As a Training and Talent Acquisition professional at Tillamook, Bella Nguyen has continued to grow and learn throughout her career. After earning her Ph.D. in Human Capital Management at Bellevue University, that journey has become even more rewarding than she expected.

Through a partnership with her employer and Bellevue University, she gained a doctorate title, a promotion and an unforgettable experience.

Growing With a Supportive Employer

Nguyen, a native of Chicago, moved to the Portland area and in 2021 assumed a role as Technical Training Manager at Tillamook. She has since grown into a role as Senior Talent Acquisition and Technical Training Manager.

“This progression reflects both my commitment to human capital leadership and the opportunities the organization has given me,” she said. “Tillamook is an amazing place to work because it genuinely invests in its people.”

Included in Tillamook’s commitment to its employees is extensive support for education. “The Bellevue University partnership and its continued support for learning and development are perfect (and only a few of the many) examples of how the company helps employees grow and thrive,” Nguyen said.

Intertwining Education and Career

The program helped Nguyen build on her background to expand her future potential.

“I'd like to think this degree program helped accelerate my growth by strengthening my strategic perspective and expanding my toolkit,” she said. “The combination of the program and the company's investment created the perfect environment for becoming the leader I am today.”

Thriving in a Learning Community

During her time at Bellevue University, Nguyen found a supportive environment designed for student success.

“My experience at Bellevue felt supportive and flexible,” she said. “Although I've had great experience in my previous educational programs, I felt that Bellevue University did a great job of blending academic rigor with real-world relevance. Even more so, I think Bellevue University understands working professionals and designed a program where we would be successful.”

A large part of Nguyen’s positive experience was connecting with professionals from around the globe.

“My favorite experience at Bellevue was being part of a cohort. Going through the program with a group of people who were equally committed made the journey feel meaningful and human,” she said.

The strong connections between classmates resulted in them being a support network for each other. “Having people to turn to, celebrate with and struggle alongside made the experience richer and reminded me that learning is always better in community,” Nguyen said.

In fact, Nguyen was able to meet some of these classmates in person when she flew to Nebraska for graduation. “It was genuinely unforgettable for me,” she said. “Being surrounded by people who had fought their own battles to get there made the celebration feel bigger than a ceremony; it felt like a shared victory for all of us.”

Moving Forward With Confidence

Nguyen said completing her Ph.D. at Bellevue University had a direct impact on her career. “These opportunities and deeper partnerships have reinformed my commitment to lifelong learning and continuous growth,” she said.

She said she highly recommends the Human Capital doctoral program. “It truly supports working professionals while still delivering meaningful academic rigor,” she said. “It's a place where learners can grow, feel supported and walk away with skills that immediately translate into real‑world impact.”

• GFiber (formerly Google Fiber) will sponsor Bellevue University’s Cyber League team for the 2026-27 academic year.
• The sponsorship will help expand student access to Cyber League competitions.
• Bellevue University’s Cyber League team placed No. 24 nationally in the Spring 2025 National Cyber League competition.
• Students participate in individual and team-based National Cyber League competitions.
• Participants receive a Scouting Report that documents their performance across cybersecurity skill categories.

GFiber sponsorship expands access to Cyber League

GFiber’s sponsorship will help more Bellevue University students participate in the Cyber League during the 2026-27 academic year. The support will help remove a barrier to participation and give students opportunities to apply cybersecurity skills through National Cyber League competitions.

The Cyber League is available to students in Bellevue University’s College of Science and Technology. Students participate in the National Cyber League, a virtual cybersecurity competition that provides individual and team challenges focused on applying cybersecurity knowledge and skills.

Students demonstrate skills beyond the classroom

The Cyber League gives students an opportunity to apply cybersecurity skills outside the classroom and demonstrate what they can do in a competitive environment. Participants receive a Scouting Report that documents their performance across cybersecurity skill categories, giving students information they can use as they pursue internships and employment.

“The Scouting Report gives students something they can point to when they are competing for jobs against other candidates who also have bachelor’s degrees. They have demonstrated they have the drive to work on honing their skills above and beyond degree requirements. GFiber’s support will help more Bellevue University students gain that experience and demonstrate their cybersecurity skills to employers.”

For students pursuing careers in cybersecurity and related fields, competition experience provides another way to demonstrate technical skills beyond academic coursework. Bellevue University offers undergraduate and graduate programs in cybersecurity and related fields, along with cybersecurity concentrations and certificates. More information is available through the Center for Cybersecurity Education.

About GFiber

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

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

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

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

— Mike Moyer, Executive Director, National Wrestling Coaches Association

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

— Dr. Mary Hawkins, President, Bellevue University

Course Offerings

COLLEGIATE COACHING LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

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

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

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

SCHOLASTIC COACHING LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

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

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

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

Flexible Learning Options

Both courses are:

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

How to Enroll

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

About the NWCA

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

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

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

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

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

Built for Learners Who Balance Real Life

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

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

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

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

Innovating to Meet the Needs of Students

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

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

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

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

Leading the Way in Online Learning

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

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

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

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

Partnerships That Expand Opportunity

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

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

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

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

Student Success Remains the Priority

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

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

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

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

Looking Ahead: The Next Chapter of Innovation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Little did I know it would happen a continent away.

Looking for a Fresh Start

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Huge Array of Options to Learn From

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I’m definitely looking forward to that feeling.

- Jack Blake, Midfielder, Indy Eleven

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

Instead, she remembers a moment of transition — stepping into single parenthood, navigating a career change and trying to figure out what came next.

“I knew I needed to do something different,” White said. “I needed to go back to school. I needed to make more money for my kids. But I didn’t really have a path.”

What she did have was a willingness to try — even if she wasn’t sure it would work.

That openness led her to Ignite Nebraska, a workforce development nonprofit that partners with Bellevue University to help individuals build careers in high-demand fields like technology.

A starting point — and a challenge

White first heard about Ignite Nebraska from her mom. At the time, she wasn’t convinced it was for her.

“I didn’t think it was something I’d be able to do or be good at,” she said.

But she applied and quickly found herself in a program that was both supportive and demanding.

“They were really serious about what they wanted to do,” White said. “They wanted people to take it seriously and be willing to put in the work.”

That balance is intentional.

“We talk about grit a lot in our program,” said Kellee Mikuls, executive director of Ignite Nebraska. “Mallorie is the epitome of that. She came in ready to work, even when life wasn’t easy.”

For White, the program became more than just training. It gave her direction at a time when she didn’t have it.

“It gave me something to step on,” she said. “I didn’t know what was next before that.”

Learning how to move forward

Ignite’s model combines classroom learning with hands-on experience inside a partner organization — in White’s case, Blue Cross Blue Shield — while also beginning coursework through Bellevue University. The program typically runs about six months, with participants fully immersed throughout that time.

The pace is demanding. Days are split between technical training, real-world projects and building professional skills that many participants are developing for the first time.

“We learned everything from coding and data to how to present, how to write emails, how to communicate in a corporate environment,” White said.

One lesson stood out.

“Learning how to ask for help,” she said. “Knowing when you don’t know something and who to go to — that made a huge difference.”

That mindset shift helped everything else click. As she worked with data, particularly in Structured Query Language (SQL), she began to see it differently.

“It was like telling a story,” White said. “How do you want to pull the data and show it so others can understand it?”

She started practicing on her own at night, building both confidence and momentum.

Building on the foundation

As White neared the end of the Ignite program, continuing her education felt like the natural next step.

She enrolled at Bellevue University, graduating in January with her bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Systems, while continuing to build on the technical and professional foundation she had already started to develop.

For Mikuls, that transition is a key part of the model.

“Ignite can be that launching point,” she said. “But then partners like Bellevue University come in and really help nurture that growth and create long-term opportunity.”

The combination of real-world experience and academic learning gave White something she hadn’t had before — a clearer sense of direction.

Instead of trying to figure out a career path from scratch, she was now moving forward with purpose.

Where she is now

Today, White is a health data analyst at Blue Cross Blue Shield, a role she stepped into after progressing from an apprenticeship through the Ignite program to a full-time position and, most recently, a promotion.

She’s been with the organization for about three years, steadily building both her technical expertise and her confidence along the way.

Looking back, what stands out isn’t a single turning point, but how each step built on the last — from Ignite to Bellevue University to her current role.

“I didn’t think I was going to be able to do it,” White said. “There were a lot of hard things going on. But once I started, I just kept going.”

“In order for me to continue my education, I needed to stay in place,” she said.

Partnership Provided Innovative Study Options

In the early 1990s, Brown was working in an IT role at Central Community College (CCC) in Grand Island and completing her associate’s degree at the school.

“My career with CCC was solid and there was room for advancement.  I also had

family and close friends in the area, so it was my desire to build my life

here,” she said.

Brown learned that as a Bellevue University Premier partner, CCC offered an accelerated degree completion cohort program on the school’s campus. After taking one class at a time for more than a decade, she found the option refreshing. “The accelerated aspect of what Bellevue University was offering, the  convenience of locality and the degree option available were all appealing  to me,” she said.

Witnessing a Pivot in Education

Completing a degree alongside a set group of students and faculty on an expedited timeline was a revolutionary shift at the time. “If memory serves, I was in the third cohort  at CCC,” Brown said. “I was able to see the program gain its footing as a good  opportunity.”

In addition, Bellevue University’s generous transfer policy – full acceptance of an entire associate’s degree – made the transition smooth.  “I had plenty of relevant credits that

transferred, leaving only a general education requirement or two,” Brown said.

After taking one class at a time for so many years, Brown cleared some things off her plate to accommodate the rigorous program. “I gave up some stuff to make room in my schedule, but I also was motivated to take on the accelerated format,” she said.

Brown said that meant making some sacrifices, but it was worth the reward; she completed the degree she’d been working toward for years in just months. “I enjoyed having the same professor and student group during the entire program,” she said. “We grew to know each other well and we each contributed to the overall program by sharing, discussing and sometimes debating  and agreeing to disagree.”

She said she felt comfortable studying with other nontraditional students. “The program was made stronger by having a cohort of students who were already working. Students like me were able to bring real-life experiences to the classroom,” she said.

Launching Into C-Level Leadership

In addition to achieving a longtime goal, Brown said completing her bachelor’s degree also gave her the opportunity to immediately enter a master’s degree program.

“All credits were transferred and I completed that program in the following two years,” she said. “Armed with both degrees and my work experience at CCC, I was able to acquire a C-level position in the private sector.That ended up being a 20-year career for  me.”

Today, Brown has become a pillar of her community, currently serving as the executive director of Grow Grand Island. She’s even chairing the 2025/26 local United Way campaign with her husband.

Leading by Example

Looking back at her experience, Brown said Bellevue University provides solutions for those who may not be able to take traditional education paths. “Not everyone can attend college out of high school,” she said. “Bellevue University makes opportunities available to those of us who don't fit that model. Busy professionals who are building their careers can also build on their education and open up new opportunities.”

As she nears retirement, Brown said her education played an important role in her unique journey. “I can look back with pride at my professional accomplishments and the path I chose to get there,” she said. “Each educational step equipped me to move forward. Thank you, Bellevue University, for your role in my success.”

• Bellevue University launched a Workforce Skills Assessment for employers
• The assessment identifies 17 workforce skills
• Skills are organized into a competency model
• Employers can use the assessment at no cost
• The tool applies to companies of all sizes and industries
• Participants receive individual reports on strengths and development areas
• Managers can access aggregate reporting at the team level

Workforce Skills Assessment Overview

Bellevue University developed the Workforce Skills Assessment to help employers evaluate workforce capabilities and identify areas for development. The assessment defines 17 skills for individuals, managers, and leaders and organizes them into a single competency model that employers can use within their organizations.

The online tool provides individual results that show strengths and opportunities for growth. It also allows managers and team leads to review results at a group level to support performance and development planning.

Workforce Development and Organizational Needs

The Workforce Skills Assessment supports organizations as they work to build and manage talent. Research from McKinsey & Company in 2023 shows that companies that develop employees and manage talent effectively achieve improved outcomes in revenue, employee retention, and economic performance.

The assessment functions as a diagnostic tool for identifying leadership skills and supporting employee growth. Employers can use the results to guide workforce planning and performance goals.

It’s graduation season! And if seeing all the cap and gown jubilation has inspired you, CACI employees should know that the company has partnerships with several universities and a tuition reimbursement program that can help make employees' educational dreams come true.

Jonathan K. Hernandez took advantage of the company’s educational benefits, earning a Master of Science in Acquisition and Contract Management last year from Bellevue University. He has worked for CACI for more than seven years and is currently a senior program analyst/government liaison for three separate agencies.

“I chose to pursue another degree as I felt it was appropriate for my increased responsibilities within the position, as well as my desire to become better at what I do,” said Jonathan, who has a bachelor’s degree in military management and program acquisition. “I remain committed to learning every single day!”

Jonathan was thankful for the flexibility that earning his degree online provided. In addition to working full-time and spending quality time with his family, he had to juggle being a patient advocate for a loved one; that responsibility meant often finishing assignments from a hospital room. Still, he completed his master’s degree in 18 months.

“It was challenging for me personally, but despite all that, each professor was extremely gracious and empathetic,” he said. “They worked with me every step of the way. Bellevue understands the lives of its students and places their success as a top priority.”

Jonathan said he also had tremendous support at work, which he believes was essential to his success.

“CACI managers and leadership supported me 100% of the way when I first brought up the idea of getting my MS,” he said. “They understand this is not just an investment for you personally, but an investment in the company’s future. We are all here for one thing – to ensure the warfighter has the very best in their hands at all times. We owe it to them, and to ourselves, to grow beyond what we are today.”

Jonathan urges other employees who are contemplating pursuing their first degree or advanced degrees to go for it. His advice is to set a path to success early and don’t shy away from seeking support.

“Exercise your relationships to ensure you are setting the conditions needed to succeed – from your immediate management chain and your family and friends to your professors and classmates,” he said. “Don’t ever be afraid to ask for help. We are all here to help lift one another up!”

• Lenovo and Bellevue University formed a partnership focused on supply chain education.
• The program includes a Supply Chain Operations & Project Management Certificate of Completion.
• The certificate includes two three-credit hour master’s-level courses.
• Participants will receive two digital badges, a certificate of completion, and six graduate credit hours.
• Credits can apply toward a master’s degree

Partnership Focused on Supply Chain Education

Lenovo, the global technology powerhouse, recognized in the top 10 in the Gartner Supply Chain Top 25, and Bellevue University, one of the nation’s top online universities, are teaming up to develop the next generation of supply chain professionals.

“We believe that bringing real-world Global Supply Chain experience and learning directly into an education curriculum is precisely the optimal way to upskill the workforce of the future,” said Ben Massie, Vice President, Global Supply Chain, Lenovo. “Teaming up with Bellevue allows us to attract the right talent using the right technology and deliver on our mission to make ‘smarter technology for all’ a reality.”  

As a preferred higher education institution tapped to team up with Lenovo to offer supply chain short-term learning, Bellevue will leverage the breadth and depth of Lenovo’s supply chain expertise across its diverse learner and corporate partner network.

Massie continued, “With a network of over 30 manufacturing sites across nine markets, Lenovo’s supply chain is one of our core strengths. By bringing our real-life case studies and insights into the curriculum, we aim to equip students with the skills to succeed in the complex and dynamic working environment. Partnering with Bellevue University, which has a strong track record of working with organizations, allows us to share our knowledge and together build the supply chain experts of the future."

Program Structure and Workforce Need

According to a 2024 McKinsey & Company report, a shortage of talent, particularly digital talent, continues to hinder companies’ supply chain transformation efforts. Ninety percent of companies surveyed in the report said they lack sufficient talent to meet digitization goals.

Now, individuals who enroll in the Supply Chain Operations & Project Management Certificate of Completion can gain sought-after skills through two three-credit hour courses – Management of Supply Chain Operations and Advanced Lean Six Sigma Green Belt. The master’s-level courses can be taken consecutively, allowing learners to complete the certificate of completion in under eight months.

“With a deep focus on employee growth planning, we’re uniquely qualified to help adult learners and the employers we partner with upskill or reskill their supply chain workforce,” said Dr. Rich Lombardo, Executive Director of Bellevue University’s Workforce Skills Academy. “Working together, we can ensure that the next generation has the skills and knowledge needed to deal with the complexities that are ever-present in global supply chains.”

Lenovo’s global supply chain leadership provides a singular resource for students and professionals to understand how diversifying manufacturing operations and supply chain resources helps companies thrive during unpredictable periods—a proven, real-world arena for students to apply their education. Lenovo also deploys original AI solutions across its own operations, prioritizes sustainability, and pioneers essential, end-to-end cybersecurity offerings.

Dr. Lombardo added that those who complete the Bellevue-Lenovo program will receive two digital badges, a certificate of completion, and six graduate-level credit hours transferable to a master’s degree.

About Lenovo

Lenovo is a US $57 billion revenue global technology powerhouse, ranked #217 in the Fortune Global 500, and serving millions of customers every day in 180 markets. Focused on a bold vision to deliver Smarter Technology for All, Lenovo has built on its success as the world’s largest PC company with a pocket-to cloud portfolio of AI-enabled, AI-ready, and AI-optimized devices (PCs, workstations, smartphones, tablets), infrastructure (server, storage, edge, high performance computing and software defined infrastructure), software, solutions, and services. Lenovo’s continued investment in world-changing innovation is building a more equitable, trustworthy, and smarter future for everyone, everywhere. Lenovo is listed on the Hong Kong stock exchange under Lenovo Group Limited (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY). To find out more visit https://www.lenovo.com, and read about the latest news via our StoryHub.

• Bellevue University is partnering with EPIC for Girls.
• The event celebrates National Girls & Women in Sports Day.
• The event will take place on February 7, 2025, at 5:30 p.m.
• The location is the Gordon Lozier Athletic Center, 1040 Bruin Blvd., Bellevue, Nebraska.
• Activities include a raffle, game-time surprises, and a photo opportunity with the team.
• Complimentary tickets are available through EPIC for Girls.

Lead HER Forward Event Details

Bellevue University is partnering with EPIC for Girls to celebrate Lead HER Forward - National Girls & Women in Sports Day (NGWSD), a nationwide initiative that honors the achievements of girls and women in sports.

Bellevue University will host its Lead HER Forward event on Friday, February 7, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. during the Bruins Women’s basketball game against Dakota State University. The event will take place at the Gordon Lozier Athletic Center, located at 1040 Bruin Blvd., Bellevue, Nebraska.

Event Activities

Activities at the game include a raffle giveaway, game-time surprises for the audience, and a photo opportunity for young girls to meet and pose with the women’s basketball team.

EPIC for Girls is collaborating with local universities and organizations throughout the week to host events that encourage participation in sports.

About EPIC for Girls

EPIC for Girls is dedicated to empowering young women through sports, leadership, and community engagement. Through initiatives like Girls Ref the World, EPIC for Girls created pathways for girls to thrive and break barriers in traditionally male-dominated spaces.

• Church’s Texas Chicken launched a tuition assistance program in September 2024.
• Employees can receive up to $5,250 per year in tuition assistance.
• The program applies to corporate employees, managers, contractors, and franchisee employees.
• Immediate family members can receive up to $3,500 per year.
• Employees can choose from more than 50 bachelor’s and 30 master’s programs offered online.
• Participants must maintain full-time student status.

Partnership and Tuition Program

Church’s Texas Chicken®, one of the largest quick-service chicken restaurant chains in the world, is doubling down on its most valuable asset: its team members. Church’s now provides employees with tuition assistance when they earn their degree from Bellevue University, a recognized national leader in helping working adults earn a college degree. The program launched in September 2024, offers employees up to $5,250 in tuition assistance per year.

Eligibility and Benefits

In addition to Church’s Texas Chicken’s Corporate Tuition Program, Bellevue University offers tuition assistance to all Church’s corporate exempt and non-exempt employees, corporate restaurant managers, assistant restaurant managers, and corporate contractors after working at Church’s for 30 days up to $5,250 per year. Franchisee employees are also eligible for tuition assistance up to $5,250 annually, and immediate family members of employees and franchisees are eligible for up to $3,500 annually. To qualify, participants must maintain full-time student status throughout their degree cohort program. The tuition reimbursement is eligible to full-time employees and franchisee’s employees over the course of a four-year bachelor’s degree program up to $21,000.

Academic Opportunities and Support

Employees can choose from more than 50 bachelor’s degrees and 30 master’s degrees, all offered online. In addition to tuition assistance, employees can take advantage of a credit transfer policy that honors associate’s degrees in full. Students also benefit from support services, including academic advising, online tutoring, a writing center, and professional development webinars. Applicants for the program must enroll online through the Church’s Texas Chicken portal to be eligible for the program.

About Church’s Texas Chicken® / Texas Chicken™

Founded in San Antonio, TX in 1952 by George W. Church Sr., Church’s Texas Chicken®, along with its sister brand Texas Chicken™ outside of the U.S., is one of the largest quick-service chicken restaurant chains in the world. The brands specialize in Original and Spicy Chicken freshly prepared throughout the day in small batches that are hand-battered and double-breaded, tenders, sandwiches, freshly baked Honey-Butter Biscuits™, and classic, home-style sides all for a great value. Church’s Texas Chicken® and Texas Chicken™ have more than 1,500 locations in 22 countries and global markets and system-wide sales of more than $1.4 billion. Owned by High Bluff Capital Partners and FS Investments since 2021, Church’s® celebrated its 70th anniversary in 2022.

For more information, visit www.churchs.com and texaschicken.com. You can also follow Church’s Texas Chicken® on Facebook, Instagram, X and TikTok. More details on franchising opportunities are available at https://franchise.churchstexaschicken.com or https://franchise.texaschicken.com.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About AWS Cloud Institute

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

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

Bellevue University, one of America’s top online universities, today announced the addition of a new product offering – its Workplace Learning Portfolio – to power employers as they shift from jobs-based to skills-based organizations. 

The portfolio features more than 20 skill-based single courses designed by educators for working learners and Certificate of Completion programs designed to help employees build core competencies in areas such as business, technology, communication and project management. New learning experiences will be added to the portfolio quarterly, ensuring that organizations and their employees have access to the latest skills needed in today’s workforce. As employees learn new industry-relevant skills they become more prepared to fill in-demand roles and take on new opportunities inside their organizations.

According to a 2022 Deloitte Insights report, 63% of organizations that embed a skills-based approach are more likely to achieve results than organizations that have not adopted skills-based practices. That’s good news for the large percentage of American companies that are currently experiencing skills gaps and those that expect to experience them in the next two to five years. 

According to Dr. Rich Lombardo, Executive Director of Corporate Program Development, “Whether employees choose a foundational single course designed to help them master a specific skill or a Certificate of Completion course duo, our portfolio of skills-based courses will better equip them to get from Point A to Point B in their career.”

A clear career pathway is high on employees’ wish lists. “We’ve learned that employees want defined pathways for skill advancement,” said Dr. Mary Hawkins, President of Bellevue University, “and that they expect personalized learning experiences. Our employee growth planning strategies help businesses use education to meet these needs and ultimately create more value for their organizations.” 

One distinguishing factor of the new skills-based portfolio, said Dr. Hawkins, is that it allows Bellevue University to customize course offerings to meet specific industry skill requirements and address core competency needs for all types and sizes of organizations. Bellevue University currently has educational partnerships with more than 125 companies and organizations in multiple verticals, including financial services, retail, technology and other industries.

In addition to the skill-based courses, Bellevue University also partners with employers to provide scalable learning experiences and innovative funding options to support learning and development initiatives that may be at various stages of maturity.

“Employers can choose the broad paths for their employees, and employees can choose the skills they’re interested in adding to their resume,” explained Dr. Lombardo. “Each skill is credentialed, each course is stackable, and employees can use tuition assistance to pay for their development.”

Cyber Camp, June 24-28, will be hosted on Bellevue University's main campus in the Integrated Technologies Lab, offering an opportunity for high schoolers to explore the world of cybersecurity. 

The camp, which will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day promises an immersive experience supervised by cyber tech experts. Participants will deepen their understanding of cybersecurity and hone practical skills crucial in today's digital landscape.

Professor Douglas Rausch, one of the co-leads for the camp, is excited for the opportunities this camp will provide for students.

“There continues to be a strong demand for cybersecurity and IT careers and it’s never too early to gain the skills used in these potential future jobs,” said Rausch. “Our camp will use hands-on activities aligned to the CyberPatriot program that many students may be familiar with from their high school's or organization’s CyberPatriot club.”

“Throughout the week, students will learn how to securely configure Windows and Linux computers and finish up the camp by competing in a cyber defense competition against students from other CyberPatriot camps,” Rausch went on. “It’s going to be an exciting week.”

The Cyber Camp is free, making cybersecurity education accessible to all. However, spots are limited, so students should RSVP to reserve a seat.

After signing up, students will receive confirmation of their enrollment status. For more information, email bucybercenter@bellevue.edu.

Active and former MLS players will be eligible for up to $5,250 in tuition assistance per year when they earn their degrees from Bellevue University, a recognized national leader in helping motivated working adults earn a college degree.

“We are incredibly excited to continue to expand our educational investment for our players by partnering with Bellevue University,” said MLSPA Players Programs Director Connor Ford. “At the MLSPA, we believe in the importance of providing opportunities for our members to improve personally and professionally – pursuing a higher education is a crucial foundation for this. Bellevue’s strong reputation for helping people reach their educational goals through their various programs will be a great asset for the MLSPA moving forward.” 

Active and former MLS players can choose from more than 50 bachelor’s degrees and 30 master’s degrees, all offered online. In addition to tuition assistance, players can take advantage of a generous credit transfer policy that honors associate’s degrees in full. Learners also benefit from a variety of support services, including academic advising, online tutoring, a writing center, and ongoing professional development webinars.

“We hope to be part of the success of the MLSPA in expanding opportunities for the players, their families, and employees who want to earn a degree,” said Dr. Mary Hawkins, President of Bellevue University. 

“There are many paths on the way to bachelor’s and master’s degrees,” she said, “and Bellevue University understands that flexibility is key and that college has to fit into already busy lives. We are really excited to partner with the MLSPA!”

About the MLSPA

The MLSPA serves as the labor union and exclusive bargaining representative for all Major League Soccer (MLS) players, ensuring the protection of their bargained-for rights. Established in 2003, the MLSPA serves to promote players' collective best interests, amplify their voices, and represent them in their group commercial and licensing activities. The MLSPA is a democratic organization, run by and for players. To learn more please visit www.mlsplayers.org

Winners of the 2024 SAMA Excellence Awards are recognized for achieving success in enhancing relationships with key customers. 

According to Jim Nekuda, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships, “Bellevue University partners with companies to grow their most important asset - their people. This award exemplifies our commitment to help businesses grow by helping their employees advance their careers.”

The SAMA annual conference brings together strategic and key account professionals from hundreds of organizations. Founded in 1964, SAMA is a non-profit organization that offers training, professional development and networking throughout North America, Asia and Europe, as well as other knowledge resources.

For more than 20 years, Bellevue University has partnered with for-profit companies and non-profit organizations on personalized learning experiences and custom funding solutions designed to improve employee retention, career mobility and talent acquisition metrics that human resource and learning and development leaders are focused on achieving. 

Bellevue University currently partners with more than 120 organizations, including some of the country’s best known brands, to help them use education as a competitive advantage in order to recruit, develop and retain their talented employees. 

Tax season is upon us which means Bellevue University’s College of Business is partnering again with the Omaha EITC Coalition to help local residents prepare and file free individual tax returns through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.

Tax assistance will be available on Saturdays, starting Feb. 17, through April 6, 2024 on the University's main campus at the Freeman Lozier Library on an appointment basis. The library is located at 1028 Bruin Blvd. in Bellevue, Nebraska. Free parking is available in campus lots near the library.

“It’s a great way to serve the community and prepare our own students in important skills like client relations and tax preparation,” said Patrick Callan, Associate Professor of Accounting. “We hope to serve many individuals and families this tax season and look forward to our continued partnership with the Omaha EITC Coalition.”

To schedule your appointment in preparing and filing your tax return, please visit www.omahaeitc.org or call 2-1-1 for operator assistance. Clients can download the flyer below that details what documents to bring to appointments. No walk-ins will be accepted.

Newport News, Virginia, a city known for its significant military population, has started its educational partnership with Bellevue University, one of the country’s top online universities. 

Through the partnership, tuition assistance is available to the city’s nearly 4,000 employees, the majority of whom live and work in the Hampton Roads area. This includes up to $5,250 per year for full- and part-time employees pursuing Bellevue University undergraduate degrees and up to $6,000 per year for employees enrolled in graduate degree programs. 

Employees’ family members also benefit, and are eligible to receive up to $3,000 in tuition assistance per year when they enroll at Bellevue University. Employees and family members can choose from more than 50 online bachelor’s degrees, nearly 30 master’s degrees and 20-plus certificate programs. 

Pati Moore, Director of Strategic Partnerships and Government Affairs at Bellevue University, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, "This partnership positions Bellevue University strategically within this vital region and presents the university with an opportunity to serve a community that plays a critical role in our national defense."

About Newport News, Virgina

The City of Newport News, Virginia, sits on a prime vantage point where the James River meets the Chesapeake Bay. The city runs approximately 23 miles along the James River and the Hampton Roads Harbor. Steeped in history, ours is a community of diverse trades including shipbuilding, technological research and international commerce.

The benefit comes in the form of enhanced education assistance and will allow all Googlers to attend Bellevue University and have their tuition costs paid for by Google and Bellevue University.

“Googlers are on a mission to make the world’s information universally accessible. We’re doing the same thing with career-relevant education,” said Jim Nekuda, Bellevue University’s Vice President of Strategic Partnerships.

Googlers’ immediate family members will also receive a Bellevue University education benefit of up to $2,500 a year.

Googlers and their immediate family members can choose from more than 50 online bachelor’s degrees and nearly 30 master’s degrees at Bellevue University.

Zack Wineinger, Manager of Data Center Operations-SRP for Google, said the company is looking forward to expanding its educational benefits to build both job-related and personal learning skills.

“Partnering with Bellevue University is a great new option for our team members who need a quality education and the flexibility to fit education into their busy work and family schedules,” he said. Google has created 120+ jobs in Nebraska and 900-plus in Iowa.

Googlers can get more information online at https://google.corporatelearning.com/

It was all possible thanks to Bellevue University's participation in DELFIN, a network of academic institutions in five Latin American countries that is designed to enhance undergraduate research, expand students’ international perspectives and open the door to faculty collaborations.  

The students and their research projects included:

• Delgado Ortega Jazmín Azucena - “Unveiling the secrets of Mono Lake's extreme environment through characterization and genomic analysis of extremophilic bacterial species”
• Ibarra Zamudio Jose Saul - “Metagenomic analysis of soil microbial health after glyphosate (Roundup) treatment” 
• Martinez Yesenia - “Genomic analysis of new bacterial species from extreme environments”
• Peña Durán Emiliano - “Poly I:C-induced cell death following CRISPR Cas9 knockout of IRF3 in B16 melanoma cells”
• Ramirez Oxte Hannia Nahomi - “Using sound to detect machine damage: Impact of observer experience”
• Vieyra Vega Montserrat - “Unveiling the secrets of Mono Lake's extreme environment through characterization and genomic analysis of extremophilic bacterial species"

Bellevue University is one of just a handful of American universities that is a member of DELFIN, which stands for the Inter-Institutional Program for Strengthening of Research and Graduate Studies in the Pacific. The University of Nebraska at Kearney was the first U.S. member of the DELFIN program and houses the United States DELFIN chapter. 

DELFIN includes more than 200 academic institutions and research centers across Mexico, has been established with chapters in Colombia, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Peru, and students travel to countries such as Germany, Argentina, Canada, Chile, Colombia, South Korea, Costa Rica, Cuba, Spain, United States, England, Peru, Puerto Rico, and Uruguay. Since DELFIN began in 1995, more than 55,000 students have participated alongside faculty in research projects.

“We’re energized by the opportunities that DELFIN represents,” said Julie Verebely, Director, Global Partnerships at Bellevue University. “We have strong relationships with educational partners in a variety of different countries and our joining DELFIN builds on those connections and creates even more opportunities for our students and our faculty to have wonderful experiences.”

Through the new collaboration, tuition assistance will be provided to Northeast staff and faculty members and their families in the amount of up to $5,250 per year for full and part-time employees; and up to $3,000 for immediate family members. This is in addition to tuition assistance funds provided to staff and faculty by Northeast.

Northeast and Bellevue University already partner to serve Northeast students. Bellevue University paves the way for Northeast and other community college graduates to earn their bachelor’s degrees by honoring a student’s entire associate degree and applying it toward their undergraduate degree program. The partnership ensures students who are earning their bachelor’s degree are able to continue working and living in their communities.

“We’ve worked with Northeast for a decade, and know the quality of their team. We’re excited to see them continue to invest in their workforce and in their employees’ futures,” said Bellevue University President Mary Hawkins. 

“Northeast is a place of learning for our students, but we also like our employees to have connections to opportunities that allow them to reach their educational goals,” said Leah Barrett, Northeast President. “This new agreement with our higher education partner Bellevue University is another great way the college is assisting employees in staying focused on lifelong learning and growth.” 

Employees and their family members can choose from Bellevue University’s 50 plus bachelor’s degrees and nearly 30 master’s degrees which are offered 100% online.

For more information on the new partnership, Northeast employees may contact Relationship Manager Amanda Avidano at amanda.avidano@bellevue.edu or 402-690-9698.

About Northeast Community College

Established by the Nebraska Legislature in 1973 as a comprehensive community college offering vocational/technical, liberal arts, college transfer, and continuing education, Northeast Community College is an accredited two-year college serving 20-counties in Northeast and North Central Nebraska. In addition to its main campus in Norfolk, Northeast Community College has extended campuses in O’Neill, West Point, and at the College Center in South Sioux City and regional offices in Ainsworth and Hartington.

“I did extensive research when I was choosing a school,” Weinberg said. “I was looking for an accredited, well regarded online program that provided an excellent education and flexibility. Bellevue University met all these criteria!”

About the YIEP Partnership

Through its partnership with YIEP, the Bellevue University faculty and staff customized programs that allow Orthodox Jews to continue their education in an environment that does not conflict with their lifestyle demands and cultural customs.

The program began in 2005, and has grown to include a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership, bachelor’s degrees in business and human services, an MBA, and a Master of Science in Clinical Counseling. The program is the longest running educational partnership in Bellevue University’s 57-year history.

Finding Flexibility in Online Learning

Weinberg grew up in Brooklyn, New York, and now lives in Jackson, New Jersey. He is the executive director of the Flatbush Community Fund in Brooklyn. After seeing an advertisement and hearing about YIEP and Bellevue University, he decided the MBA with a Healthcare Concentration was the best fit.

“I was always interested in business and entrepreneurship,” Weinberg said. “A business degree is an excellent way to advance my career and gain skills and knowledge that benefits me.”

Bellevue University was a new experience for Weinberg in two ways: it was his first secular higher education experience and his first time studying online.

“My undergraduate degree was earned at a religious Talmudic institution,” he said. “Bellevue University was my first real college experience, and it was great!”

He also found that studying online provided the flexibility he needed.

“Learning online allowed me to get my MBA from a great program that otherwise would have been geographically limited,” he said. “I very much enjoyed the online experience. I could finish the coursework on my schedule, yet have excellent professors' guidance and classmates' camaraderie.”

Applying Lessons to the Nonprofit World

Weinberg has quickly applied insights from his experience, both during his MBA program and after graduating in March 2022.

“Nonprofits often get a bad rap for being run in a lackadaisical and unprofessional manner. While many organizations are run incredibly efficiently, the stigma still exists,” he said. “Having an MBA allows us to ensure we run our programs business-like and demonstrate to our stakeholders the same.”

Weinberg said earning his MBA helped with his business expertise in several ways. “I was able to grow the organization at a much quicker rate with my newfound knowledge. I also felt much more confident when participating in meetings with businesspeople, knowing I could hold my own,” he said.

Paying the Experience Forward

Thanks to a great experience, Weinberg strongly recommends Bellevue University to family and friends.

“The professors were true professionals and incredibly knowledgeable. Whenever I had a question, someone was there, ready and happy to guide me,” he said. “A cousin of mine was the first of hopefully many I’ve recommended that will attend Bellevue University.”

Another way he’s paying his experience forward is with his involvement in Sara Schenirer Institute, which partners with universities to serve Jewish students similar to the way Bellevue University YIEP program does.

“They were starting a new MBA in Nonprofit Management and asked me if I wanted to design the curriculum and begin teaching the inaugural class,” Weinberg said. “This was an exciting opportunity for me. I was always passionate about sharing what I learned through my MBA and as executive director of a nonprofit.”

The experience has been fulfilling for Weinberg. He’s looking forward to his next set of classes, and continuing to share the expertise he’s built through his life, career and Bellevue University education.

The Bellevue University presenters will be Liz Pettinger, Director of Key Account Management and Operations; James Degner, Key Account Manager; and Todd Lardenoit, Director of Community College Transfer. Their session, “SAM Implementation: How to Kick-Start the Process” is scheduled for May 23, from 4:15-5:30 p.m. and again on May 24, from 9:45-11 a.m. at the Hotel del Coronado.

“Our goal is to share our experiences with SAMA attendees at all levels,” said Pettinger. “We want to help others across various industries understand how we successfully navigated and implemented a phased approach to strategic account management inside our non-profit university.”

The SAMA annual conference brings together strategic and key account professionals from hundreds of organizations. Founded in 1964, SAMA is a non-profit organization that offers training, professional development and networking throughout North America, Asia and Europe, as well as other knowledge resources.

For more than 20 years, Bellevue University has partnered with for-profit companies and non-profit organizations to help them provide learning opportunities for their employees. Bellevue University currently partners with more than 120 organizations, including some of the country’s best known brands, to help them use education as a competitive advantage in order to recruit, develop and retain their talented employees. 

New Visions Homeless Services, one of the region’s leading  non-profits working to eliminate homelessness, announced today that it is partnering with Bellevue University to offer tuition assistance benefits to its employees interested in continuing their education.

Through the partnership, tuition assistance will be provided to New Visions staff members and their families. This includes up to $5,250 per year for full and part-time employees; and $2,500 for immediate family members. Employees and their family members can choose from Bellevue University’s 50 plus bachelor’s degrees and nearly 30 master’s degrees.

"Whether it is an individual experiencing hunger and homelessness or one of our staff members, our goal at New Visions is to take everyone who engages with us to a better place,” said Brandy Wallar, President and CEO of New Visions. “This tuition assistance program through Bellevue University will truly position our staff for success and will help us to better serve our community guests who come to us for help."

“We are excited to partner with New Visions as they continue to invest in their workforce and in their employees’ future,” said Jim Nekuda, Bellevue University’s Vice President of Strategic Partnerships.

Each year, New Visions and its staff members provide more than 36,000 nights of shelter to 800-plus individuals and serve tens of thousands of meals to nearly 2,500 people. In addition to the 24-hour shelters it runs, New Visions conducts food programs, permanent housing programs and veterans programs. 

About New Visions Homeless Services

The mission of New Visions Homeless Services (NVHS) is to provide help, hope, and opportunity to those who are experiencing homelessness and hunger in the Council Bluffs and Omaha communities. The core programs and services of NVHS include Emergency Shelter for men, Permanent Supportive Housing, Prevention Services, Street Outreach, Food Insecurity services, and an Omaha campus with services dedicated to US Veterans experiencing homelessness. The agency has a vision of moving homeless individuals and families off the street and into permanent living environments that are safe, healthy, and lasting while addressing the root causes of hunger and homelessness. 

The Omaha Army Recruiting Company, the Nebraska Army National Guard and Bellevue University have joined forces for Nebraska’s first-ever “Meet Your Army,” bringing together top Army soldiers and technology to give a first-hand look at life as a soldier. 

“The event will offer members of the public a rare up-close opportunity to get to know the service men and women who defend our country,” said U.S. Army Cpt. Corey Milner. “They’ll get to see the advanced technology service members use in their special missions and everyday duties.”

Spectators can expect to see the latest in Army technology, vehicles, aircraft and even a parachute jump demonstration from the U.S. Army’s Golden Knights team from Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

“We are excited to have an event that’s the first of its kind to educate the public on the opportunities and lifestyle of service in the U.S. Army, Army Reserve, and Nebraska Army National Guard,” said Cpt.Milner. “The event will highlight the many different ways to serve both country and community.” 

In addition to all the Army and Nebraska Army National Guard displays, there will be local vendors that are partners with the military in the Marge H. Durham Student Center. Free parking will be available in lots A and B.

“We want the community to experience the power of the Army and see what our Army is doing to cultivate the next generation of leaders,” said Stan Hawkins, Director of Government and Military Operations at Bellevue University. “We’re excited to see what these soldiers have in store for the Bellevue community.”

A full timeline of the event can be found here.

The agreement to operate Life Chiropractic College West on the Bellevue University campus was approved today by the Nebraska Post-Secondary Coordinating Commission, which opens the door to begin the Doctor of Chiropractic program being delivered on Bellevue University’s campus in Nebraska in the fall of 2023. 

“Life Chiropractic College West continues to provide Doctor of Chiropractic and Continuing Education programs to students and industry professionals at its main campus in Hayward, California, and the development of a second campus is in alignment with our mission to be a leader in chiropractic education”, said LCCW President Dr. Ron Oberstein DC. 

“This collaboration is a game changer because it expands opportunities for the chiropractic profession,” said Dr. Oberstein. “Adding a midwestern campus location will allow us to better serve students entering the profession and prospective students who previously faced significant distance obstacles to accessing chiropractic education at our California campus.”

Currently, there are only sixteen (16) chiropractic colleges in the United States, and with no chiropractic schools within 180 miles of Bellevue, Nebraska, there is tremendous potential for the prospective chiropractic students.

Dr. Mary Hawkins, President of Bellevue University, is excited with Life Chiropractic College West’s expansion of a second campus to Nebraska because of the access it creates. “This relationship allows us to provide students in the region with educational choices that simply weren’t available to them previously,” she said. “Individual learners and communities across the country will benefit thanks to Life Chiropractic College West’s presence in the Midwest.” 

Founded in 1966, Bellevue University is one of the country’s top 20 online universities and has more than 60,000 graduates worldwide. In addition to the arrangement for dedicated space for students, faculty and staff, the two institutions will work together on future coursework and curriculum integrations, and on providing student support and technology services.

“The opportunity to work with an innovative and like-minded higher education partner will benefit our students and those interested in becoming a Chiropractor as a career pathway,” said Dr. Marilyn Al-Hassan, Chief Strategy Officer and Special Assistant to President Oberstein. 

Jim Nekuda, Vice President, Strategic Partnerships for Bellevue University agreed. “In addition to the dedicated classroom and clinical space for Life Chiropractic College West on our campus, we’re looking forward to collaborating on multiple operational and academic opportunities that benefit students from both institutions.”

For additional information or to register Admissions interest in Life Chiropractic College West at Bellevue University: https://lifewest.edu/bellevue

About Life Chiropractic College West:

Founded in 1976, Life Chiropractic College West is a world-renowned, non-profit leader in chiropractic education. Life West’s dedicated focus on the chiropractic profession sets it apart from other chiropractic colleges and makes their Doctor of Chiropractic and Continuing Education programs among the most sought after in the world. Through a leading edge curriculum inspired by extensive clinical training experience, Life Chiropractic College West provides graduates with the knowledge, skills, philosophies, aptitudes and competencies to be the very best in their field. Life Chiropractic College West is accredited by both WASC Senior Commission of Universities and College (WSCUC) and Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE).

Tax season is upon us which means Bellevue University’s College of Business is partnering with the Omaha EITC Coalition for another year of serving local Nebraska residents through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.

Tax assistance will be available on Saturdays, starting Feb. 18 through April 8 on the University's main campus at the Freeman Lozier Library on an appointment basis. The library is located at 1028 Bruin Blvd. in Bellevue, Nebraska. Free parking is available in campus lots near the library.

“It’s great way to serve the community and prepare our own students in important skills like client relations and tax preparation,” said Patrick Callan, Associate Accounting Professor. “We hope to serve many individuals and families this tax season and look forward to this new partnership with the Omaha EITC Coalition.”

To schedule your appointment in preparing and filing your tax return, please visit www.omahaeitc.org or call 2-1-1 for operator assistance.

Bellevue University is one of just a handful of American universities that is a member of DELFIN, which stands for the Inter-Institutional Program for Strengthening of Research and Graduate Studies in the Pacific. The University of Nebraska at Kearney was the first U.S. member of the DELFIN program and houses the United States DELFIN chapter. 

DELFIN, which began in 1995, includes more than 200 academic institutions and research centers across Mexico, has been established with chapters in Colombia, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Peru, and students travel to countries such as Germany, Argentina, Canada, Chile, Colombia, South Korea, Costa Rica, Cuba, Spain, United States, England, Peru, Puerto Rico, and Uruguay. DELFIN also collaborates with the European Union through the organizations promoting student travel exchanges.

“We’re energized by the opportunities that DELFIN represents,” said Julie Verebely, Director, Global Partnerships at Bellevue University. “We have strong relationships with educational partners in a variety of different countries and our joining DELFIN builds on those connections and creates even more opportunities for our students and our faculty to have wonderful experiences.”

More than 360 international students from 42 different countries are currently learning at Bellevue University. Some learn on the University’s main campus in Bellevue, while others learn online from countries ranging from China to Mexico.

DELFIN connects junior- and senior-level students and faculty researchers through an online platform. When a student identifies a project they’re interested in, they submit an application that must be approved by the faculty researcher. Students must be juniors or seniors who are proficient in English to participate.

Since DELFIN began, more than 55,000 students have participated alongside faculty in research projects.

Bellevue University is currently accepting research project proposals from faculty and expects to begin student-faculty research projects in early 2023. 

“At Signature Performance, we aim to hire people that are eager to grow and develop. Our partnership with Bellevue University will allow our over 1,000 Associates to do just that. Continuous learning is important to be business leaders and difference makers – both of which we aspire to be in the healthcare industry,” said Allen Fredrickson, Signature Performance Founder and Chief Executive Officer. Fredrickson noted that the new partnership provides benefits to both full-time and part-time associates, as well as their family members.

Fredrickson founded Signature Performance in 2004 with eight associates. Today, the company employs more than 1,000 people across the United States.

“Attracting and retaining the industry’s best talent is paramount to do the important work of healthcare at Signature Performance. By giving our Associates and their family members direct access to world class education will not only help us to be a best place to work but will also allow us to serve the healthcare industry better.,” said Mark Mathia, Signature Performance Chief Experience Officer “This investment more than doubles the amount of tuition assistance funding available to our most valuable asset, our associates.”

Through the partnership, tuition assistance will be provided to Signature Performance associates and family members. This includes up to $4,500 per year for full-time and part-time associates; and $2,500 for immediate family members. Associates and their family members can choose from more than 50 online bachelor’s degrees, nearly 30 master’s degrees, and 20-plus certificate programs.

For more information, visit https://go.corporatelearning.com/signatureperformance

About Signature Performance 

Signature Performance (Signature) is a leading provider of healthcare administrative solutions and services. Since our inception in 2004, our foremost solutions and services are utilized by many of the country’s most respected providers, payers, and health IT organizations. Administrative expenses and burdens constitute as much as 40% of the total cost of US healthcare. Signature’s 1,100 associates are motivated by our vision to bend the curve of rising healthcare administrative costs. We assist payers and providers in both the public and private sectors by lowering cost ratios, growing revenue, and realizing optimized cash flow. In turn, we promote the achievement of improving patient outcomes, patient experience, and provider satisfaction while reducing overall costs and burdens in healthcare. Signature Performance is privately held and based out of Omaha, Nebraska.

The Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL) today announced a new educational partnership with Bellevue University, one of the nation’s leading online universities, that stands to benefit the players and staff of the league’s 11 teams, as well as their family members.

Bellevue University and the SPHL will partner to provide motivated members within the SPHL ecosystem with tuition assistance benefits to further advance their education. 

“I am very excited to announce the league’s new educational partnership with Bellevue University,” stated Commissioner Doug Price. “This opportunity further demonstrates the SPHL’s commitment to developing and enhancing the skill sets of our players and staff members both on and off the ice.”

Through the partnership, the SPHL will provide enhanced tuition assistance to league players, employees and family members. This includes up to $5,250 in tuition reimbursement at Bellevue University for full-time players and employees. Immediate family members of players and employees are eligible to receive up to $2,500 in tuition reimbursement at the university.

“We’re excited to work with the SPHL to help career-motivated individuals interested in acquiring the education and skills they need for their futures,” said Jim Nekuda, Bellevue University’s Vice President of Strategic Partnerships. “Our flexible online learning allows players who balancing careers and real life demands to achieve their goals.”

About the Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL) 

Now entering its 19th season, the Southern Professional Hockey League is comprised of 11 member teams located throughout the southeastern and midwestern United States. Headquartered in Huntersville, North Carolina, the mission of the SPHL is to provide a quality family-friendly entertainment product structured inside an economic model that is viable for small and mid-size markets and arenas.

Phi Theta Kappa has named Bellevue University, one of the nation’s leaders in preparing students for lifelong career success with career- relevant knowledge and skills, to its prestigious 2022 Phi Theta Kappa Transfer Honor Roll. 

The Honor Roll recognizes the top four-year colleges and universities nationwide for creating dynamic and innovative pathways to support community college students.

Bellevue University was the only Nebraska institution recognized on the Honor Roll and one of 171 institutions recognized nationwide.

According to Phi Theta Kappa, colleges were selected based on their Transfer Friendliness Rating, which is determined by the online profile the college creates in PTK Connect. PTK Connect is Phi Theta Kappa’s online tool that helps students find their best-fit colleges, career pathways and more. The tool includes specific information about admissions practices, cost of attendance, campus life, recruitment practices and peer reviews and reflects the transfer student experience at specific colleges. The top 25% highest-rated colleges are named to the PTK Transfer Honor Roll.

Dr. Mary Hawkins, Bellevue University President, said Bellevue University's consistent presence on the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Roll  exemplifies Bellevue University’s commitment to helping motivated community college graduates advance and achieve their career potential by completing their bachelor’s degree. 

“I'm incredibly proud that more than 2,000 transfer students earned a degree at Bellevue University last year” said Dr. Hawkins. She said the Honor Roll recognition is shared with its network of 35 community college partners across the country.  “We fully support their innovative work in building workforce-ready talent."

“This award is so important because it is based on what students tell us they need from their transfer experience,” said Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner, President and CEO of Phi Theta Kappa. “We are honored to recognize the colleges and universities working exceptionally hard to create stronger pathways to bachelor's degree completion for all students.”

Bellevue University alumna Christy Hayduk completed her bachelor’s degree in advertising and public relations, but after graduation her career took a different turn. She found herself in human resources, and while working at First Data, decided to pursue her Master of Business Administration degree.

“I went back to get my MBA and take some additional courses that focused on human resources,” she said. She completed her MBA while working at Valmont Industries, a Fortune 1000 company and she and now serves as Valmont’s Vice President and HR Business Partner, Global Infrastructure.

Finding Balance While Building a Career

Hayduk earned her MBA through Valmont’s partnership with Bellevue University. She found the program’s flexibility was designed for a busy lifestyle like hers, and she chose to complete most of her program in the in-person class format.

“This particular program allowed me to work at my own pace, which was critical since I continued to work full time and take classes in the evening,” Hayduk said.

The learning environment and program options Bellevue University provides makes it possible for non-traditional students to achieve their academic goals, she said. “I traveled a lot in my position as I went to school, and the flexibility to take online and in class courses was extremely helpful. In addition, the professors were very supportive when [scheduling] conflicts occurred.”

Hayduk said having a strong support system also helped with balancing her responsibilities, including her husband, parents, in-laws, and employers.

Applying Education to Business, and Vice Versa

As a non-traditional student, Hayduk said she internationally chose a program that would weave in with her current career and where she wanted it to go. “The program was very relevant to what I was working on daily, so I was able to apply my learnings as I went through the program,” she said.

Hayduk said her classes also reinforced what she was learning about the financial aspects of business through her career. “I was able to apply real life experiences, and was able to share those in class and apply them to my homework and project work.”

Today, Hayduk continues to apply learnings from her MBA to her career. “Having my degree has assisted me in furthering my career opportunities,” she said.

SHEWSBURY, N.J. – The ECHL, the Premier ‘AA’ Hockey League, today announced a multi-year partnership with Bellevue University, which becomes the League’s first Official Higher Education Partner.

As part of the partnership, Bellevue University and the ECHL will provide career and professional development for the ECHL’s ecosystem of players, staff and employees. Bellevue University and the ECHL will award scholarships to a select number of League players, officials, staff and employees that will allow the recipients the opportunity to start or finish a bachelor’s or graduate degree program of their choice.

Additionally, Bellevue University students will have the opportunity to engage with the ECHL through career fairs, internship programs and learning opportunities in conjunction with ECHL league-wide meetings. The league and the university will also explore additional collaboration opportunities involving Bellevue University’s Corporate Partnership Network.

“Bellevue University is honored to partner with the ECHL to bring innovative educational opportunities to the League clubs and to ECHL communities across North America,” said Bellevue University President Dr. Mary Hawkins. “As the ECHL’s Official Higher Education Partner, Bellevue University will help players who are balancing careers and real life demands to achieve their goals of earning a college degree by providing access to the education and support they need to be successful.”

“As part of being a developmental league, our goal is to enhance our players, officials, staff, and members of the ECHL with opportunities for their personal growth whether that is on or off the ice,” said ECHL Commissioner Ryan Crelin. “Joining with Bellevue University adds a strategic partner in our ability to play a role in furthering the career development of those in our league, as well allowing us to help to give real world insights to the minor league sports industry for the students in their curriculum. Bellevue University’s alignment to our objectives was clear from the beginning, so we are thrilled to have a relationship that will allow both of our organizations to supplement programs that are already in place.”

The partnership will formally launch at the 2022 Warrior ECHL All-Star Classic in Jacksonville, Florida on January 17, 2022. Scholarship recipients and graduates will be highlighted at ECHL events throughout the Season.

The deal was brokered by SRS Partners, who represents the ECHL on sponsorship and partnership development for the League.

Men's Soccer

First, the Bellevue University men’s soccer team has advanced to the NAIA National Championship Opening Round championship game which will be played Saturday, Nov. 20 at 4 p.m. at the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s Caniglia Field.

Championship Round – Saturday, Nov. 20

No. 1 Bellevue vs. MidAmerica Nazarene – 4 p.m.

All faculty, staff and BU students will be admitted free into the contest but you must be on the pass list. In order to gain free admittance, RSVP by 4 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 19.

Click this Faculty & Staff RSVP link and respond with your first and last name along with names of your immediate family members.

Come cheer on the Bruins this Saturday in their quest for a national championship!

For more information please visit https://www.bubruins.com/sports/msoc/2021-22/releases/20211115l4jhnt

Volleyball

Second, the Bellevue University volleyball team will host an NAIA National Championship Opening Round match this Saturday, Nov. 20 at 4 p.m. at Bellevue West High School. The Bruins will take on Edward Waters University with the winner advancing to the NAIA National Championship final site in Sioux City, Iowa, Nov. 30-Dec. 4. 

Masks are required. All faculty, staff and BU students will be admitted free into the contest but you must be on the pass list. In order to gain free admittance, RSVP by 4 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 19.

Click this Faculty & Staff RSVP link and respond with your first and last name along with names of your immediate family members.

Union Omaha League One Final 

Union Omaha will host Greenville Triumph SC this Saturday, Nov. 20, as the teams square off in the USL League One title game at Werner Park. The match starts at 4 p.m. and tickets are available online here. Group discounts are also available to parties of 15 or more people; just email groups@unionomaha.com to secure them.

Bellevue University is the Official Education Sponsor of the USL and employees are encouraged to help pack the Werner Park stadium and cheer on the Owls.

Go, Bruins, and go, Owls!

This issue of Innovating Business for Real Life focuses on unique and exemplary outcomes of partnership innovation within the College of Business. Opening doors to life-changing opportunities for our students is a key strategic aim of our partnership innovation strategies. These collaborations include top employers, community colleges, military bases, and diverse global organizations. Additionally, Bellevue University and the College of Business believe that collaboration and partnerships are essential for building stronger workplaces, communities, and global connections.

First, it is our pleasure to showcase the Master of Business Administration Program (MBA). This successful program was one of the first in the U.S. to be offered as a fully online program back in 1995. This type of academic offering was certainly innovative for its time. However, the growth of the program and the success of its students is due in large measure to the collaborative relationship between Bellevue University and its strategic partners. Those partners place a high strategic value on educational opportunities that truly advance the professional and career aims of their employees. We hope you enjoy reading how the MBA faculty and MBA program have been instrumental in achieving those aims.

It is our pleasure to feature the work of Dr. Stephen Linenberger, Professor of Leadership, in the College of Business. We hope you enjoy reading about Dr. Linenberger’ s professional journey and the exemplary work he influences as a professor, program director, and key liaison with one of Bellevue University’s important partners—the Yeshiva Initiatives Education Programs (YIEP).

Sincerely,

Rebecca T. Murdock, Ed. D., MBA

Dean, Bellevue University College of Business

When it comes to online Master of Business Administration degree programs, Bellevue University goes way back. All the way back to  1995.

That’s when Bellevue University launched what is believed to be the nation’s first online MBA program and pioneered what today has become a true flagship program, with more than 1,000 current students and more than 5,000 alumni across the country and around the globe.

According to Dr. David Levy, Professor in the College of Business and MBA Program Director, the MBA program continues to grow and evolve, while staying true to its formative mission to develop high performing, lifelong learners ready to innovate and lead in a competitive business environment.

“We prepare them well,” said Dr. Levy. “While other MBA programs may have tended to start cutting out the more analytical-type of courses, we have not. Our students get a foundation that you don’t find in a lot of programs.”

He added that while the pandemic has clearly accelerated the growth of online learning, Bellevue University’s MBA program still stands out. Evidence of the program’s robustness and maturity can be seen in the number of MBA degree concentrations – more than 20 – that the University has developed and offers.

“We’re not creating a new degree,” Dr. Levy explained, “What we are doing is making it possible for the student who wants this type of concentration to achieve their goal.” No matter what concentration a student chooses to pursue, they graduate with a new and sharpened skill set in such areas of finance, accounting, marketing, media, supply chain management, performance, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

As a faculty member in the College of Business for the last 20 years, Dr. Levy has not only seen the academic curriculum change and adapt, he’s witnessed his institution serve a growing number of students through partnerships.

Well known corporations such as PayPal, Mutual of Omaha, Union Pacific and dozens of other companies across various industries partner with Bellevue University to provide education as a benefit to their employees. Valmont Industries, Inc., for example, collaborates with Bellevue University in a number of areas and the relationship has resulted in tangible benefits for employees of the global infrastructure and manufacturing company.

“Bellevue University awards MBA credit for completion of Valmont’s Leadership Essentials global program,” explained Patrick Groves, Vice President and HR Business Partner of Valmont Industries Global Utility Division, “and they created a pathway for our employees to pursue their Project Management Professional (PMP) designation.”

The multi-faceted nature of the Bellevue University and Valmont Industries relationship isn’t just happenstance or built around talk of what’s to come. “You develop a relationship,” observed Dr. Levy, “and people come initially to you as part of this relationship – and then come back to you on account of the positive experiences they have had.”

Dr. Levy added that the relationships Bellevue University establishes with corporate partners are based, first, on listening to what the partners are seeking. However, he noted, that Bellevue University goes a significant step further and brings innovative ideas about education for their workforces – whether they are local to Omaha or in multiple countries around the world – to corporate and non-profit organization offices across the country and around the world.

Notably, Bellevue University’s collaborations with corporate partners, which now number over 100, appear to reflect Dr. Levy’s classroom discussions with MBA students about quality practices and the cost of quality.

“In operations, we have this concept about designing for the customer or designing for manufacturing,” he explained. “If you have a bad experience, you’re probably never going to go back and use that service or product again. But, what if you design and deliver it right the first time? Because we are meeting the customer’s requirements and are able to deliver on them we are fulfilling the customer’s quality expectations. There should actually be no extra cost because we did it right the first time.”

Part of doing it right the first time involves ensuring that Bellevue University MBA students receive the “right” support from University teams responsible for graduate advising and for design and development of engaging residential and online courses.

That focus on quality, and on truly understanding the objective of the customer, serves as the foundation of the Bellevue University MBA program.

“It’s the difference between marketing and selling,” said the veteran professor who spent two decades working at Union Pacific prior to entering academia. “It’s a collaborative process (with the company).”

La Universidad de Bellevue y el Consulado de México en Omaha celebrarán la apertura de un nuevo espacio de aprendizaje y programa Plaza Comunitaria para adultos de habla hispana con la apertura en el campus principal de la Universidad de Bellevue, ubicado en 1000 Galvin Road, Bellevue, NE, el viernes 17 de septiembre a partir de las 5:00 pm.

Una Plaza Comunitaria es un espacio que ofrece un plan de estudios educativos en línea gratuito en español. El plan de estudios es creado por el Instituto Nacional de Educación de Adultos de México (INEA), de la Secretaría de Educación Pública, cuyo fin es ayudar a las personas hispanas a aprender a leer y escribir en su idioma nativo y a obtener certificados y diplomas educativos oficiales del Gobierno de México.

El programa sirve principalmente a adolescentes mayores y adultos que aún no han completado la educación primaria y secundaria.

En este sentido, la Cónsul de México, Guadalupe Sánchez Salazar, señala que “La nueva Plaza Comunitaria ubicada en la Universidad de Bellevue, ayudará a cerrar la brecha educativa para los adultos de habla hispana en Nebraska y Iowa. Los estudiantes tendrán la oportunidad de continuar su educación y fortalecer sus habilidades de lectura, escritura, tecnología y comunicación”.

Sánchez Salazar agregó que hay 253 Plaza Comunitarias en 35 estados de la Unión Americana. El programa Plaza Comunitaria de la Universidad Bellevue será el primero en un campus universitario en Nebraska. Otras Plazas Comunitarias se ofrecen a través de las organizaciones Latino Center of the Midlands, Completely Kids, El Museo Latino y Boys Town. “Se ha demostrado que este concepto tiene éxito en todo el país y estamos seguros de que también lo será aquí en el Medio Oeste”, afirmó Sánchez Salazar.

Las clases de la Plaza Comunitaria en la Universidad de Bellevue, se llevarán a cabo dos o tres tardes por semana en el campus principal de la universidad en Bellevue. Todas las clases, programación y acceso online serán gratuitos para los participantes. El Consulado de México en Omaha y la Universidad de Bellevue brindarán apoyo e información sobre el programa a las comunidades de habla hispana en la Ventanilla de Educación del Consulado, con la Coordinadora de dicha Ventanilla, Socorro Carrera.

"Estamos muy contentos de asociarnos con el Consulado de México en el nuevo programa Plaza Comunitaria porque sabemos que este programa cambiará el futuro de los aspirantes", dijo la Dra. Mary Hawkins, presidenta de la Universidad de Bellevue. "Apoyar a los estudiantes adultos que trabajan y abrir la puerta al aprendizaje permanente ayuda a las personas, sus familias y nuestra comunidad".

Los interesados ​​en las clases de Plaza Comunitaria de la Universidad de Bellevue pueden inscribirse y recibir asistencia para inscribirse en la celebración de apertura, el 17 de septiembre. El evento es parte de la celebración del Mes de la Herencia Hispana de la universidad y también contará con un recorrido por el nuevo espacio universitario de la Plaza Comunitaria. Habrá antojitos, refrescos y música.

A Plaza Comunitaria (Community Plaza) is a community space offering free online educational curriculum in Spanish. The curriculum is created by the Mexican National Institute of Adult Education (INEA) and helps Hispanic individuals learn to read and write in their native language and earn official educational certificates and diplomas from the Mexican government. 

The program primarily serves older teens and adults who have not yet completed elementary education. 

According to Mexican Head Consul Guadalupe Sánchez Salazar, “The new Bellevue University Plaza Comunitaria will help close the education gap for Spanish-speaking adults in Nebraska and Iowa. Students will have the opportunity to pursue their education and strengthen their reading, writing, technology and communication skills.” 

Sánchez Salazar added that there are 253 Plaza Comunitarias in 35 states. The Bellevue University Plaza Comunitaria program will be the first on a university campus in Nebraska. Other Plaza Comunitarias are offered through the Latino Center of the Midlands, Completely Kids, El Museo Latino and Boys Town. “This concept has been shown to be successful across the country and we’re confident it will be here in the Midwest, as well,” said Sánchez Salazar.

Bellevue University Plaza Comunitaria classes will be held two to three evenings per week at the university’s main campus in Bellevue. All classes, programming and online access will be free for participants. The Mexican Consulate of Omaha and Bellevue University will provide support and information about the program to Spanish-speaking communities in the Consulate’s service area.

“We are excited to partner with the Mexican Consulate on the new Plaza Comunitaria program because we know this program will change learners’ futures,” said Bellevue University President Dr. Mary Hawkins. “Supporting working adult learners and opening the door to lifelong learning helps individuals, their families and our community.”

Those interested in Bellevue University Plaza Comunitaria classes can sign up and receive assistance signing up at the open house on Sept. 17 or contact Socorro Carrera, Global Partnerships Specialist and Education Orientation Window Coordinator at the Mexican Consulate, at scarrera@bellevue.edu or at 402-557-5203.

The open house event, which is part of the university’s Hispanic Heritage Month celebration, will also feature a tour of the new Bellevue University Plaza Comunitaria space, refreshments and music.

Caren “Carey” Beardmore Hamilton received an honorary Doctor of Commerce degree from Bellevue University in recognition of her longtime service to the university and to the community during a hooding ceremony held on Friday, June 4. 

Hamilton, a Bellevue native, is President of Beardmore Chevrolet in Bellevue, and co-owner of nine new-car franchises in Bellevue, Grand Island and Kearney, Nebraska. Carey Hamilton and her husband, Brian Hamilton, are longtime supporters and advocates for communities where their businesses operate. 

Hamilton, whose father, Moe, served five years on Bellevue University’s Board of Directors, joined the university's Board in 1997 and serves as chair of the Board’s Nominations Committee. To honor her parents, she established the Maurice Y. and Patricia Beardmore Scholarship, which benefits students pursuing business-related bachelor’s degrees.

“Today we recognize Bellevue native Caren ‘Carey’ Beardmore Hamilton for her many contributions to business, her community, higher education and the Nebraska Good Life,” Bellevue University President Dr. Mary Hawkins said during the ceremony. 

Hamilton has been a member of Bellevue University’s Board of Directors since 1997. The Hamiltons have two adult daughters and four grandchildren. 

Through the alliance, Bellevue University and other FAA members provide federal government employees with access to opportunities to earn a variety of bachelor’s and master’s degrees. 

“We will continue to work with colleges and universities to provide the federal workforce with opportunities they need to meet today’s federal workplace challenges,” OPM Acting Director Kathy McGettigan said. 

The 23 FAA institutions offer programs that address some of the federal government’s mission-critical occupation skills in areas such as cybersecurity, information technology, acquisition, human resources, financial auditing and human capital management, as well as positions related to Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

 Bellevue University currently offers more than 80 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, including bachelor’s and master’s programs in cybersecurity and a Ph.D. in Human Capital Management program. 

“Bellevue University is honored to join the Federal Academic Alliance and work with the OPM on improving the lives of federal employees who need access to high-quality, affordable educational resources,” Dr. Mary Hawkins, Bellevue University President, said. 

“We are strongly qualified to serve federal employees,” Dr. Hawkins added, “and we look forward to leveraging our skill and experience in serving adult learners to help the OPM achieve its goal of closing the skills gap in critical areas.”

For more information, please visit https://alliance.bellevueuniversity.us/

Since earning his bachelor’s degree in 2013, Todd Walberg has moved across the country, transitioned to a new company and produced impressive results. Along the way, he’s implemented the lessons he gained while completing his Bachelor of Science in Business Management and Professional Retail Sales and Management Certificate online at Bellevue University.

Today, Walberg is the Director of Sales for T-CETRA, a leading financial technology solution provider based in Columbus, Ohio. The company enables retail locations to take cash payments and securely convert them to cashless transactions. Walberg, though, lives in New Jersey, where he manages a field sales team to support T-CETRA's current distribution of more than 10,000 stores across the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Since he joined T-CETRA in 2019, Walberg has succeeded in growing sales and adding new distribution channels, despite the global pandemic.

Taking Advantage of Opportunity

The path that led Walberg to where he is now began with a corporate partnership between Verizon and Bellevue University. In 2012, Walberg was armed with an associate degree and found himself working full-time in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, for Verizon.

“They (Verizon) had a very generous employee benefit program incentivizing employees to further their education,” he said. “I saw it as a great opportunity and took advantage while also working on my real-world business experience.”

Although Walberg had focused on network and system administration while getting his associate’s degree, he decided to take a different direction with his bachelor’s degree.

“When I enrolled at Bellevue University, I already knew that my real passion was going to be in Business Management,” he said. “I was still working full time with Verizon, so Bellevue University offered the best options in terms of flexibility, and gave me the tools to further my career path.”

Focused on Growth

After completing his degree, Walberg continued to excel but his life changed dramatically when he moved from his native Iowa to Morristown, New Jersey, to take on a new challenge as Verizon’s Sr. Manager of National Distribution.

Now, in his role at T-CETRA, he’s using what he learned at Verizon and Bellevue University to make an even bigger impact in an emerging industry.

“T-CETRA is a much smaller company than Verizon, but has experienced tremendous growth in the past few years as a cash-to-cashless payment solution, especially in the prepaid wireless industry,” he said.

“That kind of growth has required application of the agile business methods I learned at Bellevue University. Bellevue University taught me to plan for the big picture, and to constantly be striving for the right solutions for the right customers, which is one of the reasons I think we are so successful.”

The Perfect Fit for Working Adults

Walberg also recommends Bellevue University to others looking to move forward, despite a busy workload.

“As Bellevue University’s student population is comprised mostly of adult learners, they do a great job at understanding their unique needs,” he said. “At the time, I was juggling a lot professionally, but still was able to pursue my bachelor’s degree. They were flexible and understanding of my situation, while still providing a great education.”

In his free time, Walberg enjoys both playing and watching baseball, basketball and golf, as well as the occasional game night with friends.

Doug Keipper is the kind of person who’s always been driven by curiosity. From spending his high school and college summers as a boat mechanic to a longtime career in the banking industry, he’s always asked “how does it work?” His open attitude toward growth and learning has prepared him to continually take on new challenges -- including earning his MBA at 58 years old.

Improving His Job Prospects

Keipper graduated from Ball State University in May 1984 and moved away from the cold of his native Indiana to Atlanta, where his brother was living. He wasn’t able to find the kind of sales job he wanted and found himself in mortgage lending.

“At one point in my life I just needed a job,” he said. “If you ask most people in mortgage lending how they got into it, you ‘ll hear the same answer – ‘I needed a job’. Once I was in mortgage lending, I wanted to learn about banking and here I am. ‘How does that work?’ has always been my guiding light.”

He has become an expert in not only enforcing fraud and money laundering prevention, but also in providing training on the subject. However, he found one more way to move his banking career forward.

“I thought four years are going to pass whether I get my degree or not,” Keipper said. “It was getting harder and harder to find a job the older I got, and I didn’t want to be looking for a job at 60 with nothing to stand out. It took quite a bit of introspection to step up to the challenge.”

While working at Truist Bank, he learned they had a partnership with Bellevue University. “The bank I worked for had a program where I took the class, got my grade, filed my paperwork, they paid me, and then I paid Bellevue University,” he said. “It seemed like a no brainer.”

Since graduating last June, Keipper landed a new position as Vice President BSA/AML Officer at BankSouth. He has served in that role since November.

“I got a better job with a promotion and a pay raise,” he said. “I’m using the information I learned every day.”

A Better Learning Experience

For Keipper, earning his Master of Business Administration online was vastly different from his undergraduate experience. “In my undergrad, a year of accounting was my largest pitfall because it was just so boring. Reading 40 pages of an accounting textbook was equivalent to getting a root canal,” he said. “In my master’s program, we had videos that showed and explained how the concepts and principles worked, and I could replay the parts I needed so I could learn at my own pace.”

He also found the student advisors at Bellevue University helpful in succeeding on his journey. “I’m sure I wore them out making sure I had the right classes scheduled,” Keipper said. “I had an insecurity that I would get to the end and find out I was one or two classes short because I took the wrong class.” Together with his advisors, he made sure that didn’t happen.

Inspiring Others with His Story

After completing his MBA, Keipper began yet another journey -- that of an author. “I had a lot of people encouraging me along the way and they started telling me their stories,” he said. Out of this, MBA at 58 and Other Improbable Stories was born.

He’s also sharing his journey and his passion for growth mindset and perseverance in speaking engagements. As a former cheerleader and Toastmasters member since the early 2000s, it seemed the perfect fit. He’s also been teaching banking compliance classes in person and online since 2008.

With his book and his talks, he’s showing others what’s possible. “I want to encourage people to suck at something new!” Keipper joked. “Whatever roadblock, stumbling block or rejection you are experiencing, somebody has been there. Let’s get them to believe in themselves again. I graduated high school in 1980 in the 1/3 of my class that made the top 2/3 possible. At 58, I got my MBA. Whatever label you give yourself at 24, doesn’t have to be the same label you have at 34, 54 or 74.”

Hy-Vee will select 100 full- or regular-time Hy-Vee employees through an application process to receive up to $10,500 in annual tuition assistance through the program. To receive the full amount, selected applicants must enroll as full-time students at Bellevue University and pursue a Hy-Vee-approved degree of study.

All other Hy-Vee employees, including part-time employees, can receive up to $3,500 in annual tuition assistance when enrolled as a full-time student. Employees’ immediate family members can also receive up to $2,500 in annual tuition assistance through the program when enrolled as a full-time student. Employees and their family members can choose from Bellevue University’s more than 50 bachelor’s degrees and nearly 30 master’s degrees, all offered online with select in-person offerings at Bellevue University’s campus in Bellevue, Nebraska.

“Our employees are our most valuable asset, and we are committed to investing in them and their future,” said Randy Edeker, Hy-Vee’s chairman, CEO and president. “Bellevue University’s online learning option is a natural fit for meeting the diverse needs of our employees and is just one more way we can help our employees achieve their educational goals.”

“We are honored to partner with Hy-Vee as they continue to invest in their workforce and in their employees’ future,” said Dr. Mary Hawkins, president of Bellevue University. “Hy-Vee’s new educational initiative demonstrates once again their commitment to their employees who, in turn, serve their customers. We look forward to supporting Hy-Vee employees as they pursue their academic goals at Bellevue University.”

In addition to the Hy-Vee Tuition Assistance Program, Hy-Vee offers additional career development and educational opportunities for its employees. Programs include Hy-Vee University, which encompasses a variety of retail training programs with mentors; retail certifications; internships and more. Hy-Vee also hosts an annual Career Day for employees to explore future career paths with Hy-Vee.

The Community College Promise program is open to all graduates of these Nebraska community colleges: Central Community College, Mid Plains Community College, Northeast Community College, Southeast Community College and Western Nebraska Community College. The program is open to all graduates, no matter when they completed their degree, or their major.

“The Community College Promise program is a new opportunity for community college graduates across the state to continue their path to a bachelor’s degree,” said Jim Nekuda, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships. “It builds on Bellevue University’s longtime partnership with these institutions to create transfer opportunities that add value to their students’ lives, and the health of their communities.” Nekuda added that the Community College Promise program will be evaluated by Bellevue University and each of the participating institutions after its first year to determine if it will be a permanent offering.

“Bellevue University recognizes and respects the high-quality education provided by our community college partners,” said Dr. Mary Hawkins, president of Bellevue University. She added, “community college students have always been encouraged to take general education courses and electives in their home communities. Bellevue University already accepts associate degrees in full, which saves students significant time and money.”

Since 2012, more than 3,500 Nebraska community college students have transferred credits to Bellevue University in order to pursue a bachelor’s degree.

Students who successfully complete the Master of Professional Studies from Bellevue University can apply the credits earned in their MPS program to the final stage of MBA programme of the Universidad Católica de Murcia (UCAM), in Spain. Students who graduate will earn a dual degree from a U.S. and an accredited European university.

The new partnership bridges the gap that exists between the U.S. higher education market and students located in regions where access to American education may be limited. It also provides U.S. students access to a well-respected European institution at an affordable price. According to BU and WEG, the future of international education will be rooted in partnerships such as this one that combines affordability with accessibility.

“This is a unique model – opening the borders of education and providing opportunities for aspiring learners to benefit from two different educational perspectives and to achieve two distinct qualifications from two different continents,” said Firoz Thairinil, CEO of Westford Education Group.

“We are always eager to welcome new partnerships that benefit our learners and community,” he said, “and we are excited to partner with Bellevue University.”

“It is our hope that this opportunity will help Bellevue University learners become fully prepared for the challenges of a global marketplace. Today and tomorrow’s employers need talent that understands we live in an interconnected world,” said, Dr. William Painter, Dean of the Westford Education Group.

As part of the program, Bellevue University has agreed to accept credits from the Extended Diploma in International Business and Strategy awarded by Cambridge International Qualification (CIQ), a professional awarding organization of Westford Education Group in partnership with Scottish Qualification Authority, UK for advanced placement onto the MPS degree. This recognition, already in place throughout Europe, opens the Bellevue University MPS degree up to successful international students to earn a U.S. graduate degree while they continue to work in jobs and advance their careers.

“The Bellevue University MPS program is uniquely personalized so students can combine graduate-level coursework from multiple programs and become experts in dynamic and emerging fields,” said Dr. Michelle Eppler, Dean of Bellevue University’s College of Continuing and Professional Education. “We’re thrilled to partner with WEG so students have the additional option of earning dual degree from an accredited global university.”

This program, which represents the first Bellevue University-WEG collaboration, will be delivered by Athena Global Education, a WEG education tech company of operating out of the United Kingdom and serving the UK and Europe.

About Westford Education Group (WEG)

Westford Education Group (WEG) is a leading provider of accredited international education to aspiring learners across the globe. Through nine independent brands, more than 5,000 students are experiencing world-class education. With programs serving the K-12 education market, the higher education market and sports management, Westford is quickly emerging as education leader in 113 countries around the world.

About Bellevue University

Founded in 1966, Bellevue University is a non-profit university with more than 57,000 graduates worldwide. The University is a recognized national leader in preparing students for lifelong success with career-relevant knowledge and skills, while making college affordable. Routinely ranked among the nation’s top military-friendly and accessible institutions, the University serves residential students at its main campus in Bellevue, Nebraska, and everywhere online with more than 70 undergraduate and graduate programs uniquely designed for working adults. The University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

According to Cassling President, Kyle Salem, Ph.D., continuing education is not only a requirement for clinical and patient-facing staff, but also a necessity for those in any leadership position. “These courses are an opportunity for healthcare execs to sharpen their leadership skills, prepare for the latest trends in hospital management and be ready to steer their healthcare systems through the challenges that lie ahead in 2019 and into the future,” he said. The courses are offered at no cost to participants.

Since 2004, Cassling’s Investing in You seminars and webinars have supplied CE credits to thousands of front-line imaging professionals. Cassling has helped radiologic technologists, sonographers and department managers maintain their certifications and stay up to date on a variety of clinical trends and topics.

Michelle Eppler, Dean of Bellevue University’s College of Continuing and Professional Education and Associate Vice President of the University’s Human Capital Lab, added that “the Cassling Leadership Institute is a great example of how professional development can enhance leaders’ abilities to obtain organizational goals. Bellevue University excels at meeting the needs of adult learners. We’re excited to support Cassling’s efforts to strengthen leaders in their organizations and the healthcare industry as a whole.”

The curriculum for the institute’s quarterly webinars was developed with Bellevue University and each course has been approved for one continuing education credit from the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT). The individual courses will be presented live on the designated dates each quarter and then hosted as on-demand courses that can be accessed at participants’ convenience. The four quarterly webinar dates and topics are:

• Feb. 27, 2019 – Enhancing Your Leadership With Evidence Based Practices;
• May 1, 2019 – Navigating the Stress of Organizational Change;
• Aug. 21, 2019 – Analyzing Performance Issues and Leading the Right Way;
• Nov. 13, 2019 – Emotional Intelligence: Sharing Thinking for Workplace Success.

Registration is now open online for the Feb. 27 webinar.