Bellevue University’s partnership with Centris Federal Credit Union through the development of the CentrisUp Leadership Development Program has had a profound impact on the Omaha-based financial institution. For proof, look no further than the stories of Centris employees who have graduated from the program.
“The biggest ‘wow factor’ for me was being able to get to know and collaborate with my peers while working through the content – it was invaluable,” said Michelle Vybiral, Centris Assistant Vice President, Strategic Risk Management. “It has really helped me develop and strengthen my relationships here.”
Bradley Schwenke, Financial Sales Manager, graduated from the program in 2020 during the height of COVID, when workplace collaboration and connection was challenging.
“But because of this program we were able to learn new strategies regarding communication, building a team and leadership. The most valuable takeaways were the materials surrounding emotional intelligence/awareness and being able to put those new skills into practice right away with group activities and discussions,” Schwenke said.
Consisting of 10 hands-on courses taught over 10 months, CentrisUp participants master essential management skills such as problem-solving and effective decision-making. They learn how to effectively offer and receive feedback, as well as how to improve the performance and productivity of their teams. Courses include Dare to Lead: Empowering Results and Mindfulness; Strategies for Effective Conflict Management and Collaboration; and Inside the Business Machine – Navigating Operations.
The College of Business plays a crucial role in this partnership. Associate Professor Angela Longe and Professor Mike Freel teach courses, as do adjunct instructor Adam Haynes and College of Business alum Nicole Winkler. Assistant Professor Kristina Faimon from the College of Arts and Sciences also teaches, and Debbie Brown from the University’s Corporate Learning Services department serves as Key Account Manager.
The University and Centris launched the program in 2019. Centris had identified a need to develop its organization’s future leaders and partnered with the University to develop a curriculum that aligned with its values and goals.
“It’s really helped us provide a culture of career growth,” said Centris Chief Experience Officer Ann Helm. “Now when someone wants to stay here at Centris as a career, they don’t feel as if they’ve topped out or leveled out. There is a path. We can invest in them and prepare for their future for when that next opportunity comes.”
“Because of programs like CentrisUp, we’re able to develop that bench strength in-house for those next leadership opportunities that come along,” added Centris Learning & Development Manager Robin Fredieu.