Bellevue University is a private university in Bellevue, Nebraska. It opened in 1966 and from the outset has focused on providing adult education and educational outreach. As of 2011, 80% of its undergraduates were aged 25 and over. The university has over 10,000 students enrolled in a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs.
History
The university opened in 1966 as Bellevue College, with the aim of providing education for working adults in the area. By 1974 it had become the fourth largest private college in Nebraska and had added a gymnasium, student center, and library. In 1977, Bellevue earned full accreditation from the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools. In the mid-1980s increasing competition from other colleges in the area, which had also begun catering to working adult students, created financial problems which nearly led to the college's closure. However, under its third president, John Muller, who took over in 1985, the college refocused, survived, and started to expand. In 1987 the college began offering an accelerated bachelor's degree program and in 1990 began its first master's degree program. In 1994 Bellevue College became Bellevue University.
Presidents
Dr. Mary Hawkins is the current and fourth president of Bellevue University.
President
Tenure
Dr. Sam Sollenberger
1966–1968
Richard Winchell
1968–1985
Dr. John Muller
1985–2009
Dr. Mary Hawkins
2009–present
Campus
The university's main campus is in Bellevue, Nebraska. The late 1990s and early 2000s saw expansion of the campus with the opening of the Lozier Professional Center in west Omaha, the Riley Technology Center on the main campus, and the Lakeside Center. The library, humanities center, athletic center, and the student center were all renovated, and a new Educational Services building was built to host classrooms, offices, and faculty space.
Academics
Bellevue University now has over 10,000 students and numerous undergraduate and graduate programs. There are programs that are accelerated, cohort-based, in-class, and online. The school offers numerous bachelor's and master's degree programs, a Doctorate of Business Administration, and a Ph.D. in Human Capital Management. Bellevue University's online bachelor's degrees are among the top ten in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report. The university is regionally accredited by The Higher Learning Commission. Business degrees at Bellevue University are accredited by the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education. The university also offers a Masters of Science degree in Clinical Counseling accredited by the Counsel for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs On March 9, 2020, the Department of Veterans Affairs suspended G.I. Bill reimbursement eligibility for Bellevue University and several other schools due to what the V.A. said were "erroneous, deceptive, or misleading enrollment and advertising practices", giving the schools 60 days to take "corrective action". The VA withdrew its threat of sanctions in July 2020.
Athletics
Bellevue University teams, nicknamed athletically as the Bruins, are part of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, primarily competing in the North Star Athletic Association, and Midlands Collegiate Athletic Conference until 2015. Men's sports include baseball, basketball, cross country, golf and soccer, while women's sports include softball, volleyball, basketball, cross country, golf, and soccer. Bellevue University also has a co-ed Esports team. The Bellevue men's baseball team won the NAIA Baseball World Series in 1995. In 2011, Bellevue University added men's and women's golf teams. In 2016 Bellevue University started its first ever Women's Basketball program going 16-15 overall and 9–7 in conference play. In 2017, it added men's and women's cross country teams and the co-ed Esports team.
