Bellevue University Celebrates 2010 Winter Commencement

Over 500 people will participate in Bellevue University’s winter commencement this Saturday, Jan. 30. The ceremony begins at 9:30 a.m. at the Omaha Civic Auditorium. Of those participating, 170 are earning their master’s degrees; 335 are earning their bachelor’s degrees.

This year’s winter commencement speaker is former two-term Omaha mayor and four-term U.S. Congressman, Harold John Daub Jr.  “Hal” is a fourth-generation Nebraskan and a veteran of leadership service in the U.S. Army Infantry.  He earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Washington University in St. Louis, and his law degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.  He is a partner with the law firm of Husch Blackwell Sanders in Omaha. Daub served as Omaha’s mayor from 1995 through 2001, spearheading numerous redevelopment initiatives that continue to spark capital investment and new jobs throughout the metropolitan area.

The student speaker is Rebecca “Reba” Wylam.  Reba is graduating Summa Cum Laude with a degree in accounting.  She graduated from Bellevue East High School and currently works for the University as a math, accounting, and computer software tutor, assisting undergraduate and graduate-level students.

Bellevue University now confers degrees monthly, not just twice a year in conjunction with commencement ceremonies. Since the university’s last commencement, in spring 2009, the school has conferred 422 undergraduate and 170 graduate degrees.

Bellevue University Online  

            Of the 592 graduates since spring 2009, 209 students took classes online and on campus, while 383 students completed their degree programs entirely online.

            Bellevue University offers more than 40 undergraduate degree programs and 16 graduate degree programs online, with more programs in development. Those programs apply the University’s unique active learning approach which allows students to attend class, meet with fellow students, discuss lessons with instructors, complete assignments and conduct research all in the online environment.

            Online classes were first offered in November 1996 with a handful of students and six courses. Today, Bellevue University has more than 6,000 online students from all over the globe enrolled in more than 400 courses. Overall, more than 8,000 students now attend Bellevue University, making it the largest private university in Nebraska.

University Welcomes New College of Business Dean

Bellevue University welcomes Dr. Roderic Hewlett as the new Dean of the College of Business.  Hewlett came to the University from Laureate Education, Incorporated where he led global product development and strategy for the management, business, and legal education programs.  The programs range from bachelor’s level to doctoral level programs at Laureate universities and partner universities in all major global markets.

Bellevue University was a perfect match according to Hewlett.

“When you look at my professional, military, and academic background – you will notice a strong match with the mission, values, and traditions of Bellevue University,” said Dr. Hewlett. “My research and outreach efforts include human and knowledge capital – which matches nicely with our new PhD in Human Capital and our Human Capital Labs. I also have a very strong interest in finance and treasury. I speak nearly every year at the Association for Financial Professional’s (AFP) Annual Conference and have earned the Certified Treasury Professional (CTP) designation from AFP.  We teach the Essentials of Cash Management in partnership with AFP and have an associate CTP program in the Bellevue University, College of Business.”

Hewlett served as a distinguished professor in international business at Walsh College. As a distinguished professor, he taught doctoral and master’s level courses in global business, leadership, developing learning organizations, as well corporate finance and treasury. He also served as the Executive Vice President and Chief Academic Officer at Walsh College. Hewlett joined Walsh College on June 1, 2005 moving from Minot State University in Minot, North Dakota where he was dean of the business college and the graduate school. He returned to his home state of Michigan with an extensive background of military service, teaching and academic administration along with an extensive global business leadership track record.  In December 2005, his book, The Cognitive Leader: Building Winning Organizations through Knowledge Leadership, was released.

Hewlett is also an adjunct professor in the executive MBA program at the prestigious Southwestern University of Finance and Economics in China.  Prior to Minot, he was the director of the MBA program and associate professor at the University of Dubuque.  He has also held positions as chief financial officer for the International Schools Group in Saudi Arabia, assistant professor at Clarke College, superintendent of capital projects and contracting services at Saudi Iron and Steel Corporation and pricing manager at Sundstrand Corporation. Additionally, Hewlett held several professional finance and pricing positions in the Aerospace Industry. He enlisted in the U.S. Regular Army in 1976 and retired from the U.S. Army National Guard in 2002 as lieutenant colonel.

Hewlett was attracted by the University’s unique blend of talented people and relevant programs.

“We have an excellent leadership team, faculty, and staff at Bellevue University with an important mission,” said Hewlett. “Our world needs people capable of solving complex problems with sustainable solutions. Our unique blend of talent, meaningful and pragmatic research/education programs, and learner centered approach wells positions Bellevue University to help educate and solve some of the most vexing problems facing our global society. That’s exciting!”

Hewlett earned his Doctorate and Master of Arts degrees in economics from Middle Tennessee State University and Bachelor of Science degree in business from Cameron University.  He is a Certified Financial Manager and Certified Treasury Professional.

Athletic Dept. Receives Character Award

National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) selected Bellevue University as an NAIA Champions of Character Institution.  The Champions of Character program awards institutions in which every student-athlete and coach demonstrate a commitment to the true spirit of competition through the five tenets of respect, integrity, responsibility, community service and sportsmanship.

Ground Breaking Launches Largest Project in University History

Bellevue University is expanding again, three years after a 70,000-square-foot addition to its campus was completed.

University officials and guests drove ceremonial silver shovels into the soil Monday less than 200 feet from the 3-year-old Educational Services Building, breaking ground for a building that will be almost twice its size.

The building will be six stories and will encompass an estimated 128,000 square feet, making it the largest construction project in the school’s history.

The new building will contain administrative and academic offices, the president’s office, the educational and research institute, the university’s Human Capital Lab and Center for American Vision and Values, information technology and a training room with a 100-person capacity.

University President Mary Hawkins said the most exciting aspect of the new building will be the opportunity to locate administrative and departmental staff in proximity to one another to allow better integration and collaboration.

“This is going to be truly a definition of how we work forward, not just about adding more cubes and offices and workrooms and conference rooms,” Hawkins said. “It goes beyond that.”

Mike Simmonds, chairman of the university’s board, praised the school’s leaders and credited the faculty and staff for its growth over the last 20 years. He said he expects the university will continue to grow.

“Our product is priced right, the quality of it is excellent and we are doing a really good job of promoting it not only across the country but, really, across the world right now,” Simmonds said.

The university will fund construction of the new building with a bond issue from the city, as it did its Educational Services Building.

Bellevue University Wins Government Security News Homeland Security Award

Bellevue University’s Security Management Program received top honors in Government Security News (GSN) 1st Annual Homeland Security Awards in the “Best Training/Higher Education” category.

Finalists and winners in 35 categories were selected by a panel of objective and independent judges, according to GSN’s editor-in-chief, Jacob Goodwin, who oversaw the evaluation process. Winners were announced at an event GSN hosted in midtown Manhattan the night before the opening of two security expos at the Javits Center in New York City – Public Security & Safety and ISC East.

“The Security Management Program has gained tremendous momentum through the years and this award solidifies the program’s real learning for real life curriculum in developing students’ knowledge of security management best practices and industry preparedness,” said Greg Allen, Program Director, Bellevue University.

Bellevue University’s Security Management Program is comprised of a Master of Science and Bachelor of Science in Security Management. The Program is the largest combined undergraduate and graduate Security Management degree program in the nation, according to an April 2007 Security Magazine/Maddry and Associates study. Coursework covers the security management industry as a whole and includes: homeland security fundamentals, effective emergency planning, risk analysis, terrorism, cyber security, among others. Both degrees are offered in class and online through the University’s award-winning online learning platform.

“Bellevue University infuses real-life situations and lessons into the curriculum, so students can apply their knowledge in real-time to actual, on-the-job challenges, which contributes to our students’ success rate,” said Mary Hawkins, Ph.D., President, Bellevue University.

Graduate level students presented “Critical Infrastructure Planning” at the National Homeland Security Conference, and in 2006, students were invited to present at the ASIS International Conference as the only student presenters. Bellevue University’s Security Management Program is one of eight recognized by the Air Force Personnel Center for recruiting needs and developing future civilian leaders. Four of ten positions in the Palace Acquire Intern Program were filled by Bellevue University graduates last year, an unheard of ratio for one university.

William Bennett Commends Bellevue University

Former Secretary of Education William J. Bennett provided the keynote address at the Inaugural Signature Event of the University’s Center for American Vision & Values. The noted author and talk show host entertained over 300 guests at the Joslyn Art Museum on October 22.

The theme of Dr. Bennett’s address was America: The Last Best Hope – popularized by his best-selling book of the same title. He made several references to the Center’s Kirkpatrick Signature Series and hailed the Center as a shining example of how education should embrace and share America’s founding principles. The evening was filled with applause and laughter as the honored guest shared both inspirational and humorous stories about his colleagues in Washington D.C., and his experiences under the Reagan Administration.

The event was hosted by the University Foundation. Bellevue University Board Chairman Michael Simmonds performed the emcee duties. The turnout surpassed the Foundation’s expectations.

Dr. Bennett interacted with several of the Foundation’s guests and University staff members prior to the program. Books were signed and cameras were flashing. During that time Bennett received the Beacon of Ethics Award from the Omaha Business Ethics Alliance for his lifelong dedication to ethical leadership and values.

Dr. Bennett concluded his address by fielding topical questions from the audience. The evening ended with Bennett receiving a copy of the Kirkpatrick Signature Series textbook signed by University staff.

Bellevue University Receives Award of Excellence for Learning Program with The Home Depot

October 1, 2009 – Bellevue University’s strategic agreement with The Home Depot received the gold award for “Excellence in Academic Partnerships” at this year’s Chief Learning Officer Symposium held in Colorado Springs.

This is the second year in a row that Bellevue University received the Excellence in Academic Partnerships gold award. In 2008, Bellevue University was awarded the first-ever Excellence in Academic Partnerships award for its work with CACI International. Bellevue University is the only university to have received this gold award.

The Home Depot learning program was created exclusively for The Home Depot with input from retail subject matter experts, including The Home Depot senior management and Bellevue University faculty. The program, called Professional Retail Management, is only open to employees of The Home Depot, and is designed to develop Home Depot associates’ knowledge of successful retail management practices with a specific focus on the home improvement industry and an increase in strategic thinking capabilities. It is designed to support the development of a leadership pipeline for the company. Known as “the world’s largest specialty home improvement retailer,” The Home Depot has 2,000 stores in the United States.

“Because the Professional Retail Management program was created with retail industry subject matter experts and Home Depot leaders, key leadership capabilities are built into the courses to support career growth opportunities for students,” said Michael E. Echols, Ph.D., Executive Vice President, Strategic Initiatives, Bellevue University. “The strategic relationship between Bellevue University and The Home Depot is a prime example of innovative corporate learning designed to meet strategic business goals and needs.”

“An important part of the relationship is the measurement of the business impact of this program on corporate performance,” continued Dr. Echols. “Bellevue University’s Human Capital LabSM will measure the impact of the learning program to provide ongoing information on how to make better investment decisions on the leadership pipeline at The Home Depot.”

The Professional Retail Management program can be taken as a major for a Bachelor of Science degree from Bellevue University. It is offered online through Bellevue University’s award-winning Cyber-Active® Learning Platform making it accessible to employees around the globe.

Strategic agreements such as this one with The Home Depot have fueled Bellevue University’s quick path to becoming one of the nation’s leading resources in corporate learning and measuring its impact on business performance.

Bellevue University has been recognized as a leader in corporate learning by industry experts:
 Bellevue University is the only accredited university to win a Corporate University Best in Class (CUBIC) award and has won the award twice. In 2005 and 2007, Bellevue University won “Most Innovative Corporate Resource.”
 In 2007, Dr. Michael E. Echols was named one of the Top 20 Most Influential Training Professionals in the U.S. by Training Industry, Inc.
 In 2008, Bellevue University’s Strategic Initiatives Division and Human Capital Lab received an honorable mention in Bersin & Associates Learning Leaders competition for “Vendor Innovation.”

Learn more about Bellevue University’s corporate learning initiatives, innovative offerings including learning solutions and customized learning programs designed to meet corporate needs and create lasting strategic advantage at www.CorporateLearning.com or by calling 877-824-5516.

The Learning in Practice awards are presented annually at the Chief Learning Officer Fall Symposium. The awards are sponsored by Chief Learning Officer Magazine.

Bellevue Artist Creates His Own String Theory

Matching known acquaintances through a collection of photos on a wall is a familiar scene in a television crime drama as the detectives try to narrow their list of suspects. Bellevue University’s Jeffrey Hug is taking that approach and raising it to an art form. The Assistant Professor of Graphic Design and Photography has something special planned as a participant in a local art project known as the Empty Room.

The Empty Room is a six month long experiment where individuals are given access to an “empty room” where they are free to share their creative ideas with the Omaha community. The room is located at 13th and Webster streets and offers participants roughly 700 square feet to express their creativity. Each participant has the run of the room for an entire month. Hug’s idea was chosen for the October exhibit.

Inspired by crime dramas and a belief that people need to stay connected, Hug will fashion his empty room into a live adaptation of a Facebook page. Visitors to the exhibit will place their photo on a wall and connect their photo to other photos of people they know. They will use a piece of string/yarn to physically connect their photo to others. As the possible combinations increase with the number of visitors, the resulting connections will create an ever-changing visual. By the end of the month, the room could represent a tangled mess that would frighten even the most seasoned air traffic controller. The bigger the mess, the greater the success according to Hug who believes the more people stay connected the better. The project has been dubbed, “String Thing” by its creator.

Hug’s master plan includes a step beyond the exhibit’s October lifespan. He has made arrangements to convert the yarn used in the exhibit into hats and gloves for the homeless. Bellevue University staff and students are encouraged to donate yarn to the project. Donation boxes will be located throughout the campus. Donations will also be accepted at the exhibit during its October run.

For more information, visit http://emptyroomstringthing.com/.

Education Consortium to Help Bellevue University Students Compete in Global Intelligence Community

Bellevue University has been named to the Great Plains National Security Education Consortium (GP NSEC). The consortium is part of the Intelligence Community Center Academic Excellence program which provides academic, research, cultural immersion and other outreach activities focused on national security-related topics. The goal of the program is to develop students with the knowledge of international and cultural issues, foreign languages, analysis, and critical thinking skills required to serve the 16 federal agencies that make up the intelligence community.

Consortium members will develop courses and activities that play to their institution’s unique strengths. Bellevue University brings several strengths to the partnership including online learning expertise and long-standing military associations. The University will offer three new curriculum programs including two Certificates of Completion and one master’s degree program. Under development is an online program known the U.S. Intelligence Structures, Systems, and Roles Certificate. The program will introduce undergraduate students to the intelligence community and its role in national security. In addition, a Strategic Deterrence Certificate is under development and will be offered to graduate students online. The University will also develop a 36-hour online master’s degree program that expands on the themes of the undergraduate World Security and Strategic Studies program.

“These 16 federal agencies are looking to better identify talent by broadening the pool of student candidates who have an awareness of the emerging cultures of the world,” said Dr. Therese Michels, Ph.D. and Dean of College of Arts and Sciences. “Our programs will provide students an excellent foundation to address real world intelligence community issues.”

The GP-NSEC is one of several consortium programs already in place. The program was established in 2005 to meet the nation’s increasing need for a diverse workforce of intelligence community professionals who are educated and trained to address national security objectives.

“These new programs support our guiding principle to positively impact the lives of our students,” said Dr. Mary Hawkins, Ph.D., president, Bellevue University. “The collaboration among the four partner universities will play a key role in the success of this initiative. In addition, the new programs compliment the University’s active-learning approach and provide our students an exciting avenue for new career choices.”

University to host forum on national security issues

On September 11, Bellevue University will host a forum to explore national security issues with an inside look at the threats facing America today.

Anthony (Tony) Campanella, Vice President for Intelligence Programs at CMX Technologies, will deliver the keynote address at “The State of Security in the Heartland and Beyond: Assessing the Homeland Threat,” a free event open to the public that runs from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. inside the University’s Hitchcock Humanities Center. Following his keynote address, Campanella will take part in a round table discussion moderated by Bellevue University Associate Professor Greg Allen.

Prior to joining CMX, Campanella provided consulting support to the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Department of Defense Counter Intelligence Field Agency, and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). At DHS, Campanella provided support to the Office of Intelligence and Analysis.

Prior to entering the private sector, Campanella served as an Intelligence Officer with the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA). Campanella served in numerous crisis and contingency support roles at DIA, coordinating national intelligence support to deployed military units. At DIA, Campanella was selected to represent the Agency at the White House, serving as a Senior Duty Officer at the White House Situation Room.

A former Marine, Campanella served six years based out of Camp Lejeune, N.C., with the 2nd Marine Regiment and the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable). While in the Marines, Campanella completed three NATO deployments to northern Norway and two six month Mediterranean “cruises” aboard U.S. Navy ships.

Although the event is free, space is limited. Attendees are encouraged to reserve their spot by going to www.bellevue.edu/9-11.