Summer 2009 Summer 2009 Volume 17 Volume 17 Bellevue University’s Next President By Mary B. Hawkins, Ph.D. President Bellevue University I deeply appreciate and am honored by the confidence the Board of Directors and Dr. John Muller have placed in me through my appointment as President of the University. It is a tremendous opportunity to lead such a dynamic institution. The fact that I will be only the fourth president here in 44 years speaks volumes about the stability of Bellevue University’s leadership, the quality of its faculty and staff, and the vitality and constancy of its mission. On the first day of classes in 1966, the institution’s motto was, “Where the student counts.” The same commitment to the success of students drives everything we do today as well as our vision for the future. Through the years, Bellevue University has built a strong track record and reputation for serving what were once called “non-traditional” college students – working adults age - - 25 and older. Today we call them “adult learners,” and they comprise about 40 percent of U.S. college students. That was not the case four decades ago. Higher education has changed and Bellevue University is a leader in that change. Whatever you call them, our students really are individuals who have seen and experienced first-hand the value and importance of education in building better careers and lives for themselves and their families, and ultimately, a better society. Bellevue University has succeeded and grown by meeting their needs. This institution has an ambitious vision for the future – national prominence in educating career-oriented students. Realizing the vision in a dynamic and increasingly complex world won’t be easy. To enable Bellevue University to keep growing in size and impact, we must be forward-looking and proactive in responding to new challenges and opportunities. We must be innovative, nimble, efficient, and adaptable. That requires an open culture that encourages discussion and dialogue, transparency, and a collaborative spirit among all the University’s internal and external constituents, including alumni, friends, and supporters. As to my personal leadership style, those who know me know that I’m Mary Hawkins, Ph.D., joinedMary BellevueHawkins, University Ph.D., joined in Bellevue University in not one to isolate myself from 1995 as Vice President 1995of Enrollment as Vice Presidentand of Enrollment and others. In fact, some have joked Outreach and has servedOutreach as University and has Provost served as University Provost since 2000. that I don’t even need an office, since 2000. since I’m never there anyway! Prior Experience: Prior Experience: Whenever possible, I prefer Vice President, EducationalVice Affairs President, Educational Affairs walking to someone’s desk for a Metropolitan Community College,Metropolitan Omaha Community College, Omaha conversation versus picking up the Off-Campus Credit ProgramsOff-Campus Coordinator Credit Programs Coordinator phone or sending an email. Saginaw Valley State UniversitySaginaw in Valley Michigan State University in Michigan Finally, you can expect a smooth Education: Education: transition in the President’s office. Ph.D. in Industrial/OrganizationalPh.D. in Industrial/OrganizationalPsychology Psychology Dr. Muller and I have worked University of Nebraska-Lincoln,University 1998 of Nebraska-Lincoln, 1998 together for many years, shaping Master of Science in AgriculturalMaster of Economics Science in Agricultural Economics the University’s vision moving University of California-Davis,University 1982 of California-Davis, 1982 forward. The University has evolved Bachelor of Science in Business and Public rapidly during the past few years, Bachelor of Science in Business and Public Administration Administration and most of those changes are the University of Arizona, 1980University of Arizona, 1980 result of that shared vision. That won’t change. Volunteer Activities: Volunteer Activities: Jesuit Virtual Learning AssociationJesuit Virtual Board, Learning United Association Board, United Way of the Midlands Board,Way FutureForce of the Midlands Nebraska Board, FutureForce Nebraska Executive Board Executive Board © 2009 Bellevue University Summer 2009 Volume 17 By John B. Muller, Ph.D. Chancellor Bellevue University While I generally prefer to look ahead instead of behind, some reflection seems appropriate as my role and title change from President to Chancellor of Bellevue University. “Reality starts with a dream,” a much-younger John Muller wrote on the “President’s Message” page of the then “Bellevue College” 1987-89 catalog. The same message described the 1980s economy as “undergoing fundamental restructuring,” social values were “in a period of transition,” and our institution was “a leader in relating the wisdom of our heritage to the present as we prepare leaders for the 21st century.” The same words could apply today. Dr. Muller in 1987, developing strategies to lead the Our institution has grown in many ways since the mid- University into the 21st 1980s when it served about 3,500 individuals each year. century. During the current fiscal year ending June 30, we eclipsed 16,000 individuals served. Seventeen undergraduate majors were available in 1987; now we are approaching 50 undergrad programs, along with master’s degrees and a Ph.D. - The 17-acre main campus has expanded to 45 acres. We have regional satellite locations serving students in five states, we have forged partnerships with corporations and community colleges throughout the country and overseas, and more than two-thirds of our students take some classes online. The total number of alumni has grown from 2,350 in 1987 to nearly 27,000. And, thankfully, the institution is in much stronger fiscal shape today. The quality of the University’s programs, facilities, and support services also has been greatly enhanced. A few years ago, we looked ahead and dreamed of a “new educational model,” an innovative institutional culture strongly dedicated to the success of students. We have come a long way toward building that culture, thanks to a sustained team effort and generous support by our Board of Directors, faculty and staff, and alumni and friends from the local community and beyond. I am confident that Bellevue University will continue to improve under the capable leadership of Dr. Mary Hawkins, the fourth President in the University’s 44-year history. Mary has been a major contributor to the successes achieved during the past decade. Looking ahead, the University has an ambitious vision – to be the foremost American university in educating career-oriented adults. My new role as University Chancellor will involve providing strategic input to help achieve the vision. My primary focus will be on championing and developing the University’s Center for American Vision and Values, and the Human Capital LabSM. These two initiatives focus on issues that are critical to the future of the University, the country, and our way of life. Our nation’s founders were true visionaries whose values and wisdom should guide us as we face daunting challenges on the economic and ethical fronts. Through the Center for American Vision and Values, Bellevue University will become a national leader in educational outreach programs and activities focusing on values and beliefs unique to the American experiment. The University’s Human Capital Lab will provide America’s business and organizational leaders the tools to be competitive in a global business environment. After 24 years, I leave the President’s office looking forward, still dreaming, and excited about helping to build a better Bellevue University. © 2009 Bellevue University Summer 2009 Volume 17 By Bill Wax Director of Communications Bellevue University Foundation Enrolling in Bellevue University’s online Bachelor of Science in Adult Education program led to rapid changes in John Ratliff’s life, including a chance to grow as a surgical technology teacher. Less than a year ago, Ratliff and his family lived in Lincoln, Nebraska, and he was a five- year member of the Surgical Technology program faculty at Southeast Community College in nearby Milford. Today, they live in South Carolina, where he directs the Surgical Technology Program at York Technical College, Rock Hill. “I began Bellevue University’s Adult Education program in February 2008, and immediately started applying new knowledge about learning domains, instructional design, and teaching strategies,” Ratliff said. “I began to grow as a person and a teacher and was implementing the new knowledge in my classes.” - Proudly displaying his leadership award from the Association of Surgical Technologists, John Ratliff notes that he applies what he learns at Bellevue University in his job every day. Ratliff is a member of the Association of Surgical Technologists’ (AST) national board of directors, and he received the Nebraska AST State Assembly Leadership Award and national “AST Educator of the Year Award” in 2008. “When I knew the time was right to pursue a new teaching position, I contacted Bellevue University’s Career Avenues staff for assistance. They helped me prepare my curriculum vitae.” He became Program Director at York Technical College in August 2008. “The vitae and the teaching philosophy I developed through the Adult Education program helped me land this position,” Ratliff said. “One of the job interviewers commented that my teaching philosophy was especially beneficial. “As I approach the end of my Adult Education program, reflecting on what I’ve learned from the curriculum and my instructor, Julie Taylor-Costello, I will always be grateful for how Julie treated me as a student. The program changed my teaching style; it changed my life. It made me a more caring, patient, and understanding person and teacher, sensitive to the needs and special circumstances of the students. They have made many positive comments on my teaching style and my use of different methodologies,” Ratliff said. “The Adult Education program is designed to help professional educators and trainers become better at what they already do – teach others,” said Taylor-Costello, Program Instructor and Director.