Education that is Relevant
I often find it concerning when I hear discussions suggesting that a college education is losing its value. Some individuals in our society believe that earning a college degree is no longer essential. While it is true that certain careers do not require a college degree, this does not diminish the importance of education. I propose three key reasons why education remains crucial: The dire need in the workforce for strong skills in communication, critical thinking, and leadership.
- Communication is the cornerstone of effective collaboration. In any organization, poor communication from both leaders and team members can hinder productivity, create tension, and negatively impact overall organizational behavior. On the contrary, great communication can bolster productivity, alleviate tension and positively impact organizational behavior.
- Critical thinking empowers individuals to analyze and evaluate information, making informed judgments based on evidence. It encourages us to question our assumptions and prevents us from blindly accepting the conclusions or arguments of others.
- Leadership is deeply rooted in strong communication and critical thinking skills. Effective leaders must be able to convey their vision clearly and apply critical thinking to make sound decisions.
Going back to school was something I always wanted to do. I knew it was going to be online because of my work schedule. Bellevue University also kept coming up with the best transfer credit opportunities. They worked with me, took my credits, and most of my textbooks were electronic. Every semester I could find out what scholarship I was eligible for and that really reduced the financial burden. I got a great value out of the money I was paying.
These elements—communication, critical thinking, and leadership are vital skills that a well-rounded Bellevue University education fosters, underscoring its enduring value.
No matter where you are in life, Bellevue University offers relevant programs, from certificates of completion to doctoral programs. We equip you with the educational tools necessary to move forward with your career. Our charge is to help you become the person and employee you strive to be.
From the Director's Desk
Stan Hawkins attended the University of Central Missouri as a student-athlete and went on to earn a B.S. in Management from National American University and an A.A.S. in Communications from the Community College of the Air Force. In 1990, Stan joined the United States Air Force and worked in USSTRATCOM, AFSOC, CENTAF, the NSA, and DIA. He retired from the USAF in 2010 as an Electronic Intelligence/Information warfare/Psychological Operations analyst. After retirement, Stan spent a year working for Lockheed Martin as a satellite payload operator/intelligence analyst at Buckley AFB, Colo. Stan began working in higher education in 2011 at National American University as a Director of Admissions. He joined Bellevue University in 2020 as Assistant Director of Military Programs and became Director of Government Operations in 2021. He oversees Bellevue's Military Programs as part of the Strategic Partnerships portfolio of key markets at the University. He was also named a member of the board of directors in 2023 of New Visions Homeless Services, which serves the homeless and hungry of the Council Bluffs and Omaha area.
* Degree-seeking active-duty members of the U.S. Military, National Guard, Reserve, and Coast Guard, and their spouses, with proof of status, are eligible for a special tuition rate of $250 per credit hour for all undergraduate, certificate, and certificate of completion programs as they work towards their degree. Not able to be combined with other special rates, Guild or Campus@Work funding.
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