Management of Human Resources.

One of Borchert’s biggest takeaways from her undergraduate experience at Bellevue University was that she’s not the only one.

“What I mean by that is that I wasn’t in the minority by being a working mom in her 30s going back to school to finish my degree,” she explained. “Most of us in my program were people who were ‘older’ and finishing their degrees. Most of us worked full time and had children or had a large gap of time since the last time we were in school.”

Today, she’s found her niche, working full-time as an employee experience specialist for Vensure, one of the nation’s fastest-growing HR outsourcing organizations and relishing her role as a mom. She’s also continuing her studies at the University, working on a Master of Science in Human Resource Management degree.

She also appreciated how supportive all the staff were at Bellevue University. 

“Everybody goes out of their way to make you feel like you’re the only person they’re helping, and I think that’s wonderful – especially when it’s really easy to feel like nobody cares about you.”

And, to Borchert, that was comforting. Especially considering the changes she’s been through.

The camp, which also included lessons in teamwork and collaboration along with some fun and games, was a collaborative effort assembled by Bellevue University’s College of Science and Technology (CST) and the Omaha-based non-profit AIM Institute. The tech-savvy AIM team members who recruited the students and assisted with the program exemplify AIM’s mission to grow a strong and diverse technology community through education, career development and outreach.

The camp included tech-oriented lessons designed to educate, inspire, and entertain the students with hands-on activities, according to Emiliano “Emil” Montemayor, Integrated Technologies Faculty Assistant, who designed and built the curriculum and presented most of the labs, held in morning and afternoon sessions with a mid-day break for lunch.

The campers spent the week in the University’s new Harper Family Foundation Integrated Technologies Lab. There, they learned tech-oriented lessons designed to educate, inspire, and entertain the students with hands-on activities, according to Emil Montemayor, Faculty Assistant for the lab. Some of the highlights from the week were as follows:

Monday – Montemayor and AIM staff members Brett Berkebile, Outreach Coordinator, and Staci Wise, Director, Access Programs, divided the campers into six two-person teams and each team built a working telegraph circuit. Then, the teams competed to see which team could communicate a simple five-word message first.

Tuesday – Day two covered the basics of block computer programming using the “Minecraft Education Edition” of the popular Minecraft gaming software. This was followed by a team competitions involving nine coding challenges. “They lost their minds when I told them we were going to launch Minecraft,” Montemayor said.

Wednesday & Thursday – Days three and four covered integrated systems concepts and programming, and hands-on application of integrated technologies, such digital temperature, humidity and water sensors and LCD screens to display data used in automated gardening and greenhouse systems.

“We had a great moment before we went into actually building the system,” Montemayor said. “I showed them a video of an automated recording system made by a YouTuber, who has an engineering channel. After the 10-minute video, I said, ‘Okay, now we’re going to build this.’ They were all like, ‘No way! That sounds impossible…How are we going to do that?’”

On Thursday afternoon, the students toured the University’s new Environmental Sustainability Learning Lab and Greenhouse facility to see integrated systems applied in a real-world setting. Included was a guided tour of the greenhouse conducted by Dr. John Kyndt, CST Associate Professor of Microbiology, Nutrition and Sustainability.

Friday – On day five, the campers finished their projects and attended a four-member panel discussion and Q & A session with University faculty and IT staff and Dr. Mary Dobransky, CST Dean and longtime member of the AIM Institute Board of Directors. “During the panel, we discussed the misconception that only geniuses can do this type of stuff, but the students had built the little working integrated technology systems. That was a great moment,” Montemayor said.  “The panelists talked about how they’d ended up in the positions they are in. Almost none of them started off in technology.” – 581 words

By Friday afternoon, each of the students said they’d grown in their subject knowledge and skills and gained confidence they could accomplish things they would have thought impossible the previous Monday morning, when the session topic was “Basics of Electrical Circuits.”

“During the panel, we discussed the misconception that only geniuses can do this type of stuff. We reminded the students that they had built real working integrated technology systems. That was a great moment,” Montemayor said. “The panelists talked about how they’d ended up in the positions they are in. Almost none of them started off in technology.”

• Blanket
• Poncho – order this item online at Amazon and have it delivered directly to the MVSC.
• Winter hats
• Lightweight gloves
• Heavy winter gloves medium/large/X-Large sizes
• Neck scarves
• Winter socks
• Shampoo and Conditioner
• Deodorant
• Shaving Cream
• Liquid soap (no bar soap)
• Razors
• Lip Balm
• Large Toenail Clippers
• Hand and Feet Warmers
• Hand and body lotion
• Nail Clippers
• Reusable Water Bottle
• Hand Sanitizer
• Masks
• Combs
• Reusable water bottle
• Kleenex
• Underwear

** Travel size items strongly preferred ** Please only donate new items. Used items will not be accepted. 

Additional Items for Women's Backpacks 

• Winter hats 
• Winter gloves 
• Winter socks 
• Feminine products and feminie product bags
• Leggings multiple sizing 
• Brushes

The following link can be used to purchase items wholesale: https://www.backpacksusa.com/. 

All items should be dropped off at the Bellevue University Military Veteran Services Center, 2108 Harvell Drive, Bellevue, Nebraska 68005, between 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. The last day to drop items off is Friday, Nov. 4, 2022. 

All cash donations will go toward purchasing snacks and hand and foot warmers and any other specialty items identified, or will be donated to support Siena Francis House operations. 

The university has closely partnered with Indian Hills Community College (IHCC) and local healthcare facilities to help the region overcome the impacts of COVID-19 while also helping motivated students achieve their dreams.

Schools Partner to Meet More Student Needs

Since 2016, Bellevue University has partnered with IHCC to help students continue their studies after earning associate’s degrees. A Bellevue University Relationship Manager is located on site at IHCC to help students experience a smooth transition.

IHCC is located approximately 3.5 hours away from the Bellevue University campus, and 90 minutes each from major hubs Des Moines and Iowa City. “We serve 10 counties, with about 136,000 people in the area,” said IHCC President Matt Thompson.

Some of the most popular programs for IHCC students are diesel, robotics and general education. However, feeder programs like health sciences, education and cybersecurity provide opportunities to complete a bachelor’s degree at Bellevue University while working, Thompson said.

“Bellevue University has been an institution that really looks to meet the needs of students,” he continued. “They are accommodating to adults who may be raising a family, and provide great service and flexibility for our students. Being in lockstep with Bellevue University helps our students have an even better experience and helps us attract more students.”

Bellevue University Puts Students First in Hard Times

Since its founding in 1966, Bellevue University has sought out opportunities to make a tangible difference for working adults and their communities. Effectively achieving this goal also means addressing changing needs within specific industries.

In healthcare, the nursing shortage could not be ignored. According to a study by The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses, 92% of nurses surveyed said they believe the pandemic has depleted nurses at their hospitals. “With the healthcare shortage, Bellevue University was trying to help,” said Lisa Fritz, Bellevue University Key Account Manager who worked with IHCC. 

A focus on student support is built into Bellevue University’s career-relevant educational offerings. According to RN to BSN Program Director Dr. Kimberley Meisinger, “we meet students where they’re at, so they can create the experience they need to have. Doing practicums in their local communities makes it more personal for the students, as well as benefits the organizations and the communities.”

Providing full scholarships for the RN to BSN program using grant funds was the solution. To be accepted, a student must hold a current nursing license and work as an RN. The program provides a unique opportunity for students to complete their degrees online while continuing to serve local patients.

“This is an unbelievable opportunity for IHCC students to take advantage of while starting their careers or working,” Thompson said.

Motivated Nurses Jump at the Opportunity

An associate’s degree empowers nurses to work in a clinical setting, but that’s just the beginning, said IHCC Department Chair for Nursing Dixie Holden. “Obtaining a bachelor's degree in nursing opens many doors for our students,” she said. “To advance in their career, or obtain a supervisory position in nursing, students really need a BSN.”

The first RN to BSN class under this initiative began in January 2022, and word spread like wildfire. In response, Bellevue University added two more start dates: one class began in March, and another group began in June. The degree takes 18 months to complete.

“A lot of them had given up on the dream of getting a BSN. They were in tears,” Fritz said.

The program has attracted nurses with varying experience, from newly graduated to those with decades of experience. The students represent several healthcare facilities, with 13 from MercyOne Centerville Medical Center, eight from Ottumwa Regional Health Center, six from Scotland County Hospital in Missouri, and nine from other facilities.

“With today's more complicated healthcare systems, and with nurses doing more and more with patients at the bedside, we need nurses who are heavily trained to deal with any situation that may arise,” Holden said.

“Returning to school for an advanced degree is something we have encouraged with our staff,” said MercyOne Centerville Vice President of Patient Services, Sherri Doggett.   “When the full scholarship for a BSN was introduced through Bellevue University, staff were encouraged to consider and take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. They were excited and began the application process immediately.”

Nurses Grow Through Online Opportunity

With the variable hours nurses work, and also juggling families and personal lives, Fritz said the online BSN program is a great option. “They take one class at a time. This gives them that flexibility they need,” she said. “They’ve told me it takes discipline, but it’s manageable.”

For Mariah Clawson, a 2017 IHCC graduate who works at MercyOne Centerville, the Bellevue University scholarship helped her achieve a goal she wanted to pursue but found difficult.   

“The cost and workload seemed unrealistic with my life and schedule,” she said. “When I heard about Bellevue University offering this, I knew I had to take advantage of it.”

2011 IHCC graduate Tonya Small, an RN at Scotland County Hospital in Memphis, MO, faced similar setbacks in pursuing her BSN. “It has been a personal goal of mine for many years. I just never thought I had the time or finances to make it happen,” she said.

Small is already learning skills she can apply to her career. “It is helping me hone in on the skills that can set me apart from other nurses, such as leadership and management, nursing education and communication,” she said.

Hospital leaders are also seeing the impact of the program. “Work toward an advanced degree elevates and broadens the thinking of nurses. Our Bellevue University students are highly engaged in their education and I have enjoyed the opportunity to interact with them as they complete assignments,” Doggett said. “They are stretched to think at a different level and they are applying the lessons learned in their daily work.

Investment in Healthcare Builds Lasting Impact

For these 36 nurses, earning a BSN is a launching pad for continuing to grow within their careers. They will lead the next generation of nurses to continue improving care for the south central Iowa region. Plus, the future looks bright, as Bellevue University has committed to offer additional tuition grants for RN to BSN students.

“I know that if I ever want to advance to another position, I will more than likely need the tools and information that this bachelor's degree will supply me with,” Clawson said.

Small said she also hopes to show others what’s possible through her achievement. “As a first-generation college graduate, I have learned the importance of a college education,” Small said. “I want to set a good example for my two daughters that getting an education can open many opportunities.”

There is no doubt that this program and opportunity is changing lives. Doggett noted, “this was the little push these nurses needed and it is having a big impact on the care provided to our patients. We are so grateful for this opportunity.”   

With the help of Bellevue University and IHCC, and the support of their healthcare facilities, these nurses will be making big strides for patients – now and for years to come.

Once the three women – rehabilitation director and speech-language pathologist Susan Fields, rehabilitation manager and physical therapist Anna Rossetti, and rehabilitation manager and occupational therapist Kristy Morales – realized they shared the same goal, they began to collectively research different academic programs.

They started by creating a spreadsheet listing universities across the nation and included program information, cost, online availability, residency requirements and whether or not the three of them could remain in the same cohort throughout the program.

The three women explained they ultimately decided on Bellevue University’s Master of Healthcare Administration program as it would enable them to collaborate and grow together professionally while maintaining full-time employment. The program also offered them the opportunity to integrate their current work into their studies and vice versa.

Fields, Rossetti and Morales, who all began their studies online through Bellevue University in February 2021, arrived in the field of healthcare through three different paths.

Fields, a speech-language pathologist, initially chose her path because her sister had a speech impediment, and seeing her progress inspired her to work toward a career in healthcare.

“After working as a speech pathologist for several years, I became intrigued with how a rehab department ran, and that interested me in seeking a role in rehab leadership where I have been for over 20 years,” Fields shared. “There were so many details about the world of rehabilitation, and I was fascinated by how to make things run smoothly with the right people at the right time to do the right work. I have been in a hospital setting ever since.

For Morales, an occupational therapist, the decision to enter the field was guided by her desire to work with children in a healthcare setting.

“I was particularly interested in congenital anomalies and upper extremity function, and that’s what I did for my first 15-plus years in healthcare,” she said. “I had a desire to understand the big picture of rehab, and I became interested in pursuing a leadership role within our rehabilitation department.”

What initially interested physical therapist Rossetti in healthcare was her grandfather, who was diabetic and received lots of physical therapy after bilateral lower extremity amputations and his need to use prosthetics.

“I would gladly attend his physical therapy sessions at Baylor University in Dallas, Texas, and enjoyed the dedication and desire the physical therapists had to help my grandfather succeed,” she said. “I started my career after PT school in an adult acute care hospital working in critical care and worked my way up to rehab leadership positions from a lead PT to rehab manager of a small rural hospital.”

The three women shared that furthering their education at Bellevue University together is great because they motivate and support each other by collaborating on and discussing assignments. With their varied backgrounds and experiences, they’re able to bring different opinions and ideas to their discussions.

For example, when they interviewed staff within Driscoll Children’s Hospital for an assignment, they made an effort to never interview the same person so, departmentally, they garnered information from a diverse group of leaders.  

And there was also a bit of healthy competition throughout the program, the women added, which they enjoyed and helped them to stay on course. There is no way any one of them would quit, they said.

Ultimately, the achievement of completing Bellevue University’s Master of Healthcare Administration program offers Fields, Rossetti and Morales an opportunity to pursue individual and group advancement within Driscoll Children’s Hospital and externally.  

The three women hope to improve the quality of care that impacts the patients they serve regardless of their titles. They all entered the field of healthcare because of a personal desire to help others, and their ability to do so is enhanced with the knowledge they received during the completion of their master’s program.  

Greetings from the Bellevue University College of Business! This time of year is full of excitement and celebration as students of all ages  celebrate their accomplishments and look toward the next steps in their life and learning journeys.

Bellevue University’s College of Business students are relishing their achievements.  We commend the 275+ College of Business graduates for their perseverance because many life, professional, and academic challenges are inherent on the journey to graduation.  The achievements of our students, as well as the stellar work of our College of Business faculty and staff, are inspiring and set the stage for the future.  As this group of students journey toward graduation, we look for to meeting new students who are ready to embark on their own unique path of discovery.

Another area where we look toward the future is through our Strategic Finance degree programs. Under the leadership of Dr. Kevin Schieuer, our Strategic Finance program brings together two essential areas of business – finance and strategy – and prepares individuals to contribute as both financial and business leaders to the long-term, sustainable value creation for all sorts of organizations.

Thanks to Dr. Schieuer and his outstanding faculty team, our College of Business students and alumni go on to their next chapters armed with a solid mastery of finance and financial decision-making in the real world. Through this issue of Innovating Business, you’ll see how our faculty and our students are able to advance their own positions, that of their teams, and certainly enhance their organizations.

As our newest graduates join the ranks of nearly 60,000 Bellevue University alumni around the world, we look forward to starting our own next chapter here in the College of Business. Many of the pages are yet to be written, but one thing I know for sure is that they will include innovation designed to develop high-performing lifelong learners ready to lead.

Dr. Rebecca Murdock

Dean, College of Business

Chris Stemm has always had an entrepreneurial spirit and dreams of owning his own business. So, after the Ohio native went to college   for his undergraduate studies in electrical engineering at Ohio University, he started building houses and developing land for a trial period while deciding between jobs and professional schools . 

The experiment, he said, turned into three decades.

“Owning a business offered a favorable work-life balance, and I worked outside frequently – both important merits when I was younger,” Stemm explained . “Later, I began feeling like I was spending way too much time thinking about fashionable designer kitchens and sales while I wanted to solve problems. I am a lifelong learner, and I felt the same as when I was in my 20s, seeing endless possibilities. I wanted to start a new career and go back to college.”

That college ended up being Bellevue University, where Stemm, who currently resides in Zanesville, Ohio, recently earned a master’s degree  in strategic finance. He’s now pursuing a Master of Professional Studies degree – a career-focused interdisciplinary program at Bellevue University that enables students to design a degree plan. For Stemm, this means he’s studying a mix of data science, business analytics and finance.

“I believe the combination of these skills with my background in engineering are the competencies needed to make an impact in the field,” he said.

One big reason Stemm chose to further his studies at Bellevue University was the university’s commitment to social awareness and public service, which aligns with his personal mission. 

“During years of real estate development, I witnessed a growing crisis in housing affordability and quality, and I decided that my second career would be tackling housing inequality – a problem with enormous social consequences,” he said. “As a graduate student, from the first week of my first class to the last week of my capstone course, an emphasis on social responsibility and ethics guided our studies.”

At Bellevue University, Stemm added, students are taught to lead by example.

“I learned that corporate social responsibility is good business,” he said. “Business leaders who exhibit ethical behavior promote a risk-aware culture in the company resulting in an enterprise that is more resilient. Small indiscretions by individuals can collectively bring down the whole organization. Transparency and open channels of communication are the keys to effective management.”

One standout staff member for Stemm has been Sandy Styles – his “North Star during my time at Bellevue.”

He added, “She checks in with me multiple times each quarter with reminders, to see how my classes are going and just to offer encouragement.”

In the future, Stemm hopes to expand on his career by working at a government agency, non-profit organization, investment fund or startup company, where he could put his degrees to use and do innovative work in real estate analysis and finance.

Ultimately, Stemm illustrates how graduates from Bellevue University’s Strategic Finance program can apply their degrees in a range of professional fields. According to Program Director Dr. Kevin Schieuer, Bellevue University’s strategic finance graduates work across industries ranging from financial planning to risk management.

And for Stemm, there was no better place to enhance his career trajectory.

“As an online student, my favorite part of attending Bellevue University was working with students from all over the world having diverse backgrounds and careers,” he said. “I learned a lot from my classmates in addition to the class materials and instruction. In hindsight, Bellevue University was the obvious choice for me, and I am looking forward to the journey ahead.”

Dr. Kevin Schieuer is a Professor in the College of Business at Bellevue University. He teaches in the Strategic Finance program and  focuses on principles of finance, advanced corporate finance, financial strategies, cash/treasury management, risk management, investments, and economics.

How would you explain the field or program area of “Strategic Finance” to someone who’s less familiar with all the various business education sub-disciplines?

Finance, particularly capital budgeting and the resource allocation decisions of finance, has a role similar to an orchestra conductor, with the goal of orchestrating an organization’s resources toward the common goal of long-term value creation. 

Fundamentally, finance is concerned with coordinating and utilizing financial capital and other resources to best achieve and sustain long-term value creation for businesses, organizations, and society. In this regard, finance by its very nature is strategic, and one could argue that “strategic finance” is even redundant. 

A few years ago, I gave a presentation at the Association for Financial Professionals’ annual conference titled “Financial Professionals as Strategic Leaders.”  The essence of that presentation was the inherently strategic role of finance and financial professionals. Long-term, sustainable success and value creation in businesses and organizations requires sub-disciplines and departments to work together efficiently to achieve common strategic goals.

As an analogy to a bicycle wheel, finance essentially sits at the hub of these sub-disciplines and departments, as a clearinghouse of cash flows, information, and ideas from across the entire organization. Finance generally knows more about the entire business or organization than any other unit does because all financial resources used or created by the sub-disciplines flows through the finance area, together with associated informational aspects of those cash flows.  This positions finance and financial professionals to have some of the best and most holistic perspectives, insights and understanding, as well as key analytical knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs), relevant to the business and to long-term sustainable strategy decisions.

What relationship does strategic finance have to strategic planning? How do the two functions overlap, if at all, or how do they differ?

As noted above, strategic finance is inherently related to and overlaps with strategic planning. There are elements of financial management that are operational in nature, but many of the core topics of finance are strategic, as they encompass long-term major decisions that are not easily reversed and consequently affect the very nature of a business or organization for years to come.

Fundamental financial decisions such as capital structure address short and long-term financial resource availability and strategies to have reliable financial resources available to sustain operations and strategic investment opportunities.  The evaluation and decision making regarding strategic investment opportunities is the subject of capital budgeting, another strategic finance core topic.  Capital budgeting analysis and decision-making literally defines the long-term assets and thus the very nature of a business or organization. These and other finance topics have the common strategic goal of optimizing and sustaining the value creation mission of businesses and organizations. 

Most of the core financial management topics such as capital budgeting, financial performance evaluation, governance, agency and incentive dynamics, financial markets dynamics, enterprise and portfolio risk management, etc. all align with strategic decision making and planning.

Finance is a field that’s always been important to business. What if anything has changed in the field since you began teaching it?

The fundamental core concepts and implication of strategic finance have a very long half-life, meaning they remain relevant, applicable, and valuable for a very long time.

The core fundamental focus on the applications and implications of concepts such as valuation, value creation, financial markets, capital resources, enterprise risk management, portfolio and investment dynamics, efficient cash management, data analysis, financial performance analysis, business and financial ethics, efficient and effective communication, etc. has not changed dramatically. 

What has changed is that competition, globalization, technology, and other advances speeds up the business cycle and the cash conversion cycle and reduces room for errors in decision-making. This accentuates the value and importance of fundamentally sound financial management and decision-making knowledge across businesses and organizations.  Businesses and organizations that promote an enterprise-wide, holistic knowledge and understanding of fundamentals of financial management and strategy are best positioned to compete in the fast-paced, competitive, global marketplace.

 When people hear the word “finance” they often think it translates to “math” and “budgets.” What else is involved in a finance degree?

To the surprise of many finance students, the discipline of finance is much more conceptual, qualitative, and logic-oriented than students often initially anticipate.

There are certainly plenty of math and numbers inherent in finance, but there are many qualitative and abstract concepts, such as agency relationships, incentive theory, asymmetric information, signaling principles, market behaviors and informational dynamics, governance, business and financial ethics, effective communications, etc.

We also encourage students to reflect upon the roles of business and finance in serving and elevating humanity and society. These topics often really click with graduate students who have often had prior experiences in finance courses that were in some cases intensely focused on the math and unfortunately reinforced the students’ prior aversion to finance. Many of these students comment that finance is much more “exciting and interesting” than they had previously experienced and thought. That is inspiring and signals a seed taking root, being nurtured, and starting to grow, as the student becomes self-motivated to learn more about a subject they previously avoided. It is like seeing an ember ignite into a fire and love of learning.

You earned engineering degrees before you turned to business education and the field of finance. What led you to switch fields?

That's a good question.  I have always been interested in business and, in fact, as a youth I had a very small business raising broiler chickens for local families and a caterer before I got too busy with high school sports and other activities.

In college, I started out studying business as an accounting major for a couple years and worked 20-30 hours a week for about 3 ½ years at a law firm, where I learned much about business dynamics. I also enjoyed math and physics classes.

(My) Advisers and faculty encouraged me to pursue the sciences, thus I graduated with degrees in math, physics, and business administration.  I considered law school, but ended up pursuing an employment opportunity in a research lab with funding for earning graduate degrees in electrical engineering. While in engineering, I also earned a real estate license, and several of my engineering colleagues pursued various business paths.

My business interests continued and, ultimately, I decided to switch to business and that finance was best suited to my interests and skills.  Through some teaching experiences, I learned how much I enjoyed university level teaching and thus I pursued an MBA and a PhD in Finance with the goal to teach finance at a university similar to Bellevue University.

Inside of strategic finance there are topics such as measurement, reporting, technology, management, governance and more. Are all of those aspects included in the Bellevue University curriculum?

Yes. These are all important topics that are addressed in courses across our finance curriculum. 

In addition to these important topics, our finance curriculum emphasizes certain elements of strategic finance and financial management, including key fundamentals topics such as long-term value creation through responsible market capitalism and the role financial decision-making plays in creating and sustaining value for business and society. 

Our finance curriculum has a perspective of “main street” finance versus “Wall Street” finance, meaning we focus on financial management and strategy principles that enhance financial decision making and value creation for businesses and organizations across a broad range of industries, versus being more narrowly focused on the investments industry or Wall Street financing. 

We also emphasize holistic enterprise risk management and cash and treasury management fundamentals, which are all consistent with and support of the value creation and sustainability goals of businesses and organizations. We stress the importance of communication of financial concepts and analysis and encourage students to reflect upon the roles of business and finance in serving and elevating humanity and society.

How are issues like sustainability, supply chain and digital transformation affecting the strategic finance field?

These are all key topics and concepts for businesses and organizations operating in the fast-paced, competitive, global environment. Finance integrates the concepts of sustainability and supply chain dynamics, as those are inherently part of the value creation, optimization, and sustainability objective.

It doesn’t make sense to talk about value creation, optimization, and sustainability, without also addressing implications of holistic enterprise risk management, which also entails supply chain / network considerations.  These topics complement each other and work together to enhance sustainability and supply / value chains and networks.  There is also a distinct topic of supply chain finance, which is addressed some in our curriculum. Students have opportunities to investigate specialty topics such as this in more depth if that is more relevant to their career aspirations. 

Digital transformations have also affected financial operations, particularly in the areas of cash and treasury management of order, payment, and collection processes, and in enhanced data analysis relevant to nearly all aspects of financial management and strategy.  Treasury and cash management practices have been progressing through the digital transformation of operations for many years, though Global Finance reports that approximately 40-50% of businesses still use manual processes (Dzinkowski, 2022).

In the context of digital currencies, this is still a bit of a “Wild West” area, which often has a speculative nature to it. Topics with more speculative characteristics and relatively high volatility and risk are not the core fundamental, long half-life of knowledge value topics we emphasize. Students have opportunities to investigate specialty topics such as this in more depth if that is more relevant to their career aspirations.

How do strategic finance professionals typically start their careers inside organizations? How do they typically advance?

Finance professionals may begin their careers in finance-oriented industries such as banking, insurance, financial services, or investments, or they may start out as business analysts, credit analysts, or financial / business managers across a broad range of businesses and industries. 

An advantage for financial professionals is that every business or organization, regardless of the industry, needs quality financial management and people with financial knowledge and skills, and thus career opportunities are broad. Students, particularly at the graduate level, frequently seek to further their financial management skills as they recognize the important role finance plays in creating and sustaining long-term business/organizational value and success, as well as career advancement.

Career paths for students of finance and finance professionals are often broader and more open-ended, though a bit less specifically defined than some business disciplines. For example, there is a relatively well-defined career path for an accounting major with a CPA license. There are several certification opportunities in finance as well, such as the Certified Treasury Professional (CTP) (formerly Certified Cash Manager), Corporate Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A) certificate, Chartered Financial Analysts (CFA), Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Financial Risk Manager, actuary certification, and others. Though they may not all have the name recognition of a CPA, these are valuable certifications which enhance career opportunities.

Our finance curriculum provides a solid foundation for students to build upon as they prepare for certification opportunities that best fit their career aspirations. 

What advice would you give to students considering a career in strategic finance?

It is important for students to reflect upon their interests, intellectual strengths, and career aspirations.  Given that finance requires reasonable quantitative skills, an analytical mindset, and a relatively high attention to detail, it is important for students to consider how well this aligns with their personal attributes and aspirations. 

Although finance and accounting are distinct and can have different career paths, finance professionals benefit from a solid accounting foundation and thus it is important for students to enjoy and feel comfortable with accounting and numbers. Assuming students are comfortable with these foundations of finance, students are encouraged to read and learn as much as they can about finance in general, including the broad range of applications of financial management skills outside of the traditional finance industries of insurance, banking, investments, financial services, etc.

You entered the education field during the advent of online courses. What do you remember from those early days?

I believe online education plays a significant role in elevating and advancing humanity and society by providing quality educational opportunities to many who previously simply did not have any accessible options. 

Providing valuable educational opportunities to students who previously didn’t have any feasible options was one of my best memories from the early days.  We might take for granted that we have students from all over the country or world or remote locations in classes today, but that was an exciting development in the early days of our online programs.  The online opportunities expanded in a very positive way the diversity of experiences and backgrounds of learners in our classes.

From the beginning, Bellevue University has been a quality leader in online education by assisting and facilitating dedicated faculty, and by providing top-notch institutional support services and resources for making dynamic and interactive online learning successful. 

I believe the quality of Bellevue University’s online course environment has been impressive.  Online students sometimes are concerned about the level of engagement online, but they soon learn the opportunities for and levels of engagement online are extremely high and often surpass residential classes.  Online students can asynchronously interact literally 24x7 with classmates from all over the world, while a residential class is traditionally much more limited in time and place. 

What is the most satisfying, or gratifying, aspect of your role at Bellevue University?

One of the most gratifying aspects of working at Bellevue University is knowing that serving our students and society to enhance opportunities to elevate individuals is literally in the DNA of Bellevue University as an institution.

This core fundamental philosophy is an important and valuable reminder that our work really does matter, as we can and should have a profound effect on the people and communities we serve.  It is rewarding and meaningful to be a part of an institution and university community of dedicated colleagues that truly values this mission. 

Additionally, I have grown in my appreciation for a career studying and teaching finance. Beyond the quantitative and functional roles of finance, there is an appreciation for the significant and important roles of finance and business in serving and elevating humanity.  These reflections truly give one’s work meaning and that is gratifying.

Dzinkowski, R. (2022, April) Corporate Finance Working Capital: More Disruption and Risk. Global Finance, p.23-24. 

“Finance is one of the most demanded subjects in today's global market,” said Assistant Professor of Finance Dr. Bina Sharma. ”Finance has several branches, so if we give students multiple options, they can take courses to boost their qualifications.”

Students even have the opportunity to earn two graduate degrees in less time for less cost than earning them separately. “Dual degrees not only help students by getting them good-paying jobs, but by also making them more marketable and competitive,” Dr. Sharma said.

 A Framework for Success

Bellevue University offers two undergraduate degrees in finance. “The Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with Finance Emphasis provides a traditional business administration curriculum with an additional 9 credit hours of finance electives,” said Dr. Kevin Schieuer, Program Director for the Finance programs. “The Bachelor of Science in Finance Program replaces some of the business administration courses in marketing and management with financial management and accounting curriculum.” 

The College of Business program also offers two graduate finance programs. “The Master of Science in Strategic Finance program focuses on financial management and strategies curriculum with a broad range of concentration and elective options to complement one's career interests,” Dr. Schieuer said. “The Master of Business Administration with a Finance Concentration program provides a broader business curriculum in areas such as human capital, marketing, operations, and management.”

 All four degrees are available online or in class. “By providing multiple options for studying finance, students can assess the various options and choose a career path that maximizes their potential,” said Finance Professor Dr. Anthony Clarke.

Focusing on Finance in the Real World

Bellevue University is focused on applying finance from the textbook to the workplace, while keeping in line with how real-world application evolves over time. This sets the program apart from others.

“For example, an underlying perspective of our approach entails the ideas of ‘main street’ finance versus ‘Wall Street; finance, meaning we focus on financial decision- making across a broad range of industries,” Dr. Schieuer said.

The Master of Science in Strategic Finance helps connect financial management strategies and tools to student's careers, and addresses business decisions that are real and meaningful to them. “Students engage in team activities to enhance both their own content learning, and grow team skills through working to solve problems with peers,” Dr. Schieuer said.

Another option offered through the program, the dual degree option, allows students to earn a second graduate degree with an additional 18 credit hours. “The dual degree option prepares students for a broad range of career growth opportunities in business and financial management,” Dr. Schieuer said.

All jobs need multiple types of knowledge, Dr. Sharma said. “For example, for a person interested in finance, a background knowledge in data science gives an advantage on developing tools and dashboards to improve an investment process.”

Helping Students Take on the Future
Feedback and input are essential to ensuring students gain the edge they will need. “The content is evaluated daily by students through course interaction. Additionally, we have an active College of Business advisory group that provides feedback from employers,” Dr. Clarke said.

Program instructors also stay up-to-speed on evolving technologies to help their students. “Along with teaching the financial calculators, now we need to teach more advanced software used in the finance area,” Dr. Sharma said. “Graduate students in my investments class get a chance to trade stocks in real-time using Stock Trak. We buy this simulation for our students.”

At Bellevue University, student success is the driving force behind the strategic finance programs, and its leaders are committed to seeking out every resource to provide as much value as possible.

Among the graduates was Ashlea Rodriguez, student speaker, who graduated with her Master of Arts degree in Business and Professional Communication.  Rodriguez, is a U.S. Air Force veteran, a mother, a working adult learner, a first-generation college student. 

“The individual aspirations that our students have and that Bellevue University enables are truly remarkable,” said University President Dr. Mary Hawkins. “The students we serve best are those who, like Ashlea, have invested in themselves and are motivated to succeed at the next level.”

The commencement ceremony also featured comments from L. Javier Fernandez, President and CEO of Omaha Public Power District (OPPD).  OPPD is a publicly owned electric utility serving an estimated 853,000 people, more than any other electric utility in Nebraska.  Fernandez is also a member of the Bellevue University Board of Directors. 

Five students also received their doctoral degrees in a separate hooding ceremony at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, June 3, at the John B. Muller Administrative Services Building located on the campus of Bellevue University.  Alicia Stoermer Clark, Chief Executive Officer of the Seldin Company,, deliver comments at the ceremony. Clark is a  Bellevue University alumni and earned her Ph.D. in Human Capital Management.

According to University Registrar Colette Lewis, the University conferred 767 degrees from Jan. 1, 2022 through March 31, 2022. This includes 500 undergraduate degrees and 276 graduate degrees. Bellevue University now has nearly 60,000 graduates worldwide.

Bellevue University also host a Commencement Open House event on its main campus on Friday, June 4. For more information, visit https://www.bellevue.edu/student-support/graduation/before-ceremony#gradopenhouse 

The University streamed the commencement ceremony live so those who could not attend had an opportunity to see students receive their diplomas. Click here to watch the spring commencement ceremony. 

Bellevue University will join hundreds of area non-profits this week and participate in Do Good Days, a three-day campaign built around various forms of community support.  

Do Good Days is sponsored by SHARE Omaha, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping other nonprofits fulfill their missions.  There are three dedicated days of support:

• Tuesday, May 17 - Give On Tuesday
• Wednesday, May 18 - Wish List Wednesday
• Thursday, May 19 - Volun-Thursday

Monetary contributions made to Bellevue University will go toward student scholarships and help ensure that a Bellevue University education remains affordable.  Physical wish list items will be provided to students in need. 

You can support Bellevue University by visiting the Bellevue University SHARE Omaha page at https://shareomaha.org/nonprofit/bellevue-university-foundation.

You can also make a gift directly to Bellevue University at https://www.bellevue.edu/about/alumni/giving-to-bellevue, where you can designate the area for your gift.

Tony Parmenter, adjunct professor in the College of Arts & Sciences at Bellevue University, published a paper last month titled “Treating Combat-Related Posttraumatic Stress Disorder using Therapeutic Fly-Fishing with EMDR” in the Journal of Military and Veterans’ Health.

This is the first official and published integration of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) with a form of fly-fishing, and a serious call for integrating nature-based interventions into EMDR therapy, he said.

Parmenter, a licensed mental health professional, first became interested in treating PTSD after serving in the military and then helping service members on an English-speaking crisis telephone line in Japan, and while completing his undergraduate degree with Bellevue University.

After earning a Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Science from Bellevue University in 2009, he returned to the States to complete a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Antioch University New England in 2012.

In 2020, he founded Seiyu Institute for Health & Training – a psychotherapy and trauma consultation practice based in southeastern Vermont – which he operated while working full time for the State of Vermont. Because of the pandemic, Parmenter was forced to work remotely out of his barn, oftentimes putting in over 65 hours a week which was hard on his mental health, he said.

“Being inside so much was really getting to me, and I felt like it was more important than ever to get outside,” Parmenter said. “I was reminded of my great experiences of fly-fishing when I worked in a PTSD treatment program for uniformed service professionals a few years back. Plus I live near a river, so I thought I’d give fly-fishing another try.”

Parmenter uses a specific type of fly-fishing called Tenkara, which uses a fixed line attached to a fishing rod, without a reel or any other moving parts. It was out on the river when he realized the process of fly-fishing has similarities to Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) – a psychotherapy that enables people to heal from the symptoms and emotional distress that are the result of trauma and other disturbing life experiences. Parmenter trained in EMDR after working as a professional counselor for some years. He is now a Certified EMDR Therapist and professional consultant with the EMDR International Association and the Parnell Institute for Attachment-Focused EMDR.

After spending some time on the river fly-fishing and doing EMDR, Parmenter decided to write the paper as a way to document it for himself. It was during his research when he learned that while therapeutic fly-fishing programs exist, none appear to use trained mental health professionals even though most focus on treating issues related to trauma. He also realized that even though therapeutic fly-fishing programs are researched, the literature only focused on the use of fly-fishing as an adjunctive activity for mental health care – fly-fishing simply done as usual, and not as a form of treatment itself. Parmenter submitted the paper to the Journal of Military and Veterans’ Health upon realizing that his approach was unique.

“The benefit of using therapeutic fly-fishing, or another nature-based activity, is that it lets you do counseling or therapy outside of the office in a way that allows it to be a more authentic and engaging process for people,” Parmenter said. “Clients also learn to do a safe activity that they can do when not in therapy. My hope is that as they continue to go fishing and spend time outdoors, it will allow any healing that is happening to continue taking place naturally.”

Finding Opportunity in America

Born in South Sudan, Tongo and his family became refugees as a civil war forced them out of their homeland. “We traveled on foot to Ethiopia,” he said. The family lived in a refugee camp, and one day Tongo’s uncle was able to secure two applications to evacuate to the United States. Opportunities were limited, so he moved to America at 12 years old with his uncle, while his parents remained in Africa. He lived in New Hampshire, then Des Moines, Iowa, and finally Omaha, Nebraska, where he graduated from high school. “I don’t know where I would be if I hadn’t come to the U.S.,” he said. “America is the land of dreams.”

Tongo began working after high school, even though he wanted to join the military. “I love to serve people. I wanted to give that time back, for the second chance I got at life,” he said. As fate would have it, he helped a Navy recruiter while working at Target and decided to enlist. Over the course of two years, he experienced continual setbacks due to extensive background checks. After having to change jobs three times while waiting to start his new military career, Tongo enlisted in the Army instead, and was sworn in within a week. He’s now served for five years.

Gearing Education Toward Service

The journey to a bachelor’s degree had many twists and turns for Tongo. He completed two years at a community college, then chose Bellevue University when he was moving back to the Omaha area from Colorado. “I chose Bellevue University because the evening classes catered to adult learning,” he said.

Tongo said the Admissions office went above and beyond to help him get started. “There are so many people at BU that were instrumental to my success,” he said. As he took classes, he ultimately decided leadership would be the best fit. “I decided I needed the tools to be a better, more effective leader,” he said. “I also want to give other soldiers the chance to be leaders.”

He started with in-person classes, but completed his cohort online. This proved crucial, as he was traveling quite often for the military, including a stint overseas and a move to Tennessee.  “The program director Dr. (David( Byers is an amazing human being,” Tongo said. “I was always moving and always quarantining, but he would not allow me to fail.”

Tongo said the leadership program felt like a family and he was happy to be included. “I felt connected to my classmates,” he said. “Everyone was so genuine.” His classmates also appreciated his unique perspective from having experienced war. “When talking about leadership theory and concepts, I had something more personal to offer. I see things differently,” he said. “Everything I endured made me a better person.”

Though he sometimes had to sacrifice time with his kids, Tongo was determined to complete his degree. “My father is a preacher, and he always told me to never lose that faith,” he said. “That’s what kept me grounded throughout the process of earning my degree and my time in the military.”

Sharing About, Applying His Experience

When Dr. Byers nominated Tongo for student speaker, he wasn’t sure if he wanted to do it. “I’ve never spoken in front of that many people before,” he said. He was also busy with military leadership school and preparing for the arrival of his new baby girl, who was born March 10. Ultimately, he decided speaking at graduation was the right opportunity for him.

“I wasn’t sure what to talk about and my mother said, ‘Son, speak from the heart and be yourself. That’s what I did,” Tongo said. When he made it to the final selection round for student speaker, he was the only one of the three finalists to fly to Omaha to present his speech in person. “When they told me I had been chosen as the student speaker, I froze. I had no words,” he said.

Tongo is already applying his leadership learnings to his career and looks forward to continued growth personally and professionally. “The things we do in the military are different – the way we communicate. I listen to my men more now,” he said. “I’m more calm and more patient. I ask myself ‘how can I help these soldiers?’ ” he said. “I stay positive and optimistic about what tomorrow will bring.”

Bellevue University alumnus Faigy Mandelbaum has been selected to receive the prestigious Fulbright Research Award. 

The Fulbright Israel open-study award is granted to three individuals each year on the basis of academic excellence, the leadership promise of the applicant, and their potential to both advance knowledge and enhance mutual understanding between the peoples of the United States and Israel.

“We are proud to have Faigy as a Bellevue University alumnus,” President Dr. Mary Hawkins said. “She has a bright future ahead of her and we wish her continued success in her educational journey as she studies in Israel.” 

Mandelbaum, who received a Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Science and Human Services with a 4.0 GPA from Bellevue University, attributes her success to many things including her higher education experience.

“My experiences at Bellevue University were wonderful,” Mandelbaum said. “My professors were excellent and they set me up for success. I am very grateful to the University for providing me with a quality education while respecting all aspects of my religious sensitivities. I will not forget the foundation that I have gained through the Yeshiva Initiatives Education Program (YIEP).”

Bellevue University’s partnership with YIEP started in 2004 and was designed to open doors for Orthodox Jews. The customized programs, administered through the University, allow Orthodox Jews to continue their education in an environment that does not conflict with their lifestyle demands and cultural customs. Mandelbaum said the program was instrumental in helping her get where she is today.

“Having the opportunity to be an Orthodox Jew while receiving a quality education in an environment that was culturally sensitive to the needs of the Orthodox Jewish community was a blessing,” Mandelbaum said.

Mandelbaum also attributed her educational success to Bellevue University professors Esther Lustig and Judi Steinig and Rabbi Pesach Lerner who helped form the YIEP partnership.

“Faigy is a remarkable young woman,” Lustig said. “She is a tribute to the psychology profession and Bellevue University for all of her hard-earned accomplishments.”

Mandelbaum is a fourth-year student in the Clinical Psychology Ph.D. program at Hofstra University and a member of Psi Chi – the International Honor Society in Psychology. She's been published in peer-reviewed journals, has 30 national conference presentations, and is a peer-reviewer for the Journal of American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology and the Journal of Sleep Research.

During her nine-month Fulbright fellowship, Faigy will be studying the impact of childhood trauma on the development of C-PTSD symptomatology in Israeli lone soldiers. Currently, there are over 7,000 active lone soldiers in the Israeli army. Lone soldiers are soldiers who are serving in the Israeli army without family support. They are generally orphans, new immigrants, volunteers from abroad, or individuals who are estranged from their families. Israel is the only army in the world to recognize the construct of the lone soldier and to provide a vast support network to these soldiers both while they are serving in the army and as veterans.

“I aim to assess the efficacy of Israel's vast lone soldier support network, provide suggestions for improvement based on the data, and disseminate information about the lone soldier support model to other armies,” Mandelbaum said, “It is my hope that one day, armies across the world will recognize the struggle of the lone soldier and provide specialized support so that no soldier is left alone.”

Greetings from the faculty and staff of the College of Business! As I write this message, April 15 (tax filing day for many of us) is just around the corner! As this milestone day approaches, many will evaluate the financial and tax decisions of the past year and identify strategies for future tax years. Obviously, some will turn to an accountant for tax planning assistance, as well as for the preparation of their tax returns.  

As a profession, accounting is not just focused on tax planning and preparation, audit practice, financial analysis, or transactional systems. Individuals with a solid foundation of accounting skills and knowledge may pursue excellent opportunities in a variety of industries, organizations, and related career fields. 

However, today’s contemporary business environment demands that accounting professionals must imagine the future of their professional practice in conjunction with digital transformation strategies playing out in their organizations. Fundamentally, accounting educators, including our own, and accounting professionals, must boldly reconsider how to advance educational and career pathways so that current employees and new entrants can be successful and effective in a modern digital age.  

In this issue of Innovating Business, it’s my privilege to introduce you to the educators and learners who are helping to chart the evolutionary path of the accounting field. Thanks to their efforts, the development of core accounting knowledge and skills is occurring in concert with the development of knowledge and skills in areas such as data analytics, technology, finance, and strategy. When you read their stories, I believe you’ll feel as I do, that our future and the future of accounting is in excellent hands.

Dr. Rebecca Murdock

Dean, College of Business

“Our professors work very hard to keep our course content relevant,” said Accounting Program Director Heidi Deden.

Leading by Example

The accounting program faculty are experts in the subject theoretically, but they also bring with them the mastery that can only be achieved by actively working in the field for years. Their experiences show how many opportunities an accounting degree opens up.

Take Deden, for example, who took the reins of the program in 2019 after eight years at the University. She started out as a classically trained musician who later looked for a more reliable way to provide for her family. She decided to pursue accounting as a second career.

“It seemed to me that if I had accounting skills, I could always have a good job,” she said. “I have never regretted my choice. I have worked in a variety of interesting accounting positions: internal auditor for Los Angeles County, external auditor for two different CPA firms, controller for a Berkshire Hathaway subsidiary, business and personal income tax preparer in a local Omaha CPA firm, and finally teaching in the accounting department at Bellevue University.”

Associate Professor Monica McElhaney is another example of the variety of positions accounting graduates can pursue. She’s worked as an auditor, a financial analyst in South Korea and as a financial director. She’s been teaching at Bellevue University since 1996, when Bellevue University was launching its groundbreaking online degree offerings.

Accounting in the Digital World

Technology plays a pivotal role in how every industry moves forward, and accounting is no exception. The National Association of State Boards of Accountancy and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants have joined forces to set the standard for the future of accounting through the CPA Evolution initiative. They are deploying a new CPA exam model in January, 2024. This new model is based on a core of accounting, audit and tax infused with technology plus a choice of discipline (business analytics and reporting; information systems and controls; or tax compliance and planning).

“The new exam model is in response to the skills required in an ever-evolving marketplace,” Deden said. “The tools of the trade are no longer limited to traditional accounting topics: accountants are now expected to have analytical skills and a certain comfort level with technology.”

However, Bellevue University is not waiting; the College of Business has already started integrating technology further into its accounting offerings.

“For the last year, accounting professors at Bellevue University have been infusing their courses with technology and data analytics,” Deden said. “We are also in the process of adding two new courses to the graduate program, in order to expose students to the type of technology and analytical skills demanded by the industry.”

This evolution is a natural undertaking, as the program is designed to keep pace with industry needs. “Our program is always changing to include the most current principles and tech used in the accounting field,” McElhaney said. “We make sure our students are grounded in theory, but can apply what they have learned to real-world situations. Our courses are very project oriented, so when our students graduate, they can hit the road running. Theory is necessary, but application is mandatory.”

Options for Specialized Degrees

To help students build skills and have an added advantage in pursuing job opportunities, Bellevue University offers a number of specialization options. Undergraduate students can add a business finance emphasis, while graduate students can add tax or finance concentrations.  

Additionally, students can pursue a number of certificates of completion as they progress toward their degrees. These include the Advanced Accounting Certificate of Completion (BSA or MSA), Accounting Technology Certificate of Completion (BSA), Cost Accounting Certificate of Completion (BSA), and Tax Certificates of Completion (BSA or MSA). In fact, McElhaney, who already has numerous professional accounting certifications, recently added a CFE, or Certified Fraud Examiner, credential to her resume.

Finally, the College of Business is developing additional concentrations for both the BSA and the MSA that align with the disciplines included in the new CPA exam model.

Despite all that’s changed, one thing remains the same – accounting is a promising field for anyone who is looking to build a career with ample opportunity for years to come. “Students who are analytical, tenacious and enjoy a good challenge generally do well in accounting,” Deden said.

In South Korea, the law requires all able-bodied men between the ages of 18 to 28 to serve in the country’s military for about 20 months. 

Bellevue University student Jaewoon Lim is one such male who became an officer in the Republic of Korea Army. He served as a platoon leader, which enabled him to develop his leadership skills, especially when it came to attitude and patience.

In 2003, Lim graduated from college in Korea and was discharged from the Army. He then taught math, so when he came to the United States with his family years later, Lim decided to expand his expertise.   

Lim and his family moved to Virginia – his wife in 2014 and he and his two sons a year later – because his wife was accepted into a doctoral program for organizational behavior. While in Virginia, Lim attended a community college, where he learned applied calculus, linear algebra, statistics and discrete math.

“I found out the value of studying math and felt great joy by approaching the depth of knowledge,” he said.

In 2020, Lim transferred to Bellevue University and is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting.

“I had a new start as a college student,” he said. “There were times when it was difficult for me to participate actively in class due to my lack of English-speaking skills.”

Thankfully, though, Lim has had professors who care and actively try to understand his questions even when they’re not clear.

“In particular, Professor Monica McElhaney gave me practical advice on what to prepare and develop besides studying in the department, which was very helpful,” he said. “I am happy with the supportive environment.”

And the feeling is mutual. According to McElhaney, Lim is an off-the-charts intelligent and outstanding student.

After he graduates from Bellevue this winter, Lim hopes to find a job in the field he loves in the city he and his family have grown fond of: Omaha.

“I am delighted when I realize that accounting is opening my eyes little by little to understanding the activities of businesses,” Lim said. “In the future, I aim to grow as a professional based on my accounting knowledge and find a [high-level] role within the organization.”

Even after graduating from the university this past November, Bliemeister continues to expand her resume and is currently amidst an internship at KPMG – an experience that enables her to learn more about business tax practice.

“This internship has included challenging and rewarding work amidst a busy tax season,” she said.

Bliemeister plans to pursue yet another internship this summer. Starting in May, she’ll work as an audit intern at BKD – one of the largest accounting and advisory firms in the United States.

The Bellevue University alumna said the choice to chase multiple internships gives her the opportunity to fine-tune what she wants her career to look like.

“There are so many different paths to take with accounting, and I’m using this transitional period to intern and find out where I want to begin my career,” Bliemeister said. “I’m still learning and trying to figure out what my future career goals are.”

What she knows for sure, though, is that she’d eventually like to teach accounting courses in addition to working for either a public accounting firm or a private company.

“I want to teach and show students the different opportunities and paths that you can take with accounting,” Bliemeister explained. “I was inspired by my professors to pursue my goals, and I hope to be a mentor for someone else someday.”

She added that because Bellevue University is a relatively small university, she had the opportunity to get to know her professors and learn about their experiences in the field of accounting.

“I think hearing the different routes each of them took with their degree was integral in my experience,” she said.

Another key part of her time at Bellevue University was her role on the university’s softball team.

“I met some of my best friends and had the chance to compete and travel the country while playing my favorite sport,” Bliemeister said. “I was coached by some amazing people who I know will be a part of my life for years to come. I met the head coach, Michala Cimino, when I was a junior in high school. Ever since then, she has been a mentor to me. All the coaches at Bellevue [University] played an essential part in making my time here such a great experience.”

Bliemeister was also involved with the Student Athletic Advisory Committee and a member of the Institute of Management Accountants. In addition, she served as a peer tutor, helping other students in their math, business and accounting courses.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to play softball and get an education [at Bellevue],” she said. “I enjoyed the relationships I developed with my teammates, coaches, professors and administrators the most.”

Ultimately, the threads of Bliemeister’s experience at Bellevue University will weave their way throughout her entire life.

“Bellevue [University] has provided me with a foundation of skills, knowledge and networks that will provide me with confidence in my future career,” she said.

Cynthia Nye is a Professor in the College of Business at Bellevue University.. She teaches in the Accounting program and focuses on   Advance Cost Accounting, International Accounting, Seminars in Contemporary Accounting, and Managerial Accounting.

I’m not sure that people know the different types/subfields of accounting. Can you tell me how the fields differ? Or how they’re the same?

Cost accounting focuses on analyzing the costs within an organization based on both financial and cost accounting principles. Managerial accounting supports management by providing internal reports for decision-making purposes. International accounting gives students the opportunity to learn about International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), which are very similar to U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), but are used by companies outside the U.S..  Publicly traded U.S. companies are required to follow U.S. GAAP.  Contemporary accounting focuses on keeping students current on topics that are at the forefront of accounting, which would include updates that have occurred recently in U.S. GAAP and SEC regulation.  

Accounting is commonly referred to as the language of business. All areas of a business need to understand the basics of accounting, since accounting in used in all operations of an organization. The marketing and operations area need to understand breakeven analysis to make sure a company is profitable.

What exactly do Bellevue University students who study accounting learn? What are some of the specific skills they work to master and what areas do they gain exposure to and experience in?

Accounting students at Bellevue University learn to prepare financial statements, prepare tax returns, apply auditing skills, analyze data, develop internal reports for management, breakeven analysis, budget preparation, variance analysis, use different types of software, and fine tune their communication skills. 

The courses are building blocks to each other as the students move through the program.  Students will develop skills in various types of software to support financial accounting, tax, auditing and database management.  

How long have you been teaching at Bellevue University? How have you seen students change over the years/decades?

I started at Bellevue University in 1994 and at that time I did not have a computer in my office.  Within six months, I had a computer and by 1996, I had started teaching online classes in addition to residential classes.  Today, students still want to learn, but I see more students who want and need the flexibility of the online modality.  

Accounting is one of those fields that a large portion of the population often thinks of as incredibly difficult because it involves math. But aren’t accounting concepts and principles present in everyday life?

Anyone who has ever bought a car or home using debt was using accounting. Each payment includes principal and interest and as the amount of payments progress more of the payment goes toward principal until the amount of the debt is paid off.

Compound interest is a powerful concept in accounting. We use the compounding effect in savings accounts and reinvesting interest and dividends.

Most people have a monthly budget to make sure that what they bring in will cover the costs that are going out monthly.

Before repairing a car versus buying a new car, people will use a cost benefit analysis to determine which choice they should make after evaluating the quantitative and qualitative areas of the decision.

What role does critical thinking play in accounting?

A big part of accounting is drilling down on the data and connecting the dots to provide solutions that can lead to a successful strategy. Our students have the opportunity to analyze and interpret data to develop a recommendation that management can implement.  

The world seems more connected than ever before. Why is it important for those studying or working in accounting to understand international business issues and impacts?

Most students most likely will be working for a company that has international operations or works with vendors abroad.  It is important for accountants to understand the flow of goods in and out of the country and how the changes in exchange rates influences the selling and buying of goods in different currency.  International business issues like tariffs, geopolitical, and taxes, to name a few, need to be understood when working in international business. Technology has made companies connected throughout the world. 

How has technology changed the field of accounting over the last decade and what changes do you expect to see in the next five years?

The biggest change is this concept of “big data.” Now there is so much data available, but it' is important to be able to drill down on data so the data can provide useful information for monitoring and control. 

Data analytics has become a major part of accounting and this is evident from the major initiative announced in 2021 by the National and State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). They introduced the new Model for Licensure, which is based on the new CPA exam to begin Jan. 1, 2024. This initiative is about transforming the CPA licensure model to recognize the rapidly changing skills and competencies the practice of accounting requires today and will require in the future. 

I know Bellevue University offers both a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and a Master of Science in Accounting. What should students considering the field know about those programs/offerings? For example, is one preferred in certain industries or job roles?

The Bachelor of Science in Accounting not only gives students the opportunity to take accounting classes, but there is a business core that is made up of various business courses from different disciplines. This allows the student to have a good foundation in business and accounting. The Bachelor of Science in Accounting is for those students starting out in accounting and will provide them the skills for an entry level accounting job. 

The Master of Science in Accounting allows student the opportunity to work toward the 150 hour requirement that is required in some states to sit for the CPA exam. Students pursuing the Bachelor of Science in Accounting can start taking graduate accounting courses in their senior year that will give them a jumpstart on the Master of Science in Accounting degree.

The most recognizable professional certification in accounting is the CPA. You have your CPA, but also your CMA and CFM. What are those certifications and how do they differ from the CPA?

The CPA is focused on public accounting and required to practice as a CPA in a CPA firm. The CMA, the Certified Management Accountant, and CFM, Certified in Financial Management are both certifications that focus on internal operations of any organization.

You had a successful career in accounting before you became a full-time faculty member in the College of Business. Can you tell me what you did and how that experience informs your teaching today?

I worked in a CPA firm and then I was the first internal auditor for a community college. I learned very quickly that I was going to be a lifelong learner and the need to be a team player. I try to share with students the need to keep developing skills so that any organization will see the value the student brings to the job and the need to have excellent communication skills.

I realized the importance of being current in U.S. GAAP and the need to be proficient in technology. Accounting and technology have changed dramatically over the years and I see that this will continue in the future.

What would you tell a prospective student considering a career in the accounting field?

Accounting has so many opportunities because this discipline is so broad. Students will be able to pick from different areas of accounting to pursue a career, such as, tax, auditing and governmental accounting. 

Accounting is challenging, but that is what makes it fun - to solve problems to help any type of organization.  Accounting has a lot of opportunity for upward mobility, because all organizations need accountants and need leaders of the organization to have strong accounting knowledge and skills. 

Finally, accounting does not limit a student to a certain type of organizations. There are accountants in all types of organizations, for example, hospitals, state and federal government, corporations, small businesses, and CPA firms, to name a few.

What is the most gratifying aspect of your role as a professor?

I enjoy the excitement that students display as they learn new things. Many of our students are non-traditional and already have a job and are coming back to Bellevue University to learn new skills and/or help them to progress further in their careers. 

I love hearing from students that they are able to use what they are learning in class. I will have students tell me that they went to their manager and recommended that the company implement one of the cost and control skills they learned in class and the manager liked the idea and the company was implementing this recommendation. I also enjoy seeing students succeed on a project that they have been working on in class and feel like all their hard work has paid off is very rewarding for me. 

I am one of the faculty sponsors of the Student Chapter of the Institute of Management Accountants and we have accounting alumni come back to Bellevue University and share their accounting journey at the student chapter meetings. It makes me proud to see what these alumni have achieved and how grateful they are to Bellevue University.

It’s been said that “Success is a journey, not a destination.” Omahan George W. Venteicher’s 85-year journey included building a top law firm and a premier regional real estate development company.  

Along the way, Venteicher quietly spearheaded ventures in Omaha and other communities, building multiple properties in five states from Florida to Arizona, while generously sharing the fruits of his labor with many causes and organizations he believed in and cared about, including Bellevue University.

Venteicher, who died March 3, 2022, personified the American Dream for many of his business and professional peers. He was born in Carroll, Iowa, a rural community of about 10,000 located 75 miles northeast of Omaha. Springing from humble but solid Midwestern roots, he graduated high school, then Creighton University in Omaha, and in 1962, Creighton’s law school. He spent three years as an Assistant Attorney General of Nebraska before moving into the private sector in 1967 and founding a law firm that went on to specialize in real estate.

The firm developed millions of square feet of commercial and residential space. In 1981, Venteicher and his business partners founded KVI Associates, a development company that built multiple projects in the Omaha area, including Oak View Mall and North Park, northeast of 120^th and Blondo streets.

In the mid-1990s, Bellevue University was leasing classroom and support space in a strip mall near 120^th and Center streets in western Omaha and actively seeking a permanent western location. Venteicher made an affordable building site available in KVI’s North Park development. Bellevue University’s 20,000 square-foot Lozier Professional Center opened there in 1998, with classrooms, technology, and faculty and support space that has served thousands of students, graduates, and corporate clients ever since. The building underwent a major renovation, including space repurposing and learning technology upgrades in 2019.

Venteicher served actively on the University’s Board of Directors from 2001 to 2016, when he became an emeritus director. In 2007, he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Commerce degree from Bellevue University, for his service to his profession, the community and the University.

He felt strongly about the value of education and the University’s mission to make college affordable and attainable by a diverse student population. “It serves a special niche—the second-chance students and others who deserve an opportunity,” he once said of the University. “It has a definite place, and the community benefits from it. If it weren’t here, a lot of those students wouldn’t be getting their education, and education is really important.”

Venteicher also supported outreach initiatives by Bellevue University’s American Vision and Values program, which emphasizes American founding principles like freedom, personal responsibility, free enterprise, and service to others. “Bellevue University teaches values, and that’s how you become a good citizen and benefit your community,” he said.

Over the years, he and his wife, Susan, provided generous major support for the University, and the Venteicher Wellness Center on the Bellevue campus is named for them. He also served a decade on the Board of Brownell-Talbot preparatory school, and was been a strong supporter of Creighton University, his alma mater.

Mergers, a recession, a gambling industry crushed by the pandemic – Bellevue University alumna Priscilla Mau has seen it all. In a career spanning more than a decade across four states, she knows thriving in the ever-changing world of marketing means embracing change and evolving her design expertise to the next level. She’s done just that, recently completing her Master of Science in Strategic Marketing; landing a new design role with a global infrastructure and agriculture company, Valmont Industries; and publishing a research report that will be presented at a conference this month.

Growing in Graphic Design

Mau has worked as a graphic designer for more than 12 years. She worked in a variety of industries in the early years, but began to carve out her path in the casino business. “My passion grew for marketing while I was working for Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc. in Las Vegas, and it was also the company where I saw most of my design growth,” she said. “The casino industry relies highly on data and strategy to create unique experiences, and I wanted to know the ‘why’ behind the campaigns we were doing.”

As Mau continued her design career, she felt there was more to pursue. “Even though I found myself growing in my career, I also just felt something was missing,” she mentioned.

That something was her master’s degree. “It had been weighing on my mind for several years,” she said. When the pandemic forced her out of the casino industry and back to her home state of Nebraska, she decided to take on the challenge.

An MBA would be too broad for her as she was looking for a more tailored program. “There are not a lot of colleges that offer a Master of Science in Strategic Marketing,” she said. “In the summer of 2020, and at the height of the pandemic, I started researching. It didn't take long to make a decision. Bellevue University's program was ranked, and I could complete it in 18 months online.”

Going the Distance with Strategy

Mau began her master’s program around the same time as a remote contract position for a small ad agency in Orlando. “Since I was a contractor, I could make my own schedule, work around class and enjoy some free time,” she said.

The agency later hired her for a full-time role, causing her to work a little harder to find balance. She looked to her weight loss journey and completing 50 half marathons and two full marathons for motivation and inspiration. “Sometimes sacrifices have to happen, but knowing the end goal was in sight, I would say will power and my drive kept me going.”

Throughout the program, she was able to grow while also contributing her own experiences. In particular, she shared insight on target audiences and how they vary by geographic region. “I really felt my experiences of growing up on a farm in rural Nebraska and living in the cities of Las Vegas and downtown Chicago, gave me an excellent foundation, but also that unique perspective because I had lived both,” she explained.

The strategic marketing program is next-level, going far beyond the basics. “I would highly recommend this program because it focuses on marketing techniques and strategies in an ever-changing world of technology, social media and traditional media practices.”

After a positive, rewarding experience completing her degree, she decided to finally get the in-person Bellevue University experience by walking in graduation and meeting her professor. “Online learning is great because it allows flexibility but meeting the people behind the screen made it all more real,” she stated. “Sitting amongst all the graduates was inspiring, and just knowing all of what we had accomplished in a short period of time.”

Rising up for New Opportunities

Earning her degree has renewed her passion, and she’s inspired for what she’ll accomplish next. “I truly feel that I am a more well-rounded professional,” she explained.

In addition to achieving a master’s degree and a new position, she also published a research report that was accepted into Western Academy of Management. The report is being presented at WAM’s conference this month.

“I chose to research why consumers were using or choosing not to use curbside pickup,” she mentioned. “I created a 20-question survey on social media. Participation came from 16 states, and it was an adrenaline rush watching all the results come in. I had 16 individuals opt in for a focus group to continue my research, which I organized and conducted online. Overall, the experience was exciting and fun. I got to connect with so many individuals across the country.” 

Mau is looking forward to beginning her career with Valmont Industries, as well as resuming athletic training and travel in her free time. “I plan to complete my goal of doing a half marathon in every state,” she concluded. “Professionally, I cannot be more excited to join the team at Valmont Industries. It's exciting that I will be able to add a global company to my resume that strives toward excellence and is well-respected in the industry. Valmont has been in my family history for many years because we have used their agricultural products. So, it hits close to home.”

Matt and Jon Hunt are as close as brothers can get.

Only 13 months apart – Jon was born in August 1997, and Matt in October 1998 – the two are best friends and do almost everything together, including attend Bellevue University for their bachelor’s degrees in cybersecurity. 

“Technology has always been a part of our lives,” Jon said. “We grew up using it, but I never really thought of it as being a career option.”

After high school, Jon took a job that required him to gain knowledge about various electronics in new vehicles and walk customers through how to use them. He also attended Metropolitan Community College for his associate degree, which he received in 2018. Matt followed in his footsteps and earned his two-year degree from there in 2020 as well.

“Jon and I have been extremely close throughout our entire lives,” Matt said. “We would, and still do, do everything with each other. This meant that we had similar goals and career ideas.”

He continued, “After receiving my associate degree, Jon and I felt like we needed to increase our thoughts on career routes. We hadn’t heard much about cybersecurity before, but with our love for technology and the rate at which it is growing, we decided to give it a shot.”

The two ultimately decided to attend Bellevue University because, as Jon said, “It offered a quicker degree from start to finish while also including several important courses along the way.”

The scholarship opportunities available were also a big draw. In fact, both brothers received the Dream Scholarship - a scholarship awarded to undergraduate students for up to five years or until a bachelor's degree is earned.

“My biggest concern going into college was the thought of how I would afford it,” Matt said. “Being a recipient of the Dream Scholarship was a huge stress relief.”

Jon added that when he first received notice that he was a recipient of the award, he was shocked.

“There were some requirements to be able to receive the scholarship, such as volunteer hours, but Matt and I decided to take the scholarship and do all of those requirements together,” Jon said. “As everyone knows, college tuition is not getting any cheaper, and it can be a real financial burden for most people who attend. Receiving the Dream Scholarship hugely lifted that burden, allowing me to focus solely on my education and work without having to worry as much about how I was going to pay for school.”

Because Bellevue University’s cybersecurity degree is offered online, the Hunt brothers had the flexibility to pursue it on their own terms.

“Taking courses online encouraged me to teach myself at times to obtain a further understanding and a better grasp on the material,” Jon said. “In the end, I am glad that I decided to take the online classes as I think they helped me in getting the education that I received.”

Both brothers will officially graduate with their bachelor’s degrees in cybersecurity this spring and look forward to the next leg of their journey. For Jon, this means job shadowing a cybersecurity manager at his current place of employment and eventually finding an analyst position somewhere. For Matt, he will move into a full-time role with the same company he had an internship at last summer.

Ultimately, for both Jon and Matt, attending Bellevue University together to pursue their degrees in cybersecurity was the experience of a lifetime.

“We have the same group of friends, drive the same cars, have the same interests, and basically have the same personality,” Jon said. “It was a great help going through school with him at Bellevue University because if one of us had a question about something that we were learning about, we had somebody we could go to for quick help.”

The Offutt Retiree Activity Office has invited M.R.S. Healthcare (Military, Retirees & Spouses) to hold a Health Awareness Fair for all Senior retired military personnel and their spouses (65 and over) on Thursday, March 3, from 2-4 p.m., in the Hitchcock Humanities Center on the Bellevue University campus, 1040 Bruin Blvd., Bellevue, NE 68005. 

Attendees are asked to RSVP by emailing offuttretirees@gmail.com prior to the event. You can also RSVP by calling toll free (888) 456-0776. 

The health fair event is also open to military personnel and spouses who are preparing for retirement. “If you’re 180 days out from retirement, this event is really a great way to prepare you for that major life event,” explained Orville Maxon, Assistant Director of the Offutt Retiree Activities Office, Maxon added that surviving spouses are also encouraged to attend the fair. 
At the event, attendees will hear several presentations, including:

● Motivational Presentation by Roger Nelson, Health Promotion Director, Offutt AFB – “Here to Help You Thrive” 
● Benefit Overview Presentation by Humana - administrator for TRICARE For Life 
● Planning for the Future Presentation by Debbi Buike, Volunteer Director of Offutt Retiree Activities Office – “Paper Safe Benefits Guide for Loved Ones' ' gifted by the Associates of Vietnam Veterans of America, Inc. 
● Carole Armstrong, Licensed Insurance Agent, Healthcare Education Advocate - Host

Attendees will also be able to speak with representatives from several benefit provider organizations, including Humana, United Healthcare, Aetna and others. 

“Our focus is on education and efficiency with regard to benefits,” said Buike. “We want retired military personnel and their spouses to feel supported and knowledgeable about the benefits they’ve earned and now are ready to access.” 

After the fair concludes, attendees can attend a casual Meet & Greet reception at the Bellevue University Military Veteran Services (MVSC) Center from 4-6 p.m. The MVSC is located on the north end of the university campus at 2108 Harvell Circle, Bellevue, NE 68005.

Bellevue University forwards the dreams of anyone wanting to pursue their education, no matter what degrees one has attained or what stage of life they are in.

Take Katie Maguire, for instance. She has received her bachelor’s and master’s degree from Bellevue University and is close to completing a third – a Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA).

She is also a wife and mother of four.

Bellevue University has been there for her most of the way, meeting the challenges of a stay-at-home mom turned professional, through the flexibility of online course programs. Now Maguire is closing in on realizing yet another dream of hers – receiving her doctorate.

“I’m hoping to open more doors for myself. The ability to learn and grow, to me, is huge. It’s been such a blessing to have a higher education opportunity online through Bellevue University,” Maguire said.

Today, Katie works for the Nebraska Department of Transportation in Lincoln, Neb., Aeronautics Division, as an Accountant II. She works with federal grants for airports, working as a liaison between the Federal Aviation Administration and the 80-plus airfields across Nebraska. It’s a job that a decade ago she couldn’t imagine herself holding. But with the help of Bellevue University’s online degree programs, she does.

Maguire knows that completion of a doctoral program will give her career even more of a lift. In deciding to pursue her DBA from Bellevue University, she said, “I’ve grown to love Bellevue University. I love my professors, the programs, and the flexibility – just everything about it. My experience has been great.”

Bellevue University's DBA is a unique offering, much different from similar offerings of other universities. While most doctoral programs prepare the student for a career in academia, Bellevue University’s DBA program prepares executive-level students for meeting the complex challenges of modern business. The program centers on practitioners of business rather than teachers of it.

Traditional doctoral programs require a written dissertation on a particular topic. Bellevue University takes a more real-world approach, requiring DBA students complete a research project within the realm of their goals and interests in business.

Similarities do exist, however. Some traditional dissertation structures and methodologies are in place, but students begin their research projects shortly after enrolling in the three-year DBA program rather than writing a dissertation after coursework completion. This approach enables students to think in a forward manner, gain hands-on expertise, and prepare them for success at the highest levels of business.

“Students emerge as experts on their topic and as thought leaders in their industry,” Dr. Julia Cronin-Gilmore, DBA Program Director, said.   

Maguire's research project focuses on inclusion for people with autism spectrum disorder within the workforce. She is currently working with the Autism Center of Nebraska, interviewing participants within their Connections program, along with their employers.  Through this, she is discovering what supports and accommodations can be implemented within organizations to ensure successful and lasting employment for these employees.

"What the Connections program does is help people with autism spectrum disorder to gain lasting employment.  The program teaches things like social skills, resume writing skills, and job specific skills. It also provides participants with continued support throughout their employment while also providing support to participant employers," Maguire said.  "I'm interested in finding out what is working for them, and even what is not working. This data will help all businesses to implement similar programs within their own organizations.”  

Ultimately, her hope is that this will open more doors for individuals with autism spectrum disorder.

This topic hits home for her, as one of her children is on the spectrum. She feels fortunate she can put a personal stake into her research project, enabling others with autism spectrum disorder a greater opportunity for inclusion in today's business world. This project opened her eyes to the struggle these individuals face.  Her hope is to bring this awareness to businesses everywhere.

“The advanced knowledge and research skills I have gained in the DBA program will allow me to make meaningful contributions both professionally and personally,” Maguire said. “I am excited to take my experience and share it with others. My hope is that my research will aid in inclusive work environments where everyone succeeds.”

Mastering Marketing with an Online Degree

Baggett completed her Master of Science in Marketing in 2020. She decided to pursue her degree to build her marketing expertise, which was limited to on-the-job experience at the time. The Thomasville, Ga., resident found exactly what she was looking for — a school that accommodated working adult students with an affordable, respected program. “Bellevue University checked off all the boxes,” she said. 

Earning her degree online went smoothly, thanks to helpful faculty; useful tools and resources; and a supportive environment. “I enjoyed being able to work on my own schedule and meet other students in similar situations,” Baggett said. “It was great to collaborate with students from all over the U.S. and gain their insights and opinions on various things.”

Baggett also said she enjoyed her time at Bellevue University much more than previous educational experiences. “Getting my master's degree in marketing expanded my knowledge on the subject, and made me more confident in my decisions,” she said. “I worked with an incredible professor and cohort, and was able to achieve more than I dreamed possible in the program.”

Pushing Forward in a Pandemic

With her master’s degree completed, Baggett was promoted from Marketing Manager to Director of Marketing for the City of Thomasville. “Completing my degree led me to new promotions and other job opportunities,” she said. “Marketing is an incredibly versatile degree that allows you many career opportunities.”

The COVID-19 pandemic also led to new opportunities, as more companies transitioned to remote work. “These last two years have highlighted for me what's important in a career, a work-life balance and many other areas,” Baggett said. “The changing landscape has made everyone stretch creatively for new ways to engage with audiences. The pandemic introduced me to working-from-home opportunities, as well. Remote work has opened up opportunities for people like me who are not interested in moving, but have the skills and desire to work for companies located elsewhere.”

Ultimately, this led to Baggett securing her current role with J.D. Power, which is headquartered in Michigan. She started in November 2021, and has been able to apply lessons she learned while earning her master’s degree. “I learned to be more flexible and to take feedback into consideration as marketing plans and strategies are built out,” she said. “I also learned a great deal about time management and personal goal setting by going to school online – two skills that have helped me greatly.”

Setting Her Sights on the Future

Baggett is looking forward to continuing to make an impact as a leader in marketing. “I want to keep working hard and helping connect people to solutions through marketing initiatives,” she said. “Connecting people and businesses to solutions to their problems is what marketing is all about.”

For others looking to further their own careers, she says Bellevue University is a great fit. “I'd recommend this program for the flexibility, affordability and quality of the education,” she said.

The following poem was written by Kim Whiteside. With a strong background in adult learning and instructional design, Kim has facilitated 100’s of learning sessions on topics such as the levels of evaluation, gamification, blended learning, digital pedagogy, and adult learning. Currently, Kim is an instructional designer at Metropolitan Community College, as well as a published author and poet. 

Those are not the rules 
The truth these days 
Comes in tramping 
Wearing steel-plated boots with daggers 
Poking full from the toes 
The truth is every man for himself 
And shows up at your door 
Bearing robotic gifts 
Of eye patches, ear plugs, duct-tape-lip-balm, Vicks under your nose 
Programmed to automatically affix themselves like custom appendages 
So we can’t see, hear, smell, taste or scream from the death 
Growing out of our skin like cilia 
 

Those are not the rules. They are mis-rules. 
But we believe 
Making sense of things that make war 
Fashioning a life out of 
List-less-ness and blaring 
Lull-a-byes 
Sleep. Sleep. Sleep. 
What happened to our collective gag reflex? 
What response to 400 years of mental, physical, spiritual, financial, and societal brutality makes the most psychological sense? 
Gimme my drugs. 
Unbreak my crack pipe 
And watch yourself. After 400 years of fighting back 
I’ve got a great right hook. 
 

Them ain’t the rules 
Calling all mountains 
Hear the rules: 
Don’t shrug 
Everybody stomps—at the same time 
Nothing in your arm 
Never believe a string 
Color-coding is a myth 
Stay funky 
Keep some money on ya 
Keep your purse high 
Listen to jazz 
If it gives you pause, keep it movin’ 
When you bake bread, share it 
Walk in divinity 
Get good at improv 
Don’t pick your nose unless you’re going to eat what you find 
Leave deep footprints that the rain can fill 
Jump over the monkey wire 
 

You know what I think, I think there’s really only one rule: 
Stay Funky!

Bellevue University’s JoDee Goracke has been selected to join the Greater Omaha Chamber Young Professionals Council. 

Goracke is currently a program director and assistant professor for the Industrial and Organizational Psychology program at Bellevue University. 

The Greater Omaha Chamber Young Professionals Council is led by a select panel of young professionals and works to attract, retain and engage young professionals and is dedicated to elevating the Greater Omaha community. The council serves as a catalyst to develop young professionals through engagement, opportunity and advocacy. By creating programs and initiatives for young professionals by young professionals, the council encourages investment in the people that will power Omaha’s future prosperity.

Council members serve three-year terms. They meet monthly and represent diverse young professionals from various Omaha area organizations. For the past 10 years, council members have helped lead the YP Summit, one of the Chamber’s flagship events, and have been responsible for other young professionals programming and community projects. 

“I am honored to have been selected to join the Greater Omaha Chamber Young Professionals Council,” Goracke said. “Our group’s theme is 'get comfortable with being uncomfortable,' which is why I wanted to join this group of professionals because growth can be new and uncomfortable.”

Goracke added that she’s looking forward to attending this year’s YP Summit, which will be held at the CHI Health Center on March 31. 

“I want to embrace some new, uncomfortable, and positive growth,” Goracke said. “As the largest young professional’s conference in Nebraska, it always provides great learning, discussions, and connections.”

Goracke has been with Bellevue University for over six years. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Cognitive Psychology from the University of Kansas and a Master’s Degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. 

Bellevue University’s Gina Ponce has been named Woman of the Month (Mujer del Mes) by Vida Social Magazine.

Ponce is currently the Director of Latino Community Outreach and heads up the El Camino Latino Center serving students, their families and the Latino community. The Center is located on the campus of Bellevue University.

Vida Social Magazine’s “Man & Woman of the Month” is a monthly recognition of one outstanding Hispanic/Latino/Latina man and woman. These men and women are selected due to their positive contributions to the Hispanic and Latino community and are leaders in business, community service, the arts and other fields.

“Thank you to Vida Social Magazine for selecting me to be Woman of the Month,” Ponce said. “I’ve always encouraged others to share their knowledge and wisdom with other community members who are working to make a difference in the world and I’m grateful when our efforts are recognized as we work together to make important strides in the Latino community.”

Ponce has been in Omaha for over 30 years serving the Latino community. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Management and Human Resources and a Master of Arts in Communication from Bellevue University. She currently serves on the Kids Can and South Omaha Community Council boards. Ponce is the President of Women on a Mission for Change, a nonprofit serving women and girls in the area of leadership for more than a decade.

Happy New Year from the faculty and staff of the College of Business! This issue of Innovating Business for Real Life turns the spotlight  on the successes and opportunities associated with our supply chain academic programs. 

The focus is timely, particularly as we reflect on the events of the past two years. The challenges associated with supply chains have been highlighted in our everyday conversations as an area of critical importance to households, industries, and organizations. As per our usual format for this newsletter, you will learn about the faculty, academic programs, students, and alums who are contributing to the greater good by transforming knowledge and practical expertise into the goods and services vital to daily living and economic prosperity.

In the year ahead, a number of supply chain trends are being considered as critical for enhancing organizational performance in the global business environment.  According to the Association for Supply Chain Management, acquisition and retention of supply chain talent appears at the top of the trend list.  Additionally, continuing to build supply chain capability around advanced analytics and automation, continued expansion of e-commerce, addressing cybersecurity risks, and leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning all occupy a position in the list of top ten trends (www.ascm.org). 

Given these trends and the significance of supply chain capability to organizations of all types around the globe, Bellevue University is uniquely situated to continue to prepare students for meaningful career opportunities and leadership roles in a wide range of industries and organizations.  It is with great pride that we share the successes of our students, faculty, and alums in this issue of Innovating Business for Real Life.

Dr. Rebecca Murdock,

Dean, College of Business 

Megan Purvis believes that a career in supply chain will be one of excitement and importance – especially now given the continued global  supply chain issues.

Purvis first became interested in the field when she transitioned from a job in production leadership to warehouse leadership at a large corporation. In her new role, which she started as she was pursuing her associate degree, Purvis began learning more about the supply chain and the various functions it held. She felt the field would be a good fit for her, so after earning her two-year degree in 2020, she enrolled in Bellevue University’s Bachelor of Science Supply Chain, Transportation and Logistics Management degree program.

“With an anticipated bachelor’s degree in supply chain, transportation, and logistics management, and a minor in organizational communication, this will provide an excellent foundation for me to continue learning about different parts of the supply chain,” Purvis said. “Working with many outside companies and internal departments [at my job] will provide in-the-field knowledge that will enable me to utilize the knowledge I gain at Bellevue University.”

One of Purvis’s favorite aspects of Bellevue University’s program is that she has been part of a cohort of students from day one. Students in the University’s accelerated cohort programs advance through their programs with the same group of classmates.

“I’ve always felt connected to a central group that’s completing the supply chain, transportation, and logistics management cohort from start to finish together,” she said. “That connection would not have been possible if it weren’t for the encouragement of all students by Dr. Rick Pennington. He always encourages continued communication between the students and helps us all through the classes that are a bit tougher.”

Purvis also feels that the way the cohort is set up allows for an optimal learning experience.

She said, “Having the same professor and classmates all the way through the cohort helps both students and the professor to not lose any ground. It also allows for students to appreciate each other’s growth throughout the cohort and helps [promote] encouragement from classmates, as well.”

Bellevue University’s accelerated online program means Purvis will earn her bachelor’s degree in two years, enabling her to put her new knowledge and skills to use faster than she may have been able to elsewhere.

“Although the thought of being locked into accelerated classes through the cohort seems daunting, it certainly is a decision one will not regret,” Purvis said. “Yes, it takes time and dedication, but it is worth it. There is support at every level, and it’s a great feeling to know that professors and classmates care about your success. I would recommend Bellevue University to anyone seeking this type of learning.”

And, although she has gained a lot of knowledge and experiences through her coursework at Bellevue, Purvis knows she will only continue learning throughout her career.

​“Working in various supply chain roles with my employer and working toward a bachelor’s degree in the field has shown me that there is so much more to learn,” she explained. “The field is always changing with the integration of technology, which will provide an opportunity for lifelong learning.”

She added, “Working through the supply chain struggles during the pandemic is like putting together a new puzzle every day, as you never know what surprise you’ll be walking into. The constant changes and need for adjustments mean it’ll never be a boring career.”