Summer 2020 | Volume 41
DATA SCIENCE
New Degree Program Prepares Graduates to Analyze, Transform Data Into Actionable Solutions
Winter Commencement
Over 400 Graduates Celebrate Their Accomplishments
MBA Degree
Offers Versatility
Path to Healthcare Leader Business Owner Began with Mid-Career Degree
TABLE OF
CONTENTS Cover: New Data Science Program Prepares Graduates to Analyze, Transform Data Into Actionable Solutions. Photo by Bill Sitzmann Message from Mary Hawkins…. . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Tera Little . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Winter Commencement Ceremony . . . . . . . 4 - 5 Megan Jorgensen… . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Burdette Brown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Katie Williams…. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 - 9 Around Campus…. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Beth Konikoff…. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Galat Toang…. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Marissa Jensen…. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Bellevue Stays Connected . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 BU Cares . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 AMA Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
THE WORLD
AROUND YOU Page through this issue of The View magazine and you’ll see how Bellevue University alumni and faculty are making a positive difference in their communities and the world around them.
Mission Statement Bellevue University provides career-oriented, cost effective, open access education through select undergraduate, graduate and professional programs. Vision In a rapidly changing higher education environment, Bellevue University boldly adapts and innovates so our students and university can be wildly successful. Values Integrity in all we do Value of education Student Success Innovative Care for Others
Michael Speed, who was our student speaker at our winter commencement ceremony, is doing his part to make the world more connected through his role as a Technical Program Manager at Google. Even though he just completed his MBA program, he continues to be a lifelong learner. I am confident that Michael will continue to show us all how to overcome the obstacles that we encounter throughout our lives. Another Bruin making a difference is Beth Konikoff. Not only is Beth a Bellevue University instructor in our College of Business, she is also a three-time cancer survivor. Her attitude and ability to keep moving forward as a student in Bellevue University’s new 100% online Doctorate of Business Administration program is truly inspiring.
I hope the world around you also includes people like Bellevue University alum and South Sudanese refugee Gatlat Toang. Here in Nebraska, Gatlat has taken skills he learned as a student-athlete at Bellevue University and is now using them in a pivotal role with the Omaha Police Department’s Gang Unit, where he mentors at-risk youth. While these individuals, and the other outstanding alumni featured here in The View, can’t address all of the challenges in the world, they are working to make the world a better place. I believe their contributions, along with the actions of Bellevue University alumni and friends like all of you in communities around the country and the world, are what paves the way for others to achieve their own brighter tomorrows.
Dr. Mary Hawkins President, Bellevue University
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Studies, Certification Bring Immediate Impact for Little Sometimes one decision can prove itself the right one very quickly, and that was the case for Bellevue University graduate student Tera Little. She originally enrolled in the Master of Public Administration program, but realized the Master of Organizational Performance (MSOP) might be a better fit. Little, an online student from Southern Idaho, works for the federal government. The agency she currently works for is evolving to improve efficiency and effectiveness. “I realized the Organizational Performance graduate program had the potential to be more relevant to my current role in driving and managing change,” she said. “I am constantly grateful I made the switch, as every class in the Organizational Performance program has directly related to something I’m currently working on.” Certification with Real World Application Pursuing self development and enhancing a career through a master’s degree is impressive, but Little has also taken that one step further by attaining a CAPM (Certified Associate Project Management) certification. She had sought out formal project management training through work, but management didn’t fully recognize the value of it at the time. The MSOP program provided the perfect opportunity, empowering Little to earn her CAPM certification in conjunction with her work in a class within her program, Project Management Essentials Applied Project. “When I realized I could do the CAPM
as part of this program, I decided it was worth the extra effort and financial investment on my part,” Little said. “I have been applying many of the tools and techniques I learned as part of the CAPM certification process to projects I’m currently working on. I have received positive feedback from management on noticeable efficiencies gained through increased accountability and oversight.” After seeing the noticeable impact of her CAPM certification, she also plans to pursue a Project Management Professional certification soon. Preparing for a Bright Future Though balancing graduate studies, a certification and a full-time job have been challenging, Little knows it will all pay off when she completes her program this September. “My husband and son are very supportive and understand that making some sacrifices now will pay off when I graduate,” she said. “The most exciting thing is that I’ll accomplish a goal I set for myself a long time ago: to complete a graduate program with very little student loan debt, thanks to my 9/11 GI Bill benefits.”
MSOP Enables Success Across Industries Though Little’s experience has been crucial to shining in her current role and preparing for future roles, she said this degree can help learners from any industry. “I think regardless of what organization or line of work someone is in, they will consistently find valuable insights and develop applicable skills from this program” she said. In addition to the CAPM, five additional certifications can be earned in tandem with MSOP. The program is designed to be personalized, with students choosing projects that directly align with their industries and career goals.
Little said completion of the MSOP will make her more competitive as she applies for future positions. “On top of this, the CAPM certification is icing on the cake, as this skill set is often desired by organizations,” she said. “I’ve seen it listed more frequently for positions advertised in my current agency. With the recent enactment of the Program Management Improvement Accountability Act (PMIAA), it is clear that federal government agencies are realizing the need to invest more in the skills the Organizational Performance program helps build.”
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THE WINTER
COMMENCEMENT ceremony On Saturday, Jan. 25, about 400 Bellevue University students crossed the stage at the Mid-America Center in Council Bluffs, Iowa, and received their diplomas at the University’s winter commencement ceremony. Among the graduates were LaDazja Ivory, a graduate of the Omaha-based Partnership 4 Kids (P4K) mentoring program, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Behavioral Science. Ivory is a first-generation college student and graduate who grew up in Omaha and graduated in the top 10% of her Omaha Northwest high school class. Before earning her baccalaureate degree, she earned an associate degree at Metropolitan Community College. While at MCC, she excelled academically and received a P4K Scholarship. She then transferred her credits to Bellevue University to complete her degree – receiving another P4K scholarship in 2018. “The individual aspirations that our students have and that Bellevue University enables are truly remarkable,” said University President Mary Hawkins. “LaDazja exemplifies that. The students we serve best are those who, like LaDazja, have invested in themselves and are motivated to succeed at the next level.” Ivory who currently mentors 12th graders at five Omaha Public Schools through a joint program of Americorps and P4K, says she is looking ahead to a career working with area youth who face obstacles and challenges. “There is nothing you can’t achieve in life,” she said. The commencement ceremony, which began at 9:10 a.m., also featured Emad Rahim, the Kotouc Family Endowed Chair and Program Director of the University’s Project Management Center, who is also a genocide survivor. Dr. Rahim, who came to the United States as a refugee from Cambodia as a child, is today an award-winning entrepreneur, TEDx speaker, Fulbright Scholar, and author. Michael Speed also delivered an address as the ceremony’s student speaker. When he receives his Master of Business Administration degree, it will be the third Bellevue University degree Speed has earned. He also holds an additional Bachelor of Science degree from Northwestern University. Speed, who is currently pursuing his Ph.D. in information sciences while working full-time as a Technical Program Manager for Google, spoke on setting high goals and overcoming adversity to accomplish them. According to University Registrar Colette Lewis, the University conferred 481 degrees from Oct. 1, 2019 through Dec. 31, 2019. This includes 288 undergraduate degrees, 189 master’s degrees and four doctoral degrees. The University streamed the commencement ceremony live so those who could not attend had an opportunity to see students receive their diplomas.
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“The individual aspira our students have an Bellevue University e truly remarkable,” - Dr. Mary Hawkins, PhD
ations that nd that enables are “It doesn’t matter what happens in life, it’s how you respond to it. You have no control over anyone, but you do have control over your actions.” - Michael Speed
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MBA Degree Offers Career Versatility for Medical Lab Scientist Megan Jorgensen As a Medical Lab Scientist at one of the world’s leading healthcare organizations with special expertise in treatment, training and quarantine methods for infectious diseases, Bellevue University alum Megan Jorgensen is working behind the scenes to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. An MBA (Master of Business Administration) degree wasn’t part of Osmond, Nebraska, native Megan Jorgensen’s plan for a rewarding and fulfilling career in the healthcare industry. “Advanced Accounting and Management courses are not my cup of tea,” said Jorgensen, whose interest in the life sciences goes back to her childhood, growing up on the family farm in northeast Nebraska. Inspired and mentored by “Mr. Pavlik,”— Greg Pavlik, her high school science teacher—Jorgensen cultivated a love for biology, anatomy, and lab science and pursued a career combining all those interests. She earned a Bachelor of Applied Science in Medical Laboratory Science degree from Briar Cliff University in Sioux City, Iowa, then worked two years as a Clinical Lab Scientist at a Sioux City hospital before accepting a Medical Laboratory Scientist position at the Omaha-based Nebraska Medicine in 2009. While lab work remains her first love, she completed an MBA with a Healthcare Concentration at Bellevue University in 2019 to position herself for future career advancement opportunities. “I want to be prepared to move beyond the bench (lab work) into management ranks,” said Jorgensen, a 34-year-old wife and mother of two. When considering what advanced degree to pursue, Jorgensen consulted the Laboratory Director and Medical Director over the clinical laboratory, who recommended an MBA over a Master of Health Administration (MHA), which is a popular credential among healthcare
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professionals. “They said the MBA would be more versatile and give me more future career options in healthcare or some other field,” she explained. “My MBA opened me up to the bigger picture of the business side of healthcare”, she said. “I believe it also helped me grow and become more capable of filling a leadership position as someone who can understand and integrate the business and clinical sides.” There is currently a shortage of clinical laboratory scientists with the required qualifications, skills and knowledge in math, chemistry and biology. It’s a demanding job requiring a strong work ethic and 24/7/365 commitment, according to Jorgensen. She has performed multiple roles during her 11 years at Nebraska Medicine, at times supervising evening shifts and currently performing lab work while helping steer development of the hospital’s growing Toxicology Lab facility. The Core Lab plays a crucial role at Nebraska Medicine, providing core diagnostic tests in the disciplines of hematology, coagulation, chemistry and urinalysis, assisting with diagnosis and monitoring of approximately 60 to 70 percent of the hospital’s patients. “You have to be aware that you are an important part of a healthcare system. If you don’t provide physicians their laboratory tests results, they are hampered in treating their patients. Our doctors expect morning results to be on the charts by 8 o’clock. ” “It’s not a sit-down job. It’s a fast-paced environment. It’s ‘stat.’ Many people couldn’t hack it. You’re constantly moving. We work in a small room, yet it’s nothing to put in 10,000 steps in one shift. You’re in the action, figuring things out. You’ve got phone calls; you’ve got things to locate. You’re a scientist, a retriever, an investigator. You are sort of a detective, finding the ‘Why?’ of things.
Although she is content in her current role, Jorgensen is confident her clinical training and experience, combined with her MBA skills and knowledge, will enable her to take the next career step, when the right opportunity knocks. This will hopefully be at Nebraska Medicine where they are eager to retain good talent. Meanwhile, she and her husband, Dane, who owns and operates a Yutan, Nebraska, excavation company, are enjoying their work, life, and raising their two sons, Rhett, 4, and Walker, 2.
Path to Healthcare Leader, Business Owner Began with Mid-Career Degree In a world where medical supplies are now more crucial than ever, Bellevue University alumnus Burdette Brown is right in the thick of it as director of supply chain operations at Northfield Hospital and Clinics in Minnesota, near the Minneapolis area. None of us were prepared for the way the world is going, but Brown’s education, experience and innovation have brought him to a place where he’s as prepared as possible. “Our hospital has outstanding leadership and we have been in front of this,” he said. “We continue to prepare and get ready to meet this challenge. As the leader of logistics in our incident command structure, we have a very good tracking system in place, and have our supplies locked down.” “Our process for delivery is very solid and can withstand the pressures ahead of us. Although we do not know how long this will last, we feel we are set to sustain longer because of our processes” How did they get to such a solid place? It all began with learning, applying that knowledge and evolving along the way. Mastering the Skills Brown had experience as director of supply chain in a few smaller hospitals where a four-year degree was desired, but not required. He had already learned a lot through his peers, as well as trial and error, but wanted to push his knowledge and career potential to the next level
my schedule. BU gave me an excellent degree, it was very affordable, and although it took some getting into a new routine, it worked perfectly with my schedule!” Improving Healthcare Logistics Brown credits his program instructor, Professor Patrick Ruddy, for helping him build on the knowledge he’d already acquired on the job.
of my staff walking around to each area of the hospital to see what needs to be replenished, Phil is able to do this through our technology.” The cloud-based system also gathers the empty bins (electronically) and creates a report to help staff navigate the storeroom without any backtracking. This helps get needed supplies to departments more efficiently.
“He pushed me to broaden my mind, to think more globally and to get out of my comfort zone on how I saw supply chain and logistics,” he said. “With his help, I now look at more than just how supply chain and logistics impact my hospital. I now look at how it starts with the raw material, and ends up in the hands of doctors and nurses to make the difference in what they do they do. Because of this, my hospital is better prepared for COVID-19.”
The system has also had an impressive, unintended benefit — in the face of COVID-19, supplies can be delivered with no contact.
In looking past his own regional distribution chain, Brown saw the impact of a shortage of sterile gowns. He knew this could cause problems far beyond gowns, and that taught him how to prepare his hospital for the “what ifs.”
Passing On the Knowledge Word spread about the impact Phil could have on healthcare, and Brown was happy to share his findings. He has since spoken at several conferences around the country for hospital leaders.
Creating New Solutions Not long after completing his degree, Brown was working at Central Iowa Healthcare, which filed bankruptcy and many people lost their jobs.
“It has given me an opportunity to share my story about Phil, but more importantly, the journey I have been on since graduating from BU,” he said. “My life has changed more than I could have ever anticipated because of what professor Ruddy and BU have done for me.”
”I decided when I left, I needed to find a way to reduce costs in the supply chain in a new way,” he said.
It was somewhat daunting returning to school in his late 40s, but Brown did it. After completing his associate’s degree at a community college, he found the online Supply Chain, Transportation and Logistics Management program.
Working with a developer, and implementing RFID and intelligent automation, he sought to create an automated supply system at Northfield that built upon two-bin systems he’d already created in three hospitals. Phil My Bin, LLC was the result.
“I looked at every opportunity I could find,” he said. “I wanted to have a degree, wanted to be able to afford the school and I wanted it to work with
“Phil can reduce up to 48% of distribution costs by eliminating staff travel and computer time,” Brown said. “Instead
“We are able to keep our staff 100% out of these areas,” Brown said. “We allow Phil to let us know what is in need of replenishment, we pull the product and deliver to the front door of each area. For now, distancing is huge and we are able to do so.”
In addition to during his speaking engagements, Brown highly recommends BU to anyone looking to make a life change. “The university treats every student like they are the most important student,” Brown said. “Also, when times were tough and some classes were difficult, I could pick up the phone or send an email to my instructor, and would receive the support I needed to succeed. College is meant to stretch your knowledge and with BU, mission accomplished!”
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ESSENTIAL ROLE OF DATA SCIENTISTS ON DISPLAY DURING NORMAL AND NOT-SO-NORMAL TIMES NEW BELLEVUE UNIVERSITY DEGREE PREPARES GRADUATES TO ANALYZE, TRANSFORM DATA INTO ACTIONABLE SOLUTIONS Although data science might not sound like something that’s “essential” to your life, chances are you’re relying on it daily. That’s because almost as fast as data about the COVID-19 outbreak has become available, it’s being aggregated, analyzed and visualized by data scientists to tell a story that matters to citizens in countries all over the globe. In fact, according to ZDNet, a leading business technology news site, the novel coronavirus outbreak and COVID-19 outbreak data set may be the most visualized ever. Preparing data scientists with applied expertise is the role of Bellevue Unvierstiy’s new 100% online BS in Data Science. Talented data scientists will continue to serve as the critical link between the “big data” that exists in healthcare and other industries like retail, banking and manufacturing, and the rest of us. “Today’s organizations are absolutely inundated with data,” Dr. Mary Hawkins, President of Bellevue University, said. “But data doesn’t have value unless businesses have skilled employees who are able to provide the kind of insights that turn that data into better decisions and strategies.” Catie Williams, Program Director for Bellevue University’s new undergraduate data science degree agreed. “The COVID-19 pandemic is a great example of a current issue that the field of data science could help,” she said.
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Business and industry aren’t the only ones to benefit from data science techniques. Consumers do, as well, said Williams, who also works in a senior data and analytics role at InEight, a Kiewit-owned company. As proof, she cites a metric known as the “Waffle House index” that the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) uses to determine how much destruction a hurricane has left in its wake to adjust the agency’s disaster response. Another example of data science in action are the “flatten the curve” graphics that have been widely shared via social and news media.
“I love seeing when someone realizes that the standards, the business process, the data collection, the need for integrated information, is all worth it.” “It would be harder to understand the impact (of COVID-19) if a visual like the curve of predicted cases wasn’t being circulated,” Williams said. “However, the challenge most are going to face right now is seeing lots of varying images, articles, statistics, and not knowing where the right information is coming from.”
The answer to all of the noise? Reliable data that provides context and meaning. Achieving that standard of quality takes “graduates who know how to analyze data, manage it at scale, and transform it into a powerful tool,” Dr. Mary Dobransky, Dean of BU’s College of Science and Technology, said. Those skills are in demand according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, which projects that jobs for computer and information research scientists will increase 19% by 2026. Fortunately, in BU’s 100% online degree program, “students can expect to learn information and skills that can be immediately used when they start a job,” Dr. Dobransky added, “conducting research, using project management methodologies, creating algorithms and doing programming.using tools like Python and SQL.” But, for Williams, a North Omaha native who became the first in her family to earn a college degree, the most gratifying aspect of the data science field is simply what she describes as the “light bulb” moment. “I love seeing when someone realizes that the standards, the business process, the data collection, the need for integrated information, is all worth it,” Williams said. Visit https://www.bellevue.edu/degrees/ bachelor/datascience-bs/ for more information.
Data Science Program Director Catie Williams says businesses and consumers both benefit from data science techniques.
AROUND CAMPUS
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LIGHT IT BLUE Bellevue University participated in the “Light It Blue” campaign in April to show support and gratitude for healthcare workers, first responders and other essential workers. The John B. Muller Administrative Services Building, 812 Bruin Blvd., was illuminated in bright blue lights April 13-30. The building’s exterior lights are typically lit purple as a representation of the Bellevue University brand. The #LightItBlue campaign was a nationwide effort to show support for essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Bellevue University joined many other organizations across the country in showing support for healthcare professionals and first responders by coloring our Administrative Services Building blue,” Becky Frerck, Assistant Creative Director of Creative Services at Bellevue University, said. “We recognize that in addition to the heroes working the front lines, there are many others working tirelessly to keep our community and our country running. We acknowledge and appreciate their service and sacrifice, as well.”
LOZIER PROFESSIONAL CENTER RENOVATIONS “The recent renovations and updates to our Lozier Professional Center make it an ideal space for corporate meetings, training events and gatherings for small and mid-size groups,” said Lisa Cuevas-Jorgensen, Senior Director for Community Initiatives. Renovations in the 22,000 square foot building include updated technology that allows audiences across distances to connect, revamped meeting rooms and classroom space that can accommodate up to 64 attendees, remodeled common areas for small groups and networking events, and more. This also includes a new art piece, located near the entryway and titled “Starburst,” by alumnus Carl Weiss of Weiss Studios. “We look forward to continuing to support our students, the community, our partners, and organizations in the metro area through our west Omaha campus,” said Cuevas-Jorgensen. Information about the renovated space, space rental and reservation is available by emailing EventsSupport@bellevue.edu.
KONIKOFF DEFEATS CANCER, TAKES ON DOCTORATE PROGRAM Bellevue University instructor Beth Konikoff has a wide range of experience to share with her classes, including high-level marketing positions, more than a decade in higher education and defeating cancer three times. Despite all this, she’s not slowing down, she’s still learning and growing, pursuing the Bellevue University 100% online Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA). Multi-Industry Experience Konikoff worked in marketing for many years, holding director positions at Borders Books and Music, Michigan Jewish Institute and Advisicon. She currently serves as Volunteer Coordinator and is responsible for educational programming at UCHealth Memorial Hospital in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Day to day, Konikoff is also a full-time online faculty member and program specialist in the Bellevue University College of Continuing and Professional Education. She has been with the university since 2009. Acquiring Knowledge She Can Apply A doctorate has been a goal of Konikoff’s for many years. “I want to bring my marketing and business expertise to the healthcare environment,” she said. DBA program director Dr. Julia Cronin-Gilmore said Konikoff is just the kind of student the DBA serves: “individuals who want to lead their organizations, and aspire to influence persons, organizations and communities through positive and ethical leadership informed by scholarly and applied knowledge. The program values integrity, scholarship, inclusion, rigor, and awareness.”
Konikoff said she chose the DBA because she could complete the degree in three years, with no on-campus requirement. She said she was also attracted to the broadness of the degree, knowing that it could apply to a number of areas: business administration, marketing, finance, and more. “I like to explain it as 3.2.1, which is three years from start to finish; two-week breaks between courses; one doctoral project focused on solving an organizational or societal problem,” Dr. Cronin-Gilmore said. “Our mission is to develop and inspire ethical business leaders who recognize, respond, and resolve business and societal challenges for a better future.” Though Konikoff is just a couple months into her program, she already sees that the program is what she expected and that she’s able to apply what she’s learning to her career. “I am enjoying the student and professor interaction. The feedback from all the professors so far has been detailed and applicable,” she said. “There is a clear academic focus, as well, which is fun to be back into. I would recommend it to others because there are no surprises, which I have seen fellow doctoral candidates struggle with.” Balancing Life, Work and School Konikoff says balance is key to success. “It requires planning, managing around projects (both academic and home-based) and ensuring everything
“It certainly takes a village (or in my case an entire country!), but keep going forward. Move the obstacles in your way and go where you want to go.”
has enough time to thrive.” She also says taking some downtime is important. She’s not new to overcoming big obstacles though. As a three-time cancer survivor, she’s gained a lot of resilience. “The lesson here is to get back up after each incident,” she said. “I think of my interaction with the disease as chapters in a book (not my favorite chapters by the way!). But there is so much more to the story. So get through the (bad) chapter as quickly as you can so you can get back to the good stuff.” Konikoff says she is grateful for the relationships and people around her. “It certainly takes a village (or in my case an entire country!), but keep going forward. Move the obstacles in your way and go where you want to go.” She’s doing just that. Konikoff plans to complete her doctorate degree program in March of 2023.
UNEXPECTED PATH LEADS TO HIGHER PURPOSE
Gatlat Toang has seen a lot of unexpected turns in his young life. A recent Bellevue University alumnus, he now serves a pivotal role in which he mentors refugee middle and high school students and works with the Omaha Police Department Gang Unit to reach at-risk youth. Toang had no idea this is where he’d end up. “This found me,” he said. Humble Beginnings As a child, Toang moved with his family to Des Moines, Iowa, as a refugee from South Sudan. Thanks to positive mentors and a love of basketball, he was able to avoid the dangers that sometimes come for South Sudanese refugees in America, including joining gangs. He said this happens, in part, because the children are struggling to figure out local culture while their parents work crazy hours to build a good life in the U.S. “I could’ve gone the wrong way without mentors,” he said. Building on this, he earned a scholarship at Grace University in Omaha. He moved to Nebraska and began playing basketball and studying at the school. A Fork in the Road When Grace University closed in 2018, Toang had to come up with a new plan. “Bellevue University came through,” he said. Toang was able to complete his Bachelor of Science in Communication, without prolonging his educational career. He did this by completing his studies online. At first, he wasn’t sure if online education was for him, but it turned out to be a good experience. In particular, he enjoyed the flexibility it provided for completing coursework on his own schedule. Toang graduated in June, 2019. After graduation, Toang was thinking about joining the military, but again life had another plan for him. An acquaintance thought he’d be perfect for his current role, in which he mentors kids from the Omaha South Sudanese community in their schools, and reports to the Omaha Police Department on his progress and the concerns of the local South Sudanese community. He accepted and hasn’t looked back.
“The best part is seeing kids eager and wanting to learn. That leaves you knowing you’ve helped.” Mentoring the Next Generation Toang now spends his days helping children the way mentors helped him. “Some of these kids don’t have the opportunity to see that they could do things differently,” he said. “I’ve found a way to give back to the community.” He works with the kids one-on-one and in small groups at schools, community organizations and detention centers, helping them work through any issues they may be facing. Though this isn’t the path he expected, his communication degree has helped him in the role. “I’m able to communicate well, so I can help bridge the gap between a child, the parents and the school. I can help clear up any miscommunication,” he said. “The best part is seeing kids eager and wanting to learn. That leaves you knowing you’ve helped.”
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CAREER CHANGE FUELS JENSEN’S LIFELONG PASSION
Transitioning to a second career is a big decision that takes dedication, hard work and determination. Many might assume the only reason to take this leap is to leave an unsatisfying career. For Marissa Jensen, however, it was the next big step in living out her passion, and the change ultimately led to her dream career. In the years after completing her Bachelor of Science at Bellevue University in 2016, Jensen joined Pheasants Forever & Quail Forever and was promoted to the organization’s Education and Outreach Program Manager in September 2019. Taking on a Career Change Before attending Bellevue University, Jensen had already worked hard to thrive in a career she loved. As a licensed veterinary technician, she worked in emergency animal medicine. “I always really enjoyed the fast pace of emergency and critical care medicine, forcing you to make important decisions on your feet,” she said. “Although I loved that career, I’d wanted to work in conservation my entire life, to be an advocate for wildlife and the environment.” Jensen has been drawn to nature since childhood. “I always wanted to save the world,” she said. As a child, this meant things like helping her father and grandfather in their garden, watching monarch butterflies and picking up trash on the side of the road. “It’s just been a part of who I am.” She made the decision to pursue her passion for conservation by going back to school to complete a degree in biology. Choosing the Right School A native of Omaha, Neb., Jensen began looking at schools in her area and found that Bellevue University was the only one that would accept the credits from veterinary associate’s degree. “I worked full time during my studies, and am also a parent, so it meant a lot to be able to utilize credits that I had already worked so hard for,” she said. “I also really enjoyed the smaller classrooms and more intimate experience that Bellevue University provided.” Jensen also received a scholarship, which she said helped her focus more on her studies and less on finances. “I never doubt the decision I made to attend Bellevue University; it was a tremendous experience.”
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BELLEVUE UNIVERSITY STAYS C THIS IS COURTNEY’S STORY I’m finishing my bachelor’s degree in Professional Psychology at Bellevue University and it has been an amazing experience. In 2015, I lost my first daughter at four months of age. After witnessing first-hand the adversities families face when having a child who has medical challenges, I felt led to help others. In my 31 years I have overcome many obstacles but losing a child was the hardest. I feel I can relate to those who are fighting for the things their loved ones need to survive on a professional and personal level. I chose a degree in Professional Psychology because it puts me on the path to become a medical social worker. In order to help others in crisis situations, I need to understand how experiences throughout a person’s life affect who they are today. I actually graduated from Pellissippi State Community College in Knoxville, TN, where I met a lady named Billie Jo Norton. Billie is an academic specialist for Bellevue University stationed at Pellissippi
State CC. After talking with her about my goals and my struggle with being a full-time mom, fighting for my daughter’s healthcare and trying to reach my academic goals, she told me about Bellevue University’s accelerated online cohorts. I found that the programs fit perfectly with my complex schedule. I also took the time to research Bellevue University’s accreditation and was very impressed by all that they offer. Having all of my credits transfer was a huge plus. I was beyond excited and thankful that all of the hard work I invested in my associate degree would be counted toward my bachelor’s degree. As a non-traditional student and a full-time mother, this meant so much to me. Surround yourself with people who will motivate and push you. I have learned that the company you keep truly impacts your present and future. Staying engaged in my community through church and community activities has helped keep me focused, too.
THIS IS DEBBIE’ S STORY I recently earned my bachelor’s degree in Management of Human Resources from Bellevue University. I have been in management for 27 years. I dealt with some human resource tasks as a manager, especially recruiting. Working with our corporate office, on other human resource issues, I always thought it was very interesting but my role wasn’t specified for HR, and neither was my associate degree. I decided to earn my bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, and I was looking for an online university that would accept all of my credits so I could smoothly transfer the associate degree I earned at Metropolitan Community College (Nebraska). As a widowed single mom, I was working two jobs and raising my two boys. Bellevue University was the
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perfect fit for my continued education – they made earning my degree online very flexible with my schedule. Everyone at Bellevue University made my transition very smooth from start to finish. My interest after going through the Management of Human Resources program is in compensation and benefits. I love helping people and want to see people succeed at their jobs and human resources is a good fit for me. This was the best decision I have ever made. I got through it thanks to a really good friend of mine for pushing me, support from my family, and my faith in God and a lot of praying. My advice for those who are afraid to go back to school – don’t be! In the end, you will be rewarded for your hard work and education. “There is no place like hope.”
CONNECTED
#BUCares This is part of an ongoing social media series highlighting how Bellevue University employees are helping their communities.
THIS IS ABHIMANYU’S STORY
Sara Fishbane, Bellevue University Relationship Manager for Tarrant County College, recently volunteered at the Tarrant Area Food Bank in Forth Worth, TX. Tarrant County College has partnered with the Food Bank to serve the community once a month at the College’s Community Food Market. Awesome job, Sara! #BUCares #BUCares!! Megan Comstock is the Bellevue University Relationship Manager for our community college partner SUNY Broome Community College in New York. Megan worked with her mom to cut and sew DIY fabric masks for their local hospital system – United Health Services – in Broome County. Megan says, "Thanks for the support from Bellevue University in volunteering my time to local COVID-19 efforts!"
I came to Bellevue University as an international student. I graduated with a Master of Science in Computer Information Systems, finishing the two-year program in a little over a year with a 4.0. I got hired before graduation as a software engineer – my dream job – in New York City! I came to America from India. My parents in India always instilled in me how important quality higher education is to reach your goals. Bellevue University was a natural choice for me because I could take all the courses I was interested in at my own pace since I wanted to graduate early. I knew from my previous conversations with alumni that it’s a solid choice for international students. I found international students at Bellevue University through Bellevue University’s Facebook and LinkedIn pages. It did turn out to be a great choice as I was able to learn from some great professors and fine-tune my software engineering skills. As a software engineer, I’m developing software applications in a cloud-based environment that help my company’s clients manage high volume projects efficiently. I typically work with technical architects from my own team as well as with my clients to find the best possible solutions for their needs and how to build them. My advice to those thinking about earning their degree is to always keep an eye on the long term goal and make the best of all the resources available to you! If you’d like to be featured on Bellevue University’s social media channels, please email socialmedia@bellevue.edu
Ashley Weiss is the Bellevue University Relationship Manager at Mott Community College in Michigan. She recently donated blood! All proper social distancing protocols set by the state of Michigan were followed. Blood donations are still needed everywhere – even with state lockdowns. John Motley, Bellevue University Relationship Manager for Forsyth Tech Community College, volunteered with his church Center Grove Baptist Church in Winston-Salem, NC for an outreach event. He helped assemble bags of bottled water, toilet paper, various snacks, coloring pages and crayons for kids, and a letter to let the community know that they are not alone during the uncertain time of Covid-19.
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BELLEVUE UNIVERSITY MARKETING STUDENTS WIN AMA AWARDS Bellevue University Master of Science in Strategic Marketing students swept the student category at the 2020 American Marketing Association (AMA) – Omaha Pinnacle Awards held via Zoom Monday, June 29. •
Sarah Baggett took home the Pinnacle Award for her project on Food Experiences and their Impact on Vacation Travel Decisions.
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Lisa Wilson won the Gold Citation for her Orange Blossom Photography E-Marketing Plan.
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Lindsey Ciurej won the Silver Citation for her Impact of Social Media Advertising on Purchasing Habits Research Report.
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Gregory Brown won the Bronze Citation for his Movie Theater Subscription Marketing Plan.
Under the direction of Dr. Julia Cronin-Gilmore, Professor in the College of Business, Bellevue University students have submitted work for consideration by AMA-Omaha for the past 16 years. “We are proud of our Bellevue University students who receive awards each year,” Dr. Cronin-Gilmore said. “Some years the competition can be pretty tough, which makes for stronger programming in our marketing courses.” All winners were from the MSMK program. Baggett, Ciurej and Brown are part of a cohort taught by Dr. CroninGilmore and Wilson was part of a class taught by Assistant Professor Randa Zalman.
