Western Nebraska Community College is excited to announce a new partnership with Bellevue University, a four-year institution that offers bachelor's and post graduate degrees. Starting this fall semester, Bellevue University will offer classes on the WNCC Scottsbluff Campus.
WNCC President Dr. Todd Holcomb stated, "I knew of Bellevue's success and solid reputation before I even moved to Nebraska. Now, I can say from experience that Bellevue is indeed a first-class higher education institution."
Partnering with Bellevue compliments WNCC's mission of assuring learning opportunities for all throughout western Nebraska. Further, one of the College's strategic plan initiatives is to advance the degree opportunities for working adults, a demographic to which Bellevue caters.
"Online courses help us reach some audiences, but there will always be people who prefer to attend courses in a classroom and meet with faculty face-to-face. BU brings that four-year opportunity to the greater Scottsbluff/Gering area," said Dr. Holcomb.
"Other community colleges in Nebraska love the relationship they share with Bellevue University, and I am pleased to usher in this partnership between Bellevue and WNCC," added Dr. Holcomb. "As I see it, there are three major benefits to the College - significant cost savings to our students because they can attend WNCC for three years, instead of two, and transfer those credits to Bellevue to complete a bachelor's degree; new and convenient educational opportunities for College faculty and staff; and additional income potential for our own faculty who chose to instruct with BU in addition to their commitment to WNCC's students."
Bellevue recently hired Mell Cooper to serve all of western Nebraska as a Community College Outreach Manager. In this capacity, Cooper will work to attract students to Bellevue, as well as faculty to teach bachelor, masters, and PhD level courses.
As a welcome reception and open house, Bellevue University hosts a Scottsbluff/Gering United Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 2 in the John N. Harms Advanced Technology Center. The public is welcome to attend and learn more about the University's offerings and new commitment to western Nebraska. Appetizers and refreshments will be served. Formal remarks by Bellevue President Dr. Mary Hawkins and Dr. Holcomb will commence at 5:15 p.m.
Bellevue University is a widespread community of motivated students and innovative educators. Founded in 1966, Bellevue University is a private, non-profit, regionally accredited institution with a beautiful 46-acre campus in Bellevue, Nebraska. Bellevue University serves more than 16,000 students annually at a total of ten locations in three states -- and everywhere online.
Bellevue University's passion is to make it possible for people of all backgrounds to access affordable, high quality education so they can thrive in an ever-changing, connected world. Students choose from a wide variety of undergraduate majors, graduate majors or a Ph.D. in Human Capital Management. And, with Bellevue's liberal credit transfer policy and accelerated learning choices, individuals can earn their degree -- even with the challenges of an already busy life. Bellevue University is also one of the leading national voices in corporate learning. The University partners with global organizations to help them achieve their learning objectives with impactful programs.
Here are a few examples of how Bellevue University has been recognized for its innovation and leadership role in higher education:
- Ranked in the top 10 in the 2013 U.S. News and World Report Best Online Bachelor's Programs survey
- Designated a National Center of Academic Excellence by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security
- GI Jobs Military Friendly School
- ONLY accredited university to win a Corporate University Best in Class (CUBIC) award twice
- Human Capital Lab named a Learning Leader by Bersin and Associates in the 2010 competition
- Only accredited university to win Chief Learning Officer's GOLD Award for Excellence in Academic Partnerships
For more information, contact Terry Gaalswyk, WNCC vice president of educational services, at 308.635.6103 or Cooper at 308.635.6772 or mell.cooper@bellevue.edu.