• Event: Novel Brew featuring September Thomas
• Date: Thursday, Nov. 19, 2026
• Time: 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Central Time
• Location: Freeman/Lozier Library, 1028 Bruin Blvd. Bellevue, NE, Room 480, and Zoom
• Registration is required for all attendees, whether participating in person or via Zoom
• Featured book: Of Monsters and Madness
• Bellevue University's campus coffee shop, Bruin Blend, will offer a signature drink inspired by the featured book

Bellevue University Library Continues Novel Brew Series

Following the launch of the Novel Brew series earlier this year, the Freeman/Lozier Library will host its second author conversation on Nov. 19, 2026, featuring Nebraska author September Thomas. The event offers students, faculty, staff and community members an opportunity to engage directly with a published author and learn about the creative process behind developing stories, characters and fictional worlds.

Thomas will discuss Of Monsters and Madness, the second installment in the ongoing Three Kingdoms fantasy trilogy. The conversation will explore worldbuilding, storytelling, publishing and the themes that influence the author's work.

Connecting Readers, Writers and Learning

Novel Brew connects readers with authors through discussions about books, writing and publishing. Attendees may participate in person or online. 

As part of the program, Bellevue University's campus coffee shop, Bruin Blend, will feature two drinks inspired by Of Monsters and Madness: the Curse of the Kraken, a hot beverage, and the Cattle Dog Grog, a cold refresher.

Thomas is an independent fantasy-romance author with more than half a dozen published novels for young adult and adult readers. A Nebraska resident, Thomas draws inspiration from everyday observations, music and personal reflection, incorporating themes such as acceptance, perseverance, loss and belonging into their work.

The founding institutions are Merrimack College in Massachusetts, Benedictine College in Kansas, the University of Mount Saint Vincent in New York, Bellevue University in Nebraska and Houston Christian University in Texas.

“We are exceptionally pleased that these distinguished institutions have demonstrated their confidence in the mission and vision of the National Association for Academic Excellence by joining us as founding members. Their commitment reflects a shared belief that accreditation can and should do more to advance academic excellence, protect institutional independence, and strengthen accountability to students and the public. These institutions bring a tradition of academic quality, principled leadership, and a willingness to help shape the future of higher education. We are honored to have them as partners in building a new model of accreditation,” said Dr. Rob Manzer, president and CEO of NAAE.

These founding members will hold seats on NAAE’s Board of Directors and its Commission on Accreditation, the decision-making authority over accreditation decisions. Among their responsibilities, founding members will help refine standards, procedures, training, technology, evidence requirements, and terminology.

NAAE is designed specifically for independent colleges and universities. Its standards emphasize demonstrable student achievement, educational value, formation of the whole person, and integrated institutional accountability while respecting each institution's autonomy to define and pursue its distinctive mission as it meets the changing needs of students and society.

“Independent colleges and universities are among higher education's most effective at supporting a wide range of students, yet they rarely participate in the governance of the accreditors that oversee them and are often overshadowed within those organizations by much larger public or highly selective universities,” said Dr. Rob Manzer, president and CEO of NAAE. “This accreditor is built specifically for institutions like these, giving them a direct hand in shaping standards designed around how they actually operate, and this narrowed focus will support a more conscientious review of institutional and academic quality.”

For most of the last century, the majority of American colleges and universities have been accredited by one of a handful of regional accreditors charged with evaluating a wide variety of institutions across a geographic footprint from large public research institutions to two-year community colleges. Serving that range of institutions made it difficult to consistently apply standards and uphold academic rigor. In NAAE’s view, moving from a territory-focused model to a sector-specific model forms the cornerstone of a more coherent and exacting approach to academic excellence.

Federal regulations that took effect in 2020 ended the monopoly of six accreditors over their respective regions in order to create competition and choice among accreditors for the first time. These regulations also supported the formation of new accreditors to ensure a greater variety of approaches to accreditation. Building on those reforms, these founding institutions are helping to develop a demanding accreditation model designed around the distinctive missions, governance structures, and student populations of independent colleges and universities.

NAAE’s Founding Members expressed the importance of their association with a new accrediting body to advance the quality of higher education for the long term:

University of Mount Saint Vincent President Susan Burns: “NAAE will ask whether we are truly meeting learners when, where and how they need us. Independent colleges and universities serve wonderfully diverse students in wonderfully diverse ways. We are helping to build an accreditor that will uphold academic excellence, recognize the value of different approaches and keep student success at the center of the process.”

Bellevue University President Mary Hawkins: "At Bellevue University, success means access to a quality education that helps learners build better lives. Regardless of their circumstances, students deserve learning that is relevant, affordable and aligned with the needs of today's workforce. We are helping build an accreditation model that maintains high standards while giving institutions the flexibility to innovate, respond to employers and create greater value for students."

Merrimack College President Christopher E. Hopey, Ph.D.: “Why should accreditation remain bound to the regional model of the past? That sixty-year regionalized model was adopted to accommodate an extraordinarily broad range of institutions, from community colleges to large public universities and highly selective private institutions. Inevitably, that breadth produced standards over the past sixty years generalized enough to accommodate nearly every type of college and university—a one-size-fits-all approach within a geographic region of the United States. We are now seeking something more focused: an accreditation model that recognizes our mission, holds us to rigorous and meaningful standards, and gives us the freedom to pursue a more distinctive vision of academic excellence with like institutions. Higher education needs room to innovate, and students, families and employers deserve clear, specific, and meaningful standards for learning, achievement, and student success. We have an opportunity to embrace an accreditation model that strengthens accountability while also advancing the larger purpose of higher education: educating and forming the whole human person while supporting academic excellence, religious freedom, freedom of expression, rigorous scholarship and research aimed at bettering society and humankind".

Benedictine College President Stephen Minnis: “Independent colleges and universities make their greatest contribution when they are free to follow their missions in an unimpeded manner. We are excited to help build an accreditor that will demand the highest standards of academic excellence while allowing faith-based institutions to form students in accordance with their faith traditions.”

Houston Christian University Acting President Sandy Mooney: “My experience on both sides of accreditation has shown me the importance of rigorous peer review and clear standards. It has also shown me how quickly documentation can become the focus instead of meaningful institutional improvement. An effective accreditor must understand the missions of independent colleges and universities, evaluate the outcomes that truly matter and help institutions strengthen the education they provide.”

NAAE will seek formal recognition from the U.S. Department of Education. Until that process is complete, the five founding institutions will remain accredited by their current federally recognized accrediting agencies.

To learn more about NAAE and its founding institutions, visit www.naaeinc.org or contact press@naaeinc.org.

• Topic: AI risk management and governance
• Speaker: David Kohrell, Bellevue University Center for Cybersecurity Education
• Format: Lunch-and-learn discussion with in-person and virtual attendance options
• Cost: Free to attend
• Audience: Students, technology professionals, business leaders and community members
• Focus Areas: AI risk governance, AI risk program management and AI life cycle risk management
• Zoom Link: https://bellevue.zoom.us/j/92860123152?from=addon

How Organizations Can Approach AI Risk

Artificial intelligence is becoming part of operations across industries, creating new opportunities and new responsibilities for organizations. As leaders evaluate AI tools and technologies, they must also consider governance, accountability, compliance and risk management practices that support informed decision-making.

To support that conversation, Bellevue University will host a Cybersecurity Awareness Month Lunch and Learn, AI is Risky, Fun Business, on Oct. 22 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The session will take place in Humanities 206, IS Lab, on Bellevue University's campus located at 1040 Bruin Blvd. Bellevue, NE, with a Zoom attendance option available. Participants are encouraged to bring their own lunch. Food will not be provided.

Applying AI Governance in Practice

The session will be led by David Kohrell of Bellevue University's Center for Cybersecurity Education. Kohrell participated in the beta cohort for ISACA's Advanced AI Risk certification, completed the certification examination in January and earned the credential in May.

During the discussion, Kohrell will share concepts from AI Risk Governance and Governance Integration, AI Risk Program Management and AI Life Cycle Risk Management. Participants will examine how organizations can evaluate AI technologies, identify potential risks and establish governance structures that support responsible adoption.

• Bellevue University won the Best Employer, More Than 25 Employees category in the Best of Bellevue 2026-27 Awards.
• The recognition marks Bellevue University's fourth consecutive year receiving a Best of Bellevue employer award.
• Bellevue University serves more than 18,000 students.
• Bellevue University has more than 70,000 graduates worldwide.
• Bellevue University maintains more than 125 employer partnerships.

Bellevue Community Recognizes Bellevue University

Bellevue University has earned recognition as a Best of Bellevue 2026-27 winner in the Best Employer, More Than 25 Employees category. Selected by Bellevue voters, the award reflects the University's connection to the community it has served for going on 60 years.

Supporting Students and Workforce Development

The recognition comes as Bellevue University continues to support learners through programs designed for working learners, transfer students, military-connected learners and first-generation college students. Today, the University serves more than 18,000 students, including learners from 24 countries, and supports a network of more than 70,000 graduates worldwide.

• Bellevue University's Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling ranked No. 2 in Nebraska in CounselingPsychology.org's 2027 rankings.
• The ranking evaluated counseling programs across Nebraska.
• CounselingPsychology.org identified Bellevue University as a leading option for working adults seeking online coursework.
• Bellevue University's program holds accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
• The program is delivered online and includes practicum and internship experiences required for professional preparation.

Bellevue University Earns Recognition in Nebraska Counseling Program Rankings

CounselingPsychology.org has named Bellevue University's Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program the No. 2 ranked master's in counseling program in Nebraska for 2027.

The ranking highlights graduate programs that support students evaluating counseling education pathways, licensure preparation, program costs, delivery formats and career outcomes. CounselingPsychology.org reported that Bellevue University's CACREP-accredited program stood out for its online delivery model, support for working adults and accessibility for students across the country.

The recognition places Bellevue University among a select group of Nebraska institutions identified as preparing future counselors to meet workforce needs across mental health, behavioral health and community settings.

Preparing Counselors for Professional Practice

Bellevue University's Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program prepares students to work with individuals, families and groups in a variety of clinical settings. The curriculum aligns with professional counseling standards and includes academic coursework, supervised practicum experiences and internship requirements that help students pursue counseling licensure.

The fully online format allows students to complete coursework while balancing professional and personal responsibilities. Students work with faculty and support staff throughout the program as they progress toward degree completion and professional practice.

• Bellevue University received the Pillar of the Nebraska Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Award on Sept. 25.
• The award recognizes organizations that have supported the Chamber through long-term partnership and engagement.
• Socorro Carrera, Bellevue University Global Partnerships Specialist and Nebraska Hispanic Chamber of Commerce board member, presented the award.
• Jim Nekuda, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships, and Julie Verbeley, Director of International Student Services, accepted the award on behalf of the University.
• The recognition highlighted Bellevue University's work with the Latino community and its commitment to expanding access to education.

Bellevue University Recognized for Partnership and Community Impact

Bellevue University received a Pillar of the Nebraska Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Award during the Chamber's Hispanic Heritage celebration on Sept. 25. The award honors organizations whose partnership and commitment have contributed to the Chamber's mission and the communities it serves.

Socorro Carrera, a Global Partnerships Specialist at Bellevue University and a member of the Chamber's Board of Directors, presented the award. During the presentation, she recognized Bellevue University's engagement with the Latino community and the role education plays in creating opportunities for individuals and families.

Strengthening Access to Education Through Partnerships

Bellevue University works with community organizations, employers and education partners to expand access to higher education for learners from a range of backgrounds and experiences. Through these partnerships, the University supports students as they pursue certificates, undergraduate degrees and graduate degrees aligned to workforce and community needs.

• Dr. LaNita Jefferson represented the counseling profession at the American Counseling Association Hill Day 2026 on Sept. 16-17 in Washington, D.C.
• Hill Day connects counselors, counselor educators, counseling students and professional leaders with members of Congress and their staff.
• Participants discussed access to mental health services, counseling workforce development and issues affecting the counseling profession.
• Dr. Jefferson serves as an Assistant Professor in Bellevue University's Clinical Mental Health Counseling program.
• The experience will help inform classroom discussions about advocacy, leadership and professional responsibility in counseling.

Bellevue University Faculty Member Brings Advocacy Experience to the Classroom

Dr. LaNita Jefferson joined counseling professionals from across the country at the American Counseling Association's Hill Day 2026, an annual advocacy event that gives counselors an opportunity to engage with federal policymakers on issues affecting mental health care and the counseling profession.

The two-day event included advocacy training, networking opportunities and meetings with congressional representatives on Capitol Hill. Participants shared professional experiences and discussed policies that affect counselors, mental health providers and the communities they serve.

For Jefferson, the experience reinforced the connection between counseling, leadership and public policy. By participating in conversations with lawmakers, she gained insight into how federal decisions can influence mental health services, workforce development and access to care.

Bellevue University Connects Counseling Education and Professional Advocacy

Dr. Jefferson said experiences such as ACA Hill Day help bridge classroom learning with the policy discussions that influence mental health care across the country. By participating in conversations with lawmakers and counseling leaders, Bellevue University faculty gain perspectives they can share with students preparing to enter the profession.

Bellevue University's CACREP-accredited Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program includes coursework focused on counselor identity, ethics, advocacy, multicultural competency and professional practice. Students also complete supervised practicum and internship experiences that connect academic preparation with the counseling field.

Dr. Jefferson said bringing advocacy experiences back into the classroom helps students understand that counselors not only support clients but also contribute to conversations that shape access to mental health services, professional standards and the future of the profession.

Counseling, Leadership and Advocacy

Dr. Jefferson said advocacy is a professional responsibility that extends beyond direct client services and plays a role in shaping systems, policies and access to care.

• The President’s Medal is Bellevue University’s highest honor, recognizing outstanding generosity, leadership, and service.
• 2026 recipients include Berniece and Bill Grewcock, Marsha and Milton Kleinberg and Neely Kountze on behalf of his father Mallory Kountze and the Gilbert M. and Martha H. Hitchcock Foundation.
• The honor reflects Bellevue University’s focus on high-performance, open-access education that prepares students to achieve both their education and career goals.
• Recipients are recognized for advancing educational access, student success, and community impact.aragraph

Bellevue Names Three President’s Medal Recipients

Bellevue University is awarding its highest honor, the President’s Medal, to the following supporters and their families, whose generosity, leadership, and service have helped sustain the University’s mission during its first 60 years.

Berniece and Bill Grewcock

Berniece and Bill Grewcock are recognized for their longstanding commitment to education, American heritage, and values-based leadership. Their longtime support of Bellevue University reflects a belief in expanding access to learning opportunities while reinforcing the importance of civic responsibility and America’s founding principles, and sustaining values. Their contributions include the Bill and Berniece Grewcock Chair of American Vision and Values and the University’s Vision and Values program supporting high school- and college-level civics education. These efforts have helped Bellevue University continue to serve students seeking education that connects purpose with career outcomes.

Bill Grewcock spent his 57-year career at Kiewit, retiring as Vice-Chairman of Kiewit in 2007. He and his wife founded the Bill and Berniece Grewcock Foundation in 1990. In addition to education, the Grewcocks have supported native and international wildlife conservation, including initiatives at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo. Bill Grewcock passed away in 2018; Berniece recently celebrated her 100th birthday.

Marsha and Milton Kleinberg

Marsha and Milton Kleinberg are honored for their deep commitment to education, patriotism, and student success. Milton Kleinberg was born in Poland in 1937 and is a Holocaust survivor who endured years of displacement, labor camps and hardship before immigrating to the United States as a teenager. After serving in the U.S. Army, he built a career in the insurance industry, ultimately becoming chairman and CEO of Senior Market Sales, Inc. Under his leadership, the company grew into one of the country’s leading insurance marketing organizations. He later shared his life story in a memoir, Bread of Death: Memories of My Childhood During and After the Holocaust. He gifted the book to Bellevue University students at the University’s America Dream Scholarship ceremony in 2021, where he and Marsha served as the keynote speakers. Marsha Kleinberg has been an educator, a business partner and a community leader in her own right. She served as office manager at SMS and played an integral role in the company’s growth alongside Milton after their move from Milwaukee to Omaha in 1990.

Together, the Kleinbergs are known for their philanthropy and civic engagement, supporting a wide range of organizations across Omaha, including educational institutions, Jewish community organizations, and human service nonprofits. Their generosity includes establishing the Marsha and Milton Mendel Kleinberg Endowed Student Support Fund at Bellevue University, reflecting their belief in education as a pathway to opportunity and achieving the American Dream.

The Kountze Family

Mallory Kountze (1924–1984), a prominent Omaha business leader and philanthropist, was one of Bellevue College’s earliest and most influential champions. In 1969, he became the first non‑founding member of the institution’s Board of Directors and helped bring broader Omaha business and philanthropic support to the young college. Through his leadership and as a trustee of the Hitchcock Foundation, Kountze helped stabilize and grow the University, advancing early capital projects such as the Hitchcock Humanities Center and ensuring continued momentum during Bellevue’s early years.

That legacy continues through his son, Neely Kountze, and Neely’s wife, Mary Kountze, who have sustained and expanded the family’s philanthropic leadership. Neely serves as President of The Gilbert M. and Martha H. Hitchcock Foundation and is one of its longest‑tenured trustees, while Mary serves in a senior leadership role and has decades of involvement in charitable and educational causes. The Kountze family, along with current trustees of the Gilbert M. and Martha H. Hitchcock Foundation, steward foundation investments that support education, arts, health, and community institutions across the Omaha region, including ongoing support for Bellevue University. The Gilbert M. and Martha H. Hitchcock Foundation is a lead sponsor for Bellevue University’s annual Signature Event, which is part of its Vision and Values education and community outreach portfolio.

• Forbes Advisor named Bellevue University among its Best Online Hospitality Degree Programs.
• Bellevue University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management.
• The program requires 127 credit hours.
• Coursework includes team leadership, anthropology of tourism, new media marketing for hospitality services and financial skills for managers.
• Students complete an independent hospitality research project as a capstone requirement.
• Forbes Advisor evaluated institutions using 17 data points across student outcomes, affordability, student experience, credibility and application process.

Forbes Advisor Includes Bellevue University in National Ranking

Forbes Advisor recognized Bellevue University's online Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management as one of its Best Online Hospitality Degree Programs. The ranking evaluated 25 accredited, nonprofit colleges and universities offering online hospitality bachelor's degree programs in the United States.

Bellevue University's online Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management requires 127 credit hours and examines the business and operational aspects of the hospitality industry. Students study topics including team leadership, tourism, hospitality marketing, customer service, financial management and hospitality operations while completing an independent research project as a capstone experience. Most coursework is delivered asynchronously, although some courses may include synchronous components.

Ranking Evaluated Student Outcomes, Affordability and Student Experience

Forbes Advisor based its ranking on 17 data points grouped into five categories: student outcomes, affordability, student experience, credibility and application process. Measures included graduation rates, retention rates, earnings after graduation, tuition costs, student loan debt, student-to-faculty ratios and accreditation status.

According to Forbes Advisor, schools selected for the list received a curved final score of 70% or higher. Data for the ranking came from sources including the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System, third-party data providers and institutional websites.

Key Facts

• National Hispanic Heritage Month is observed annually from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15.
• Bellevue University will host a Hispanic Heritage Dinner on Sept. 23.
• The dinner will feature entertainment by Emmanuel Burciaga and a presentation of La Guarda Cuidadosa ("Guard in Love") by Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra.
• The Bellevue University Library will screen Maestra: The Women of Cuba's National Literacy Campaign on Sept. 24.
• All events are open to the public.

Hispanic Heritage Dinner

Bellevue University will host a Hispanic Heritage Dinner on Sept. 23 at 5:30 p.m. in the Margre H. Durham Student Center, 1008 Bruin Blvd. The event will include dinner, entertainment by Emmanuel Burciaga and a presentation of La Guarda Cuidadosa ("Guard in Love"), a work by Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra.

Community members may attend by purchasing dinner through Bruin Dining. Bruin Dining is cashless.

Documentary Screening and Discussion

The Bellevue University Library will present a free screening of Maestra: The Women of Cuba's National Literacy Campaign on Sept. 24 at 6 p.m. in the Criss Auditorium of the Hitchcock Humanities Center. Registration is encouraged.

The documentary examines Cuba's National Literacy Campaign and the role young women played in expanding literacy opportunities throughout the country. Attendees may participate in a discussion following the screening.

• Governor Jim Pillen proclaimed Sept. 12, 2026, as Bellevue University 60th Anniversary Day in Nebraska.
• The signing ceremony took place Sept. 15, 2026, in the Warner Chamber at the Nebraska State Capitol.
• Bellevue University opened in 1966 as Bellevue College.
• The university enrolled 355 evening students and 54 daytime students when classes began in September 1966.
• Bellevue University now serves students across the United States and around the world through more than 85 degree programs.
• The university has awarded degrees to more than 70,000 graduates.
• Bellevue University launched its first online course in 1995 and the nation's first online MBA program in 1996.

Bellevue University Celebrates a 60-Year Milestone

Bellevue University leaders, employees and supporters gathered at the Nebraska State Capitol on Sept. 15 for a proclamation signing ceremony recognizing the university's 60th anniversary. During the event, Governor Jim Pillen proclaimed Sept. 12, 2026, as Bellevue University 60th Anniversary Day in Nebraska and called on Nebraskans to recognize the institution's contributions to students, employers, military families and communities throughout the state.

Bellevue University Continues Its Mission

The proclamation highlighted the university's origins in 1966, when local business and civic leaders established Bellevue College to create educational opportunities for working adults, military personnel and others seeking to advance their careers. Classes began in September 1966 with 355 evening students and 54 daytime students, creating a foundation for an institution focused on access and student success.

Today, Bellevue University serves learners across the United States and around the world. The university offers more than 85 degree programs and has awarded degrees to more than 70,000 graduates whose work supports businesses, organizations and communities in Nebraska and beyond.

Innovation Has Shaped Bellevue University's Growth

The proclamation also recognized Bellevue University's role in expanding access to higher education through new learning models and technology. The university introduced accelerated degree-completion programs, offered its first online course in 1995 and launched the nation's first online Master of Business Administration program in 1996. It later became one of the first accredited institutions to offer online degree programs.

Throughout its history, Bellevue University has partnered with employers, community organizations and educational institutions to help learners prepare for career advancement and meet workforce needs. The university continues to support active-duty military members, veterans and military families while providing educational pathways for students at every stage of life.

Key Facts

• Event: Constitution Day
• Date: Thursday, Sept. 17
• Time: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Location: Margre H. Durham Student Center, 1008 Bruin Blvd., Bellevue, Nebraska
• Audience: Bellevue University students, faculty and staff
• Activities: Voter registration, voter information updates, Constitution-themed trivia game and civic engagement resources

Constitution Day Event Promotes Civic Participation and Constitutional Awareness

Bellevue University students, faculty and staff are invited to participate in the University's Constitution Day event on Thursday, Sept. 17, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event will take place in the Margre H. Durham Student Center, located at 1008 Bruin Blvd., Bellevue, Nebraska.

The event will feature the League of Women Voters, which will provide information on voting rights, voter registration and civic participation.

Participants can also take part in a Constitution-themed trivia game or stop by for swag items.

Constitution Day marks the signing of the U.S. Constitution by delegates to the Constitutional Convention on Sept. 17, 1787. The federal observance also recognizes individuals who hold U.S. citizenship.

The event supports Bellevue University's mission to encourage civic participation. All undergraduate students complete the Kirkpatrick Signature Series (KSS), a course series that examines the principles of American government and the responsibilities of citizenship.

• Bellevue University established the Anne E. Nelson Professorship in Teacher Education through a gift from Bellevue University long-term board member John P. Nelson and the Nelson Family Foundation.
• The professorship honors Anne (Tucker) Nelson and her commitment to education and community service.
• Recipients receive recognition and a renewable annual stipend to support approved projects and initiatives.
• Dr. Joe Anson was selected as the second recipient for the 2026-27 academic year.
• He serves as Associate Professor of Education in Teacher Education and English.

About the Anne E. Nelson Professorship Award

Bellevue University established the Anne E. Nelson Professorship Award in Teacher Education through a leadership gift from long-term Bellevue University Board Member John P. Nelson and the Nelson Family Foundation in honor of his wife, Anne (Tucker) Nelson. The professorship supports faculty and staff who develop projects that strengthen teacher preparation and respond to the evolving needs of K-12 education.

The award encourages initiatives focused on teaching and learning, program delivery, educational technology, research, and professional development. Recipients may use award funds to advance approved projects that contribute to educator preparation.

Dr. Joe Anson Selected for 2026-27 Academic Year

Bellevue University named Dr. Joe Anson as the second recipient of the Anne E. Nelson Professorship Award in Teacher Education for the 2026-27 academic year.

Dr. Anson serves as Associate Professor of Education in Teacher Education and English. His work focuses on writing instruction, adolescent literature, teacher education, secondary education, and English language arts. Before entering higher education, he taught English at the secondary level from 2000 to 2018. He has served as a university professor since 2017 and earned a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from Utah State University.

"I am excited to use this opportunity to explore how we can better prepare future teachers for the realities of today's classrooms," said Dr. Anson. "I want to examine how initiatives such as the Science of Literacy and emerging technologies can support teacher development and student learning. The professorship gives us the ability to investigate new approaches, including AI-based teaching simulations and other tools, while maintaining the human connections that remain at the heart of effective teaching."

As recipient of the professorship, Anson plans to explore initiatives related to the Science of Literacy, teacher professional development, and emerging educational technologies. His work will also examine ways to balance technology with the interpersonal elements central to effective teaching and learning.

• Bellevue University's Military Veteran Services Center is coordinating the 2026 Veteran Backpack Drive.
• The University has organized the drive annually for more than 10 years.
• The initiative supports veterans served by Siena Francis House and New Visions.
• The goal is to fill 100 backpacks with donated items.
• Donations will be accepted now through Nov. 5, 2026.
• Donation drop-offs may be made at 812 Bruin Blvd., Bellevue, NE 68005.
• Community members may contribute through the drive's Amazon Wishlist.
• Community members may make a monetary contribution through the Online Monetary Donation link.
• Volunteer Packing Event Registration

About the Veteran Backpack Drive

Bellevue University's Military Veteran Services Center is conducting its annual Veteran Backpack Drive to collect essential items for veterans served by Siena Francis House and New Visions. The 2026 campaign seeks to fill 100 backpacks with donated supplies. Donations will be accepted now through Nov. 5, 2026.

Ways to Support the Drive

Community members can support the Veteran Backpack Drive by donating requested items, making a monetary contribution, or purchasing items through the drive's Amazon Wishlist. Donations may be dropped off at 812 Bruin Blvd., Bellevue, NE 68005, now through Nov. 5, 2026.

• Amazon Wishlist
• Online Monetary Donation
• Donation Drop-Off Location (812 Bruin Blvd., Bellevue, NE 68005)

Critical Items Needed

The Veteran Backpack Drive is collecting the following items:

• Individually packaged snacks
• Winter gloves
• Winter hats
• Scarves
• Socks
• Blankets
• Towels
• Baby wipes
• Razors
• Shaving cream
• Nail clippers
• Shampoo
• Liquid body soap
• Toothbrush cases
• Toothpaste
• Mouthwash
• Hand warmers
• Foot warmers

Volunteer Packing Event

The Veteran Backpack Drive will conclude with a volunteer packing event on Friday, Nov. 6, 2026, at 10 a.m. at Bellevue University's Military Veteran Services Center, 812 Bruin Blvd., Bellevue, Nebraska. Volunteers will help pack backpacks with donated supplies for veterans served by Siena Francis House and New Visions. Lunch will be provided for volunteers.

Students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members are invited to participate. The packing event serves as the final step in the donation drive before backpacks are distributed to partner organizations.

Individuals interested in volunteering are encouraged to register in advance so organizers can plan for participation and lunch. Questions may be directed to mvsc@bellevue.edu.

• Event: Open House
• Organization: Omaha EITC Coalition
• Date: Sept. 17
• Time: 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• Location: 2108 Harvell Circle, Bellevue, NE 68005
• Attendees can meet coalition staff, coalition members and community partners.
• The event will provide information about the coalition's mission and free tax preparation program.
• Light refreshments will be available.

Open House Marks Move to Bellevue

The Omaha EITC Coalition will welcome community members, coalition members and partners during an open house Sept. 17 at its new Bellevue location. The event provides an opportunity for attendees to meet the team, connect with supporters and learn more about the organization's work in the community.

The open house will take place from 4 to 6 p.m. at 2108 Harvell Circle in Bellevue. Attendees can visit the new location, engage with coalition representatives and celebrate the organization's continued efforts to serve area residents.

Attendees Can Learn About Free Tax Preparation Services

During the event, the coalition will share information about its mission and free tax preparation program. Staff members and volunteers will be available to answer questions and discuss how the program supports individuals and families through tax filing assistance.

The gathering will also provide opportunities for networking among coalition members and community partners. Light refreshments will be served throughout the event.

• Date: Monday, Sept. 28
• Check-In Time: 9:30 a.m.
• Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Location: John B. Muller Administrative Services Building, 812 Bruin Blvd., Bellevue, NE 68005
• Cost: FREE
• Audience: Family caregivers of individuals with dementia, care partners, and professionals
• Register by September 18: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-empowered-caregiver-conference-bellevue-tickets-1989251053450
• Presenters: Ethan Schroeder, Maggie Rempe, Joel High, Sadie Hinkel

Event Overview

Bellevue University will host the Empowered Caregiver Conference in collaboration with the Alzheimer’s Association Nebraska Chapter. The event will bring caregivers, care partners, and professionals together to build skills and access resources related to dementia care. The conference will take place on campus and will include sessions led by educators from the Alzheimer’s Association.

What Attendees Will Learn

The conference will provide instruction on communication approaches, behavioral responses, care planning, and strategies that support independence and safety for individuals with dementia. Attendees will learn methods to manage caregiving responsibilities while addressing stress and long-term care needs. Presenters will share resources, tools, and approaches that support daily caregiving decisions and outcomes.

Community Connection

Participants will also connect with local services and peer networks during the event. The conference will support individuals across caregiving experience levels and create opportunities for partnerships between community organizations and education providers. Registration is required in advance.

• Event: Novel Brews Author Series
• Featured Author: Erica Wright
• Date: Sept. 15, 2026
• Time: 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Central Time
• Location: Freeman/Lozier Library Room 480, located at 1028 Bruin Blvd or Zoom
• Specialty Drink: The Crimson Exhibit, created by Bruin Blend in honor of Wright's latest book
• Registration: https://bellevue.libcal.com/event/17189933
• Author Website: https://ericawright.org/

Bellevue University Library Launches Novel Brews Series

Bellevue University Library and Bruin Blend have partnered to launch Novel Brews, a new author series designed to connect readers with authors through conversations about books, storytelling and the writing process.

The series will feature four author talks throughout the academic year. For each event, Bruin Blend, Bellevue University's on-campus coffee shop, will create a specialty beverage inspired by the featured author's work. Additional authors and event details will be announced throughout the year.

Erica Wright Opens the Series on Sept. 15

The first Novel Brews event will feature Erica Wright, author and Bellevue University instructor, on Tuesday, Sept. 15, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. The event will be held in the Freeman/Lozier Library, located at 1028 Bruin Blvd. on the university's main campus.

Wright will join the event virtually, while attendees can participate in person in Library Classroom 480 to watch the livestreamed conversation or register to join the Zoom livestream from their own location. Registration is encouraged.

Earlier this year, Bellevue University announced the release of Wright's latest novel, The Museum of Unusual Occurrence. The Sept. 15 Novel Brews event gives readers an opportunity to hear directly from Wright about the development of the book, the launch of the Psychic City mystery series and her career as an author and educator.

Wright's featured novel follows Aly Orlean, who returns to her hometown after inheriting a museum filled with unusual exhibits. When a body is discovered inside one of the displays, she becomes involved in a murder investigation.

To commemorate Wright's appearance, Bruin Blend has created the Crimson Exhibit, a specialty drink inspired by The Museum of Unusual Occurrence. The beverage is the first in a series of drinks that will accompany Novel Brews events throughout the year.

About Erica Wright

A poet, novelist and educator, Wright teaches composition and literature courses at Bellevue University. According to Bellevue University's previous announcement about the book, the novel reflects Wright's interest in museums, places and how people navigate change when life takes an unexpected turn.

• 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.

• Papillion La Vista Community Schools honored its 2026 Hall of Fame inductees on Aug. 15, 2026, during the 17th Annual Back to School Soiree.
• John Erickson was one of five individuals recognized by PLCS.
• Erickson received recognition in the Community Booster category.
• Erickson has spent more than 35 years advancing education through fundraising and development leadership.
• Erickson currently serves as Vice President of Advancement at Bellevue University.
• He remains active in supporting the Papillion and Sarpy County communities.

Honored for Service to Education and Community

Bellevue University Vice President of Advancement John Erickson has been named a 2026 Papillion La Vista Community Schools Hall of Fame honoree in the Community Booster category. PLCS recognized Erickson during the Foundation’s 17th Annual Back to School Soiree on Aug. 15 as one of five individuals selected for induction.

A graduate of Papillion-La Vista High School's Class of 1980, Erickson's connection to the district spans decades. As a student, he served as class president, competed on the school's first Class A state championship tennis team and participated in a variety of school activities and organizations.

Building Support for Students and Schools

For more than 35 years, Erickson has worked in fundraising and development roles that support educational institutions and nonprofit organizations. His career has included leadership positions with the University of Nebraska Foundation, Madonna Foundation and the Papillion La Vista Community Schools Foundation, where he served as executive director for more than 10 years.

During his tenure with the Papillion La Vista Community Schools Foundation, Erickson helped connect community stakeholders with opportunities that supported students, teachers, families and district initiatives. His work contributed to the launch and growth of the foundation's endowment program, named funds, the Skilled & Technical Trades Collaboration Model and Kids Club. Today, Erickson serves as Vice President of Advancement at Bellevue University, where he leads efforts that support student success, community partnerships and institutional growth.

• Bellevue University volleyball earned the 2025-26 AVCA Team Academic Award.
• The award marks the 13th AVCA Team Academic Award in program history.
• More than 1,400 collegiate and high school volleyball programs received the award this year.
• Teams must maintain a year-long GPA of 3.3 or higher on a 4.0 scale to qualify.
• Bellevue finished the 2025 season ranked No. 7 in the final NAIA Women's Volleyball Coaches' Top 25 Poll.
• The Bruins posted a 29-5 overall record and a 20-2 Frontier Conference record.
• Bellevue advanced to the NAIA National Championship quarterfinals for the fourth time in program history.

AVCA Recognizes Academic Achievement

For the 13th time in school history, the Bellevue University volleyball team has earned the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Team Academic Award for the 2025-26 academic year, the AVCA announced today. BU was among a record number of volleyball programs to earn the AVCA Team Academic Award. More than 1,400 collegiate and high school volleyball programs maintained a year-long grade-point average of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale (or 4.1 on a 5.0 scale) to earn the award for their classroom excellence during the recently completed academic year.

AVCA Expands Academic Recognition

This is the second season the AVCA has named a Team Academic Champion for each collegiate division. The 20 programs are being added to this exclusive list for having the highest GPAs in their respective divisions. The AVCA also celebrates programs in the top 20 percent for their division by recognizing them with the Team Academic Honor Roll distinction.

The Team Academic Award was earned by 10 teams that also won national collegiate championships on the court and in the sand during the 2025-26 season. There are also four schools whose women's, men's, and beach teams are all being honored: Barry University, Pepperdine University, Stanford University, and the University of Hawaii.

Bruins Deliver Success on the Court

The Bellevue University volleyball team finished the 2025 season ranked No. 7 in the final NAIA Women's Volleyball Coaches' Top 25 Poll, capping a year highlighted by the selection of three All-Americans: Eve Fountain, Kealy Kiviniemi and Savanna Berger.

The Bruins concluded the 2025 campaign with a 29-5 overall record and a 20-2 mark in Frontier Conference play, finishing second in the league's regular-season standings and as the runner-up in the Frontier Conference Tournament. Bellevue advanced to the NAIA National Championship quarterfinals for the fourth time in program history, marking the Bruins' 18th appearance at the national tournament.

• Ashlea Rodriguez has been appointed Board President of Hero’s Encore.
• Rodriguez serves as Military Veteran Services Center Manager at Bellevue University.
• Hero’s Encore is a Nebraska-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
• The organization provides a nine-month performance and resiliency program for veterans, transitioning service members, and first responders.
• Participants use music, songwriting, and public performances to support personal growth and community connection.
• Hero’s Encore was launched in 2025 by veterans, military family members, and community leaders.
• The organization builds on more than a decade of experience supporting military-connected communities through creative expression programs.

Ashlea Rodriguez to Lead Hero’s Encore Board of Directors

Hero’s Encore has named Ashlea Rodriguez as its new Board of Directors President, marking a milestone in the nonprofit organization's continued growth and long-term development. Rodriguez has supported the organization's mission since its founding and has worked alongside fellow leaders dedicated to serving veterans, transitioning service members, and first responders.

As Board President, Rodriguez will help guide the organization's strategic direction, strengthen community partnerships, and support efforts to expand programming across Nebraska. Her appointment reflects Hero’s Encore's commitment to shared leadership and building a sustainable organization that serves future generations of military-connected individuals and first responders.

Supporting Purpose Through Creative Expression

Hero’s Encore provides a nine-month performance and resiliency program that helps participants develop musical skills, build confidence, and share their personal stories through songwriting and public performances. The nonprofit uses creative expression and community engagement to support post-service transition and personal growth.

Founded in 2025 by Taylor Ullom, David J. Mike, James Hoy, and Jordan Ullom, Hero’s Encore was created by a team with extensive experience serving military-connected communities. The organization evolved from more than a decade of support through a national music program that graduated more than 200 Nebraska veterans. Today, Hero’s Encore continues that work while expanding services to include first responders and transitioning service members.

• Dr. Jerome A. Lewis, associate professor of psychology at Bellevue University, authored Moral Psychology: A Narrative Approach.
• Dr. Lewis wrote the textbook after developing Bellevue University's Moral Psychology course and identifying a need for undergraduate-level resources in the field.
• The text uses stories, parables and real-life events to explain moral psychology research and theory.
• The book will be used in PY 396: Moral Psychology beginning in Winter 2026.
• Bellevue University is one of the few universities in the country with a course offering in moral psychology.
• Dr. Lewis's research focuses on moral psychology, victimology and social cognition.

Meeting a Need in Moral Psychology Education

As interest in moral psychology continues to grow, Dr. Jerome Lewis saw a need for a resource written specifically for undergraduate learners. He developed Moral Psychology: A Narrative Approach after creating Bellevue University's Moral Psychology course and finding few textbooks that introduced the subject in an accessible format while maintaining academic depth.

The book examines questions such as how people determine right from wrong, why individuals reach different moral conclusions about the same behavior and how emotions, intuition, reasoning and identity influence moral judgments. Through stories, parables and real-world examples, the text guides readers through research and theories that explain the psychological forces behind human morality.

Exploring a Growing Field of Research

Moral Psychology: A Narrative Approach leads readers through an interdisciplinary field that draws from psychology, philosophy, neuroscience and related areas of study. The book explores how people make moral decisions, evaluate behavior and develop values throughout their lives.

Dr. Lewis's research interests include moral psychology, victimology and social cognition. Through Bellevue University's Victim Role Research Group, he studies the victim role, prosocial behavior and how people evaluate everyday moral transgressions.

• Forbes Advisor recognized Bellevue University’s online Master of Science in Human Resource Strategic Management as Best for Strategic Management Focus.
• Bellevue University was the only institution on the list recognized specifically for its emphasis on strategic management.
• Forbes Advisor evaluated 138 schools, considering factors such as affordability and student outcomes.
• The program follows a cohort-based model where students complete one course at a time.

Forbes Advisor Recognizes Bellevue University’s Strategic Management Approach

Bellevue University’s online Master of Science in Human Resource Strategic Management has earned national recognition from Forbes Advisor, which named the program the best online master’s in human resources program for students seeking a strategic management focus.

Forbes Advisor evaluated 138 schools to identify leading online master’s programs in human resources. The analysis considered factors including affordability and student outcomes. Bellevue University was the only institution recognized for a program that focuses specifically on strategic management, highlighting the university’s emphasis on aligning human resources practices with organizational goals and business strategy.

The complete rankings can be found at Forbes Advisor.

Program Structure Supports Professional Growth

Bellevue University’s Master of Science in Human Resource Strategic Management is designed to help professionals expand their knowledge of workforce planning, organizational leadership and strategic decision-making. The HR programs at BU have been created and are taught by individuals with direct HR experience who "marry" textbook learning with practical working knowledge of HR departments. Through the cohort-based format, students advance through the program with a group of peers while concentrating on one course at a time.

During the final semester, students can choose a traditional capstone experience or complete a modified capstone that includes preparation for the SHRM certification exam. This option allows students to pair their graduate education with preparation for an industry-recognized credential.

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.

• Forbes Advisor recognized Bellevue University’s online Master’s in Finance as the “Best Program for Interdisciplinary Concentrations.”
• The program offers 17 concentration options.
• Students can combine finance studies with disciplines such as accounting, entrepreneurship and supply chain management.

Expanding Opportunities Through Customization

Bellevue University’s online Master’s in Finance program has been recognized by Forbes Advisor as the “Best Program for Interdisciplinary Concentrations,” highlighting the program’s approach to flexible graduate education.

The recognition reflects the program’s focus on helping students build expertise in finance while incorporating knowledge from other business disciplines. With 17 concentration options available, students can tailor their degree to support specific career paths and professional goals.

Finance Education Aligned With Career Goals

The online Master’s in Finance program allows students to add concentrations in areas such as accounting, entrepreneurship and supply chain management. By combining finance coursework with specialized concentration options, students can develop skills that address the needs of organizations across industries.

The program’s online format provides access for working professionals seeking to advance their education while continuing to meet personal and professional commitments.

• Ivana Castellanos Morales won the Best Poster Presentation award at the 2026 DELFIN U.S. Chapter Conference.
• The conference took place July 23, 2026, at Wichita State University.
• Students from Bellevue University, Wichita State University and the University of Texas at El Paso participated in the event.
• The conference marked the fourth annual U.S. Chapter gathering of the DELFIN program.
• Her project focused on analyzing genomes of newly identified bacterial species found in extreme environments.
• The research examined bacteria capable of breaking down hydrocarbons and their potential role in environmental remediation.

Research Recognized at National Conference

Ivana Castellanos Morales received the Best Poster Presentation award during the fourth annual DELFIN U.S. Chapter Conference on July 23 at Wichita State University. Undergraduate students from Latin American countries presented summer research projects developed during a seven-week research experience.

Castellanos Morales, a student at Universidad Anáhuac Veracruz, was one of seven students who participated in the program through Bellevue University. Students representing Bellevue University, Wichita State University and the University of Texas at El Paso shared research findings during the conference.

Research Focuses on Environmental Applications

Working under the mentorship of Dr. John Kyndt, professor of microbiology, nutrition and sustainability at Bellevue University, Castellanos Morales analyzed genomes of newly identified bacterial species found in extreme environments. Her research focused on bacteria capable of surviving in hydrocarbon-contaminated environments. Microbial samples were collected from beaches in Veracruz and Tabasco, Mexico, following oil spills earlier in 2026 that affected fishing, tourism and local ecosystems.

The research is part of an ongoing collaboration between Kyndt and Dr. María Magdalena Uribe Flores, Castellanos Morales' research advisor at Universidad Anáhuac Veracruz in Xalapa, Mexico.

The project examined how these microorganisms break down hydrocarbons, including contaminants associated with oil spills. Researchers hope the findings will advance understanding of how bacteria function in polluted environments and support future environmental remediation efforts in areas affected by contamination.

About the DELFIN Program

The Inter-Institutional Program for Strengthening of Research and Graduate Studies in the Pacific, widely known as Programa DELFIN, began in Mexico to encourage student interest in research, strengthen collaboration among universities and motivate young people to contribute through academic preparation.

Participants join research projects led by faculty members at partner institutions and may complete their placements in person or virtually. Opportunities span a range of disciplines and extend beyond laboratory-based research and the traditional sciences.

• Bellevue University will present at the 2026 Faculty Development Professionals Conference on August 18.
• The session is titled Leveling Up AI Fluency Through Faculty Development.
• Presenters are Janel Heitz, Instructional Training and Development Manager, and Adryan Clapp, Instructional Designer.
• The presentation highlights Bellevue University's Applying AI in Higher Education faculty development program.
• The program combines self-paced learning, live discussions, reflection and peer collaboration.
• Conference attendees will receive strategies for building sustainable AI learning opportunities for faculty.

Bellevue University to Share Faculty Development Model for AI Fluency

Bellevue University will showcase its faculty development work at the 2026 Faculty Development Professionals Conference when Janel Heitz and Adryan Clapp present Leveling Up AI Fluency Through Faculty Development on August 18.

The session examines how Bellevue University designed the Applying AI in Higher Education professional development program to help faculty navigate the rapid pace of change in generative AI. Rather than relying on one-time workshops, the program provides ongoing opportunities for learning through asynchronous coursework, live discussions, reflection activities, and peer engagement.

Addressing a Growing Need in Higher Education

As generative AI continues to influence teaching and learning, many faculty members are seeking guidance on topics such as assessment design, ethics, transparency, and student use of AI tools. Bellevue University's model addresses these challenges through a learning experience that evolves alongside emerging technologies and faculty needs.

Built on a Community of Practice framework, the program supports collaboration among faculty with different levels of AI experience and encourages participants to learn from one another. The course continues to evolve through new modules and content informed by faculty feedback and developments in the AI landscape.

Sharing Strategies With Institutions Nationwide

During the conference session, Heitz and Clapp will outline the program's design, implementation, and ongoing development. Attendees will explore strategies for creating scalable faculty development initiatives, maintaining current training content, and supporting faculty as technology continues to change.

Participants will leave with examples, implementation strategies, and a framework that can be adapted for institutions of different sizes, disciplines, and organizational structures.

• Bellevue University named to Phi Theta Kappa 2026 Transfer Honor Roll
• Marks 10th consecutive year of recognition
• 275 colleges and universities are recognized nationwide
• Selection based on transfer student outcomes, credit mobility, financial support, recruitment and admissions, and campus engagement
• More than 1,117 institutions participated in the evaluation process

Bellevue University Earns Place on Phi Theta Kappa 2026 Transfer Honor Roll

Bellevue University has been named to Phi Theta Kappa's 2026 Transfer Honor Roll for its support of transfer students and transfer pathways.

Phi Theta Kappa recognized 275 four-year colleges and universities on this year's Honor Roll. Institutions were evaluated using data from the National Student Clearinghouse and PTK Connect, Phi Theta Kappa's online platform that connects community college students with transfer opportunities.

The evaluation measures how institutions support transfer students from admission through graduation. Colleges are assessed in five areas:

• Transfer student success outcomes
• Credit mobility and degree applicability
• Financial support for transfer students
• Recruitment and admissions practices
• Campus engagement and support for transfer students

Continuing Support for Transfer Students

This recognition marks the 10th consecutive year Bellevue University has earned a place on Phi Theta Kappa's Transfer Honor Roll.

This year, 1,117 colleges and universities completed PTK's institutional profile, which provides students with information about transfer opportunities while allowing institutions to compare their transfer practices with peer institutions. Phi Theta Kappa selected the 275 highest-performing institutions for the 2026 Transfer Honor Roll.

View the full list of recognized institutions.

Key Facts

• Bellevue earned the ABCA Team Academic Excellence Award for the seventh consecutive season.
• The honor marks the eighth overall time the Bruins have received the award.
• Bellevue was one of 36 NAIA programs recognized nationally.
• More than 500 collegiate programs and over 320 high school programs received the award this year.
• Bellevue finished the 2026 season with a 50-6 overall record and a 24-0 mark in Frontier Conference play.
• The Bruins won both the Frontier Conference regular season and tournament championships.
• Bellevue qualified for its 28th NAIA National Tournament and hosted an Opening Round Bracket for the sixth time.

ABCA Recognizes Bellevue for Academic Excellence

For the seventh-straight season, and eighth time overall, the American Baseball Coaches' Association (ABCA) recognized the Bellevue University baseball team today as the Bruins earned the ABCA Team Academic Excellence Award, presented by Sports Attack.

Bellevue was one of 36 NAIA schools to be honored with the ABCA Team Academic Excellence Award.

Teams from every level of college and high school baseball were honored with this year's award, highlighting programs coached by ABCA members that posted a GPA of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale for the entire 2025-26 academic year.

This year's award recognized over 320 high school programs and more than 500 collegiate programs.

Award Criteria

Coaches were able to nominate their teams for the ABCA Team Academic Excellence Award following the conclusion of their spring semesters before the nomination deadline of July 17. To be honored, teams had to meet the following criteria:

• Must be a high school or college team
• Head coach must be a current ABCA member
• The team must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 on a 4.0 scale during the 2023-24 academic year

About the ABCA Awards Program

The American Baseball Coaches Association has a long tradition of recognizing the achievements of baseball coaches and student-athletes. The ABCA/Rawlings All-America Teams are the nation's oldest, founded in 1949, and the ABCA's awards program also includes the ABCA/Rawlings All-Region Awards, the ABCA/ATEC Regional & National Coaches of the Year, and several other major awards such as the ABCA Hall of Fame and the Dave Keilitz Ethics in Coaching Award.

About Sports Attack

Sports Attack was founded in 1995 in Reno, NV, but our design and manufacturing folks pre-date the first wheel machines in the baseball industry well over 50 years ago. SA is proudly family-owned and operated with three active partners still heavily engaged. To say that we are manufacturers of quality sports training equipment just seems not to capture the essence of who we are. We do not just design our products; we explore, scrutinize, analyze and engineer our products. We do not just manufacture or assemble our equipment; we build each one from the ground up, by hand, the old-fashioned way.

We view our suppliers through the lens of our mission statement, as a critical part of the design and development of our equipment. After fabrication and prior to shipment the equipment is tested thoroughly, every aspect of every unit. This ensures the product reliability on which our brand is built. Our process represents who we are; distinctive and exclusive design, detailed and quality manufacturing, resulting in innovative, highly effective training equipment.

Our corporate integrity is a critical asset, and we are committed to upholding it worldwide. We set high standards and we abide by them as we practice business fairly and behave ethically. We wholeheartedly believe in, enthusiastically embrace and relentlessly pursue our company's mission. For more information, visit sportsattack.com.

Bellevue Baseball Continues Tradition of Excellence

Bellevue baseball wrapped up the 2026 season with a 50-6 overall record, going 24-0 to win the Frontier Conference regular season championship. During the postseason, BU won the Frontier Conference Tournament title, qualified for their 28th NAIA National Tournament, and hosted an Opening Round Bracket for the sixth time.

• Money recognized Bellevue University on its latest Best Colleges 2026 list.
• The ranking evaluates colleges based on affordability, student outcomes and value.
• Bellevue University offers more than 80 academic programs.
• Most students can choose online or on-campus learning options.

Bellevue University Earns Recognition for Student Outcomes and Affordability

Bellevue University has earned recognition on Money’s latest Best Colleges 2026 list, a ranking that helps students and families identify institutions that provide strong educational value.

Money evaluates four-year colleges and universities using measures that include graduation rates, affordability, financial aid, student debt and alumni earnings.

Meeting Students Where They Are

Bellevue University helps students earn degrees while balancing work, family and other responsibilities. The University serves more than 18,000 students, with 96% learning online, and supports learners through transfer pathways, employer partnerships and military and veteran services.

Bellevue University also provides a residential experience for students who choose to learn in person. Students can live on campus, participate in student activities and compete on 16 varsity athletic teams. Through more than 80 academic programs and partnerships with employers across the country, the University helps students gain knowledge and skills that support workforce needs and career growth.

• 100% online coursework with flexible scheduling and internships in your community
• Prepares social workers to become a skilled, ethical, and justice-oriented professionals
• Offers advanced generalist and Military Social Work specialization
• Requires 920 practicum hours in supervised settings

How the MSW program prepares students for professional practice

Bellevue University designed the MSW program to prepare students for advanced generalist practice and specialized roles. Students study social work practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. The curriculum requires coursework in human behavior, policy, research, and intervention methods. Students learn to apply evidence-informed approaches, assess client needs, and evaluate outcomes.

The program requires students to demonstrate competencies in ethical behavior, policy practice, and research-informed decision-making. Students engage with frameworks that address human rights and social, racial, economic, and environmental issues. Graduates complete the program with the skills to assess, intervene, and evaluate across service settings.

What students experience through practicum education and specialization

The MSW program includes practicum education as a required component. Students complete 920 hours of supervised field experience across foundation and advanced levels. Practicum courses align with classroom instruction and include integrative seminars that connect academic learning to field practice. Students perform direct service, apply theory, and develop professional identity in real-world environments.

In the advanced year, students select either an Advanced Generalist or Military Social Work specialization. The Military Social Work track focuses on practice with service members, veterans, and families, including coursework on military culture, trauma, and policy systems. Both tracks include advanced practicum placements that build leadership, assessment, and intervention skills.

Bellevue University is featured in a range of media outlets covering education, workforce trends, and student outcomes. The stories below highlight recent coverage from local, regional, and national sources.

• Member of the Bellevue University Board of Directors since 2004.
• Member of the Council of Nebraska Independent Colleges Board of Directors since 2009.
• Created scholarships for Omaha North High graduates attending Bellevue University; two students are currently enrolled and living on campus.
• Entrepreneur with ventures across home appliances, banking, property development, automotive and aviation.
• Former owner/operator of North Omaha Airport; advocate for preserving the LeMay Aero Club at Offutt AFB and supporting aviation programming at Bellevue University.
• Served 18 years on the Omaha Public Power District Board, including as Treasurer and Chairman.
• Served two terms on the Bellevue City Council; active investor in regional economic development.
• Omaha North High School graduate (1962) and Viking of Distinction (1996).

Retiring Bellevue Board Member Receives Honorary Degree

Bellevue University awarded Keith Edquist an Honorary Doctor of Commerce in recognition of his sustained leadership across business, civic service, and higher education.

A longtime entrepreneur, Edquist has built and led ventures spanning retail, banking, real estate, and aviation, while also helping guide public infrastructure and economic development through nearly two decades of service on the Omaha Public Power District Board and leadership on the Bellevue City Council.

His impact is equally visible in his support of students. Through scholarships for Omaha North High School graduates attending Bellevue University, and his personal engagement with those students, Edquist is helping expand access and reinforce the connection between education and career opportunity. His active role in higher education governance reflects a deep commitment to strengthening pathways for learners and to supporting institutions that prepare students to succeed in a competitive, fast-changing workforce.

• 100% online format
• 30 total credit hours
• $680 per credit hour
• Includes courses in data science, programming, machine learning, and neural networks
• Features a capstone project focused on building an AI solution to a real-world problem
• Provides student coaching and 24/7 technical support

Program Delivers AI Training Through Applied Learning

Bellevue University now offers an online Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence to support learners who want to build AI skills and apply them in the workplace. The program provides students with a holistic view of the field, including hardware, software, and the data science approaches that make AI a critically important skill in a multitude of professional and research environments. Students complete coursework that builds technical knowledge and supports the development of AI systems across industries such as healthcare, cybersecurity, finance, and engineering.

Curriculum Builds Technical and Practical Skills

Students engage in hands-on projects that use AI tools and frameworks. The curriculum includes courses such as Artificial Intelligence Foundations, Basic Machine Learning, and Engineering an Artificial Intelligence System. Learners study how to apply statistical methods, develop programs, and design AI architectures. The program also includes elective options in deep learning platforms, applied deep learning, and generative AI.

Capstone Project Focuses on Business Application

In the capstone, students design and develop an AI solution that addresses a real-world problem. The project requires students to apply statistical methods, engineering practices, and ethical considerations. The experience demonstrates their ability to use AI in professional settings. The online format allows students to complete coursework on their schedule while receiving faculty feedback and support services.

• 100% online RN to BSN program
• CCNE-accredited nursing degree
• Total degree requires 95 credit hours
• Transfer 60+ credits; complete as few as 35 credits at Bellevue University
• Tuition is $459 per credit hour
• Cohort model with one course at a time
• Practicum can be completed at current workplace or an approved site

Updated Program Structure Supports Working Nurses

Bellevue University redesigned its RN to BSN program to create a more efficient pathway for registered nurses to earn a bachelor’s degree. The updated 95-credit structure reflects how nurses enter the program—with significant prior coursework and professional experience—and allows them to focus on the competencies needed to advance in today’s healthcare environment.

The program serves registered nurses who hold an associate degree or diploma and want to build on their existing education. Students complete nine courses in sequence within a cohort. Each course runs six weeks, and students take one course at a time while continuing to work.

The curriculum includes 32 nursing credit hours within the 95-credit bachelor’s degree. Students can transfer 60+ credits and apply prior coursework toward degree completion.

Applied Learning Connects Coursework to Practice

The program integrates a practicum into the final course. Students can complete a project at their current workplace or an approved local healthcare organization, focusing on leadership, quality improvement, and performance outcomes within their work environment.

Coursework covers professional nursing practice, leadership, informatics, research, population health, and healthcare regulation. Students apply evidence-based practice and use healthcare data to support patient care and organizational goals. Graduates are prepared to pursue leadership roles and certifications such as the Certified Nurse Manager and Leader credential.

• Program launch: Fall 2026
• First courses begin: September 7, 2026
• Delivery format: Online
• Private Practice Certificate: 9 credit hours
• Telemental Health Certificate: 12 credit hours
• Audience: Clinical Mental Health Counseling students and licensed professionals

Programs Address Practice Structure and Operations

Bellevue University has added the Private Practice Certificate and the Telemental Health Certificate to its counseling educational offerings. The programs prepare students and professionals to build services, manage operations, and follow standards in counseling practice.

The Private Practice Certificate covers how to start and manage a counseling practice. Students complete coursework in business planning, documentation, compliance, and client processes. The program requires three courses, a total of 9 credit hours, that guide learners through practice development and management.

Programs Address Service Delivery Across Settings

The Telemental Health Certificate covers delivery of counseling services through digital platforms. Students study legal requirements, standards, technology use, and client engagement. Coursework addresses service delivery across populations and settings. The program requires four courses a total of 12 credit hours. 

Together, the certificates address how counseling professionals deliver care in different formats. The programs provide options for current students in a Clinical Mental Health Counseling program or already licensed professionals who want to expand how they structure and deliver services.

To learn more about the certificates, admission requirements, or how to enroll, contact Bellevue University at 402-293-2000 or 1-800-756-7920 or email msccprogram@bellevue.edu. 

• David Joel Thomas serves as an Associate Professor at Bellevue University.
• Thomas will speak at TEDxOmaha on Friday, Oct, 9.
• TEDxOmaha is an independently organized TED event that is part of the global TED community.
• Organizers selected speakers through a competitive process.
• Thomas will join speakers from across the Omaha community.

Bellevue University Faculty Member Joins TEDxOmaha Lineup

Bellevue University announced that David Joel Thomas will speak at the TEDxOmaha main event on October 9. Organizers selected Thomas through a process that reviews applicants from across the region. Each speaker will present an idea on the theme of “X, which, according to organizers, includes topics at the intersection of curiosity and courage.

Thomas joins a group of speakers from across the community. His participation reflects Bellevue University’s role in contributing to public dialogue and knowledge exchange.

Thomas Brings Interdisciplinary Perspective to the Stage

Thomas studies philosophy, art, architecture, and design. He connects research with practice through work in visual art, writing, and design. His background includes time in Pakistan, Turkey and Afghanistan, which informs his focus on culture and global perspectives.

At Bellevue University, Thomas supports general education and student development. He focuses on applying concepts in academic, professional, and personal contexts. His work centers on helping students engage with ideas through practice.

• Speaker: General Jack Keane, United States Army (Ret.); Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient; FOX News Sr. Strategic Analyst
• Topic: “America’s National Defense Strategy”
• Date: Monday, October 5, 2026
• Location: Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St., Omaha, Nebraska 68102
• Format: Hybrid event featuring keynote remarks and moderated Q&A
• Free and open to the public; RSVP required

Gen. Jack Keane Announced as 2026 Signature Event Speaker

Bellevue University has announced that Gen. Jack Keane, one of America's most respected and influential voices on national security and foreign policy, will be the featured speaker at its annual Signature Event set for Monday, Oct. 5, 2026, 7 p.m. 

The event will be held at the Holland Performing Arts Center located at 13th and Douglas streets in downtown Omaha. Admission is free, but attendees must RSVP. 

About General John M. “Jack” Keane, United States Army (Ret.)

General Jack Keane is widely recognized as one of our nation’s foremost authorities on foreign policy and national security. A distinguished military leader, accomplished strategist, and trusted voice on matters of global defense, he has devoted his life to the service of the United States and to the advancement of American security interests at home and abroad. 

General Keane serves as Chairman of the Institute for the Study of War and has been a longtime member of the Secretary of Defense Policy Board, advising four Secretaries of Defense over the course of his career. He has also served an unprecedented three times on the Congressional Commission on the National Defense Strategy, including the 2018, 2022, and 2026 commissions, underscoring the continued confidence placed in his judgment and experience. He also serves as a senior strategic analyst and commentator for FOX News.

A four-star general, General Keane completed 37 years of public service in December 2003, culminating in his appointment as Acting Chief of Staff and Vice Chief of Staff of the United States Army. In that role, he served as the Army’s chief operating officer, responsible for the leadership of 1.5 million soldiers and civilians across 120 countries and oversight of a $110 billion annual operating budget. 

General Keane was in the Pentagon on September 11, 2001, and played a significant role in supporting the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. During the 9/11 wars General Keane conducted frequent trips to Iraq and Afghanistan on behalf of senior military and civilian defense officials. In 2006, he was invited to the Oval Office by President George W. Bush to discuss the war in Iraq, where he presented a strategic concept that became known as the troop surge and helped reshape American strategy. 

A career infantry paratrooper and combat veteran of the Vietnam War, General Keane commanded the 101st Airborne Division(Air Assault) and the XVIII Airborne Corps, among the most distinguished formations in the United States Army. He was decorated for valor and distinguished throughout his career for leadership, courage, and excellence in command. 

General Keane was commissioned through Army ROTC as a Distinguished Military Graduate at Fordham University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree. He later received a Master of Arts degree from Western Kentucky University and is a graduate of the Army War College and the Army Command and General Staff College. 

General Keane has numerous awards reflecting his decades of distinguished public service to include over 30 civilian honors and awards. Among these, he was the first military leader to receive the Ronald Reagan Peace Through Strength Award, presented in 2018 at The Reagan Library. In 2020, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom at the White House, the nation’s highest civilian honor, in recognition of his extraordinary lifetime service to the nation. General Keane’s numerous military service medals and citations include two Defense and two Army Distinguished Service Medals, five Legions of Merit, the Silver Star, Bronze Star, three Vietnam Service medals, Combat Infantryman Badge, Air Assault Badge, Master Parachutist Badge and Ranger Tab, to list a few.

• Program: EMDR Basic Training (Parts I and II)
• Format: In-person, hybrid, and live online options
• CE Credits: 40 total hours (20 didactic, 20 practicum)
• Consultation: 10 hours included
• Discount: $200 off for Bellevue University students and alumni with code BELLEVUE
• Registration: https://scalingupemdr.com/emdr-basic-training/
• Eligibility: Students must be in practicum or internship and actively seeing clients
• Schedule: Multiple 2026 cohorts nationwide and online
• Completion Requirement: Training must be completed within 12 months

Training Focus: Building EMDR Skills for Clinical Practice

Bellevue University promotes access to EMDR Basic Training that introduces clinicians to Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy. The training presents EMDR as a method that integrates cognitive, emotional, somatic, and narrative elements to address client experiences. Participants complete Part I and Part II training and apply concepts through guided consultation sessions that reinforce clinical use.

Program Structure and Learning Experience

The program combines coursework with hands-on practice to support skill development. Participants complete 20 hours of instruction and 20 hours of practicum experience, along with 10 hours of consultation delivered in small-group settings. The training includes required reading from EMDR founder Francine Shapiro and provides access to manuals, handouts, and supporting resources.

Access and Opportunities for the Bellevue University Community

Bellevue University expands access to this training by offering a $200 registration discount for its students and alumni. 

The program offers delivery options that include in-person, hybrid, and fully online formats, allowing working professionals to participate across locations and schedules. Students must be actively engaged in practicum or internship experiences and working with clients to be eligible to enroll.

• Four scholarships of $1,000 each were awarded by the Nebraska Counseling Association
• Recipients: Chrystol Spraling, Bellevue University; Chelsea McCoy, Doane University; Sandy Scott, Wayne State College; and Cassie Wistrom, Bellevue University
• Scholarships were presented on April 24, 2026
• Awards took place during the Nebraska Counseling Association Spring Conference at Bellevue University

Bellevue University Students Receive NCA Scholarships

Bellevue University recognizes two of its students who received scholarships from the Nebraska Counseling Association at the organization’s 2026 Spring Conference. Chrystol Spraling and Cassie Wistrom earned two of the four awards presented to student members.

Scholarships Awarded at April Conference

The Nebraska Counseling Association presented the scholarships during its conference on April 24 at Bellevue University. The event brought together counseling and mental health professionals and included sessions on practice, ethics, and assessment. The association awards scholarships each year to support students who pursue counseling education and training.

Preparing Students for Counseling Careers

Spraling and Wistrom are students in Bellevue University’s Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program, a CACREP-accredited graduate program aligned with national licensure standards. The program prepares students to pursue licensure through coursework in counseling theory, ethics, assessment, and diagnosis, combined with supervised practicum and internship experiences totaling 700 clinical hours.

Students in the program develop skills in assessment, case conceptualization, diagnosis, and treatment planning, while building competency in multicultural counseling, advocacy, and professional practice. The flexible online format, required residencies, and clinical placements allow students to gain experience in real-world settings while continuing to meet personal and professional commitments.

• Award: 2026 Blackboard Exemplary Course Award 2026
• Recipient: Rebecca Barnes, Bellevue University
• Course: BMAL 211: Business Communication in a Digital World
• Awarded: May 2026
• Recognition Areas:
  • Course design
  • Interaction and collaboration
  • Assessment
  • Learner support
• Program: Blackboard Exemplary Course Program (ECP), a globally recognized peer-reviewed honor

Award Recognizes Comprehensive Course Design Excellence

Bellevue University announced today that Program Director and faculty member Rebecca Barnes has been named a recipient of the 2026 Blackboard Exemplary Course Award, a distinction that recognizes outstanding achievement in online course development. Barnes’ course, BMAL 211: Business Communication in a Digital World, is part of Bellevue’s bachelor’s program in Business Management and Leadership. The BMAL 211 course was selected for its demonstrated excellence across four core areas of online teaching: course design, interaction and collaboration, assessment, and learner support.

The Blackboard Exemplary Course Program (ECP) honors instructors and course designers whose courses exemplify best practices in online and blended learning environments. Submissions are rigorously evaluated through a peer-review process, with reviewers assessing how effectively courses are structured, how well they engage learners, and how clearly they support student success outcomes.

Awarded Course Focuses on Communication in Digital Workplaces

Barnes’ recognition places her among a select group of educators worldwide whose work advances the quality and impact of digital learning. According to Dr. Matt Davis, Executive Vice President and Dean of the College of Engineering, Technology and Management, the course focuses on communication in today’s digital workplace, blending business communication, workplace technology, and AI-assisted communication through meaningful, applied projects designed to mirror real professional environments. 

Dr. Davis added that Barnes’ achievement underscores Bellevue University’s broader commitment to high-quality, career-relevant education delivered through flexible and technology-enabled formats.

Creating Engaging, Effective and Supportive Learning Experiences

“We are proud to recognize educators like Rebecca Barnes, whose work reflects the creativity, care and intention behind impactful course design,” said Dr. Lisa Clark, Associate Vice President of Academic Transformation at Blackboard. “Their efforts help create learning experiences that are more engaging, effective and supportive for students.”

• Event: TED Democracy Philadelphia: Founding Futures
• Host: Bellevue University Freeman/Lozier Library
• Date: Saturday, June 13, 2026
• Time: Doors open at 9 a.m. (Central Time). A livestream of the 10–11:30 a.m. session is tentatively planned, with a panel discussion to follow from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• Format: In-person livestream featuring an original TED Talk session, followed by a faculty panel
• Campus Location: Bellevue University, John B. Muller Administrative Services Building, 812 Bruin Blvd., Bellevue, Nebraska 68005.
• Cost: FREE and open to the public
• RSVP: https://bellevue.libcal.com/event/16791232
• The scheduled session time is subject to change at the discretion of the event organizer. Registrants will be notified in advance of any updates.

Bellevue University Participates as a National Host Site

Bellevue University’s Freeman/Lozier campus will serve as one of 65 host sites nationwide for TED Democracy Philadelphia: Founding Futures, a coordinated national livestream event connecting communities across the country—and the only host site in Nebraska. Libraries and institutions nationwide will stream TED Democracy Philadelphia: Founding Futures, creating local access points for shared civic engagement.

The livestream features more than 15 new TED Talks presented from Philadelphia focused on the evolution of democracy and its future. The symposium takes place as part of activities leading up to America’s 250th anniversary and includes speakers addressing civic participation, leadership, governance, and public life.

Bellevue’s Kirkpatrick Signature Series Challenges Students to Engage With American Values

“What makes Bellevue University distinctive is the way it connects learning to purpose and civic responsibility,” said University President Dr. Mary Hawkins.

Robin Bernstein, Senior Director of Library Services, added “Hosting TED Democracy Philadelphia: Founding Futures allows us to support meaningful conversations about civic life. We’re proud to support this kind of national dialogue, especially during America’s 250th year, and help create an environment where ideas can be explored and shared.”

Faculty Panel Highlights Civic Leadership and Education

Following the livestream, Bellevue University will host a faculty panel discussion on civic leadership and education as part of the University’s Kirkpatrick Signature Series (KSS). The KSS, considered the intellectual linchpin of a Bellevue University education, is a required undergraduate capstone consisting of nine credit hours across three courses: The Making of the Engaged Citizen, The Engaged Citizen in Action I and The Engaged Citizen in Action II (formerly titled American Vision and Values, Tradition and Change, and Freedom and Responsibility.)

The panel will explore how our country’s founding principles guide active citizenship and community stewardship, the goals of the Kirkpatrick Signature Series. Faculty members will further reflect on how our country’s founding principles, together with education, undergird students’ civic identity, promote engaged citizenship, and reinforce the responsibilities of informed citizens in a strong republic.

• Date: Saturday, June 6, 2026
• Location: Mid‑America Center, Council Bluffs, Iowa
• Doors Open: 8:00 a.m.
• Processional: 9:10 a.m.
• Ceremony: 9:30 a.m.
• Student Commencement Speaker: Shakori D. Colen
• Commencement Speaker: Dr. Bill Lydiatt, CEO, Clarkson Institute
• Livestream Link: https://bellevue.zoom.us/j/99507886727

More Than 700 Students to Receive Degrees

Bellevue University will award degrees to more than 700 students during its Spring Commencement ceremony on Saturday, June 6. Graduates represent undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs across the University.

Doors to the Mid‑America Center will open at 8:00 a.m. The ceremony will begin with a processional at 9:10 a.m., followed by the commencement program at 9:30 a.m. The University will provide a livestream option for guests who are unable to attend in person.

According to University Registrar Colette Lewis, Bellevue University conferred 1,815 degrees between Sept. 2025 through April 2026. The University now has more than 70,000 graduates worldwide.

Commencement Speakers

The ceremony will feature Dr. Bill Lydiatt, CEO of Clarkson Institute. Dr. Lydiatt also serves as a professor of surgery at Creighton University and was the 2024–2025 past president of the American Head and Neck Society. His career includes senior leadership roles in healthcare administration, clinical practice, and academic medicine, with a focus on expanding access to care, improving quality outcomes, and developing organizational leadership.

This year’s spring student commencement speaker is Shakori D. Colen, who earned a Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management from Bellevue. Colen grew up in San Diego, California, and has called Omaha, Nebraska, home since 2015. She completed her degree while working full time and raising her son as a single mother. 

In her address titled “Right On Time,” Colen will reflect on her return to college while balancing full-time work, online coursework, and family responsibilities. She will share how she navigated her academic journey while advocating for her son after his autism diagnosis and how those experiences shaped her approach to education and leadership.

Doctoral Hooding and Additional Commencement Activities

In addition to the Spring Commencement ceremony, Bellevue University will host a reception honoring its doctoral students on Friday, June 5, on the University’s main campus in the Margre H. Durham Student Center, 1008 Bruin Blvd., Bellevue, Nebraska. The reception will feature formal remarks and provide an opportunity for students, faculty, and guests to mingle.

Doctoral students will be formally hooded during the Saturday commencement ceremony. 

Graduates and guests can find ceremony schedules, arrival information, regalia guidance, and guest details on the University’s Graduation Information webpage at https://www.bellevue.edu/student-experience/academic-services/graduation/.

• The Bellevue University Test Center administers the GED exam through Pearson Professional Assessments.
• The Test Center is located in the R. Joe Dennis Learning Center on campus.
• GED candidates must schedule exams through the GED website.
• Testing support is available by phone and email through the Test Center.

GED Testing Now Available on Campus

Bellevue University received approval for its Test Center to administer the GED exam. The Test Center operates from the R. Joe Dennis Learning Center on the Bellevue University campus and supports individuals seeking to complete high school equivalency testing.

Partnership with Pearson Professional Assessments

As a Pearson Vue Authorized Test Center, the University Test Center now provides a GED testing location for individuals in the region. This approval expands access to testing for GED candidates.

How to Schedule a GED Exam

Individuals interested in taking the GED exam must schedule their test through the GED scheduling system and select Bellevue University as the testing location. Scheduling is available at https://www.ged.com/about-test/scheduling.html. The Test Center provides information related to testing procedures and contact support.

• Ranked No. 8 nationally by Programs.com for 2026
• Degree: Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Concentration: Cybersecurity
• Format: 100% online (on-campus option available)
• No GMAT or GRE required
• University accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• MBA accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE)
• Bellevue University designated a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE‑CD)

What the National Ranking Measures

Programs.com evaluates cybersecurity MBA programs using criteria that include curriculum structure, program delivery, cost considerations, and workforce relevance. Bellevue University’s MBA with a Cybersecurity concentration ranked among the top programs based on its focus on cybersecurity leadership within an accredited business degree.

The program prepares students to address cybersecurity challenges as part of organizational decision‑making. Rather than operating as a standalone technical degree, the curriculum connects cybersecurity risk and governance to finance, operations, compliance, and enterprise strategy.

How the MBA Integrates Cybersecurity Leadership

Students complete core MBA coursework in leadership, strategy, finance, marketing, operations, and analytics before specializing in Cybersecurity. The concentration focuses on the management and oversight of security technologies and practices within business environments.

Course topics include information security management, cybersecurity governance and compliance, security architecture, computer forensics, ethical hacking, incident response, and emerging cyber threats. Students entering the Cybersecurity concentration are expected to have a foundational technical background.

• Bellevue University won the Octane Collegiate League Season 4 Apex Legends National Championship
• Apex Legends is the Esports program’s first national title in the game
• The win is the program’s third national championship overall
• Bellevue entered the tournament as the #1 seed after group stages
• The championship was earned in the only Apex Legends league licensed by Electronic Arts

A Breakthrough National Championship

Bellevue University Esports secured a milestone victory by capturing the program’s first Apex Legends national championship at the Octane Collegiate League Season 4: Championship, known as the Queen City Championship. The Bruins defeated the nation’s top collegiate programs in the only Apex Legends league officially licensed by Electronic Arts.

The title continues a strong championship tradition for Bellevue Esports. Earlier this season, the Bruins claimed a national title at the University of Kentucky Bluegrass Showdown in Overwatch 2, adding to a previous Bluegrass Showdown championship in 2024. The Apex Legends victory represents the program’s third national championship overall.

Consistency Leads to the Biggest Win

The Bruins entered the 2025–26 season ranked No. 2 in the preseason power rankings and remained among the nation’s top teams throughout the year. Bellevue placed fourth in the Stage 1 (Fall) Finals and second in the Stage 2 (Spring) Finals while accumulating enough points to qualify for the national championship.

At the Queen City Championship, Bellevue made its intentions clear early. The Bruins dominated Saturday group play with two first-place finishes and advanced to the Championship Sunday as the No. 1 overall seed in a field featuring the top 30 teams in the country.

Championship Sunday Delivers the Title

Championship Sunday used a match-point format, requiring teams to reach 60 points before becoming eligible to win the title with a first-place finish. After a 20th-place result in Game 1, Bellevue responded with a decisive Game 2 win and surged up the standings.

By Game 4, Bellevue became the first team to reach match point following a 3-vs-1 finish by team captain Jason “Jukezy” Zajac. In Game 6, Bellevue and Fisher College both entered on match point. The Bruins eliminated Fisher in the final engagement to secure the Apex Legends national championship.

• Recognized by the Nebraska Department of Veterans’ Affairs
• Designation is valid for three years, with renewal available
• Bellevue University serves active-duty military, veterans, National Guard, Reserve members, and their families
• Institution meets multiple state criteria related to military student support
• University holds multiple national military-friendly recognitions

A University Built to Serve Military Learners

Bellevue University earned the Veteran and Active Duty Supportive designation by meeting criteria established by the Nebraska Department of Veterans’ Affairs, including trained staff assigned to military students, academic credit for military training, counseling and advising services, military leave policies, and accessible online military resources.

The designation reflects Bellevue University’s mission since its founding in 1966. Located near Offutt Air Force Base, the University was established to support military personnel and working adult learners seeking to advance their education and careers.

Support, Access, and Flexibility for Military Students

Bellevue University is recognized nationally for its military support, including designation as a Military Friendly® Gold School and inclusion on Military Times Best for Vets 2024 lists. The University has also been ranked by Military Advanced Education & Transition.

Military-connected students receive credit for military training and experience, military-preferred tuition rates, and access to accelerated degree programs. Eligible students may transfer credits to reduce time and cost to degree completion. Programs are available online, on campus, and on base as needed. 

The Military and Veteran Student Center (MVSC), dedicated in 2013, provides advising, VA education benefits assistance, career counseling, tutoring, housing support, and study space. Each military student works with a personal Student Coach who provides academic guidance from enrollment through graduation.

• Event: 136th Nebraska Academy of Sciences Annual Spring Meeting (Hybrid)
• Date: April 24, 2026
• Location: Held at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, East Campus Union
• Bellevue University student presenters: Emily Sweet and Mia Arnold
• Presentation format: Biology poster sessions
• Research areas: Antibiotic resistance and fungal biodiversity

Statewide Forum for Student Research

Bellevue University students showcased hands-on scientific research at the 2026 Nebraska Academy of Sciences Annual Spring Meeting, a long-standing forum that brings researchers from across the state together to share discoveries and practical applications of science. The meeting marked the 136th year of the NAS tradition, reinforcing its role in advancing student and faculty scholarship in Nebraska.

Campus-Based Research Addresses Public Health

Emily Sweet presented a genomic analysis of antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus species identified in non-medical environments across the Bellevue University campus. Her research examined more than 20 resistant strains and revealed resistance to multiple commonly used antibiotics, along with evidence of horizontal gene transfer. The project contributes to a broader understanding of how antibiotic resistance spreads within community settings and underscores the value of campus-based research tied to public health concerns.

Advancing Knowledge of Nebraska’s Fungal Biodiversity

Mia Arnold presented findings from the Nebraska Fungi Sequencing Project, a collaborative initiative between Bellevue University and Nebraska Game and Parks. The project documents fungal biodiversity across Nebraska using modern DNA sequencing techniques. Through field collection, laboratory analysis, and genomic comparison, the research team has identified numerous species, including previously undocumented fungi. Verified results are shared through NebraskaMushrooms.org, expanding public access to ecological data and supporting conservation and education efforts.

• Four awards were presented to Bellevue University students at the 2026 AMA Omaha Pinnacle Awards
• Awards were announced on Thursday, April 23, 2026
• Student work was judged by AMA chapters from across the United States
• Campaigns were evaluated on performance metrics and measurable results
• All submissions represented marketing work executed in 2025

Bellevue University Students Recognized for Results‑Driven Marketing Excellence

Bellevue University students were recognized among Omaha’s marketing professionals at the 2026 American Marketing Association (AMA) Omaha Pinnacle Awards, earning four honors for exceptional, results‑driven marketing campaigns. The annual awards spotlight the most effective marketing work from the Omaha metro area and emphasize data‑driven performance over creative concepts alone.

Judged by AMA chapters from across the United States, the Pinnacle Awards evaluate campaigns based on metrics, strategic execution, and measurable outcomes—mirroring the standards used in today’s professional marketing environment.

Award‑Winning Student Campaigns Demonstrate Real‑World Impact

The 2026 winners include Marissa Decker, recognized as the Pinnacle Award winner for her Glow Recipe Social Media Campaign, and Teresa Johnson, Silver Award winner for the PawsSure Service Dog Campaign. Joseph Jaworski received two awards, earning the Bronze Award for the Mills County Fall Food Drive campaign and being named Marketing Student of the Year. Each project reflected hands‑on learning experiences completed during the 2025 calendar year and demonstrated measurable community or organizational impact.