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A Message from Dean Rebecca Murdock
Bellevue University was built on a bedrock of innovative leadership. We can trace it back to June 1965, when Bill Brooks and other members of the local chamber of commerce decided to start a college that catered to the learning needs of working adults – a model nearly unheard of at the time for four-year institutions. Our legacy of leadership continued in 1994, when we first offered a master’s degree in leadership – believed to be the first of its kind. That program is now the Master of Science in Organizational Leadership, offered through the College of Business. It remains among the most innovative of its kind, with an evolving curriculum that reflects the changing nature of leadership in our society.
With so much expertise to draw on – from faculty, administrators, advisory board members, alumni and current students – it seemed natural to focus on the topic of leadership for this issue of Innovating Business.
We feature the MS in Organizational Leadership and Professor Stephen Linenberger, who in 1996 was part of the second cohort of students to graduate from Bellevue University with a master’s degree in leadership. We talk to three members of the College of Business Advisory Board, a group of leaders who play an integral role in the infusion of relevant leadership content into all our degree programs. A roundtable of college faculty and administrators weigh in on how we prepare students to be leaders in their organizations, no matter what their degree program or industry. And of course, we feature alumni and students who share how they’re making a difference with the leadership knowledge and skills they learned through their College of Business coursework.
We know leadership isn’t a new topic of discussion in the world of business. But at the College of Business, we’re always finding new ways to talk about it.
And if you want to discuss anything about the College of Business, my door is always open, as is my inbox. Contact me.
P.S. We’d love to hear the story about your College of Business experience and where that’s led you today. It’s stories like yours that inspire others and continue to strengthen our college community. Please take a few minutes and fill out this form so we can spread the word about you and your accomplishments – you’ve earned it.
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COB draws on leadership expertise of Advisory Board members.
Margie Huff, director of human resources at ALFF ConstructionBellevue University’s Master of Science in Organizational Leadership remains relevant and cutting-edge with its focus on the evolving nature of leadership, which emphasizes transparency, open communication and relationship-building.
It’s no surprise the program’s curriculum mirrors what members of the College of Business Advisory Board – which plays a major role in the development of all COB programs – see as leadership trends within their own organizations and across all industries.
“As the workforce evolves so does the way leaders need to lead – through healthy and positive relationships,” said Margie Huff, director of human resources at ALFF Construction. “I believe leadership is transforming into employees having a relationship with work, versus work being viewed as being a contract.”
Advisory Board member Marsha Graesser said her organization, WoodmenLife, has experienced a similar evolution in how it views leadership. “Decision-making, collaboration and transparency are now represented in our leadership and individual contributor competencies. And I would say the most important is transparency,” said Graesser, who is WoodmenLife’s director of talent development and culture.
Advisory Board member Rodney Rahl, marketing technology strategist at NFM, said modern organizations are witnessing a departure from traditional corporate hierarchies toward a model that values partnership and collaborative leadership.
“The old ‘I’m the boss’ mentality is fading, replaced by a collective spirit of ‘we’re in this together, and we’ll succeed as a team,’” Rahl said. “This transition hasn’t been smooth for everyone, especially managers accustomed to traditional methods.”
Graduates of the MS in Organizational Leadership are well prepared for this new reality.“The university does a great job reaching out to leaders in the community to understand what we are looking for in leaders and building curriculum around those needs,” Huff said.
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The first of its kind, leadership master’s degree still one-of-a-kind after 30 years.
Professor Stephen Linenberger, director of the Organizational Leadership programBellevue University is believed to be the first postsecondary institution to offer a master’s-level degree in leadership, back in 1994. Thirty years later, the university’s Master of Science in Organizational Leadership, offered through the College of Business, continues to be an innovative force in the field of leadership studies.
In fact, most schools are still catching up to Bellevue University and its focus from day one on the real-world application of leadership theories.
“The field has been predominantly theory-based, and most of these theories tend to be leader-centric and imply that followers are deficient in some way and needed leaders to set things in motion for them. But now leadership education and research is starting to focus on how leadership processes play out in organizations; beyond individual leader traits and behaviors,” said Professor Stephen Linenberger, who directs the Organizational Leadership program.
Linenberger has been affiliated with the university’s leadership program for nearly all of its existence. He graduated with his master’s in leadership in 1996 as part of the program’s second cohort of students. After teaching briefly as an adjunct, he’s been a full-time faculty member for 23 years.
Over the past 30 years, the program has been housed in other colleges at the university, but Linenberger believes it’s found the perfect home in the College of Business. Simply put, business leaders need this education the most, he said. That said, he’s quick to add that every organization needs strong leadership.
“It’s a master’s in organizational leadership, and I always say that – for the purpose of our program – ‘organization’ encompasses everything from families to the White House.”
Leadership Studies in general have shifted from teaching what are believed to be the necessary personality traits to an emphasis on leadership as a process and not a person. For example, what does communication look like within an organization? What’s the tone of the emails? What are the day-to-day details? How do people collaborate? And perhaps most importantly, what’s the level of “workplace democracy?”
“Workplace democracy, I think that’s the real indicator of whether or not there is effective leadership. In other words, how much collective direction, alignment and commitment is there within an organization,” Linenberger said. “That’s a big change from the old ‘leader-follower-goal paradigm,’ which was the lens for understanding leadership when I first started teaching. Now, our curriculum emphasizes the importance of collective direction, alignment and commitment in the leadership process.“I’m proud to say that I think our leadership curriculum on the cutting edge of leadership education,” he said.
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Alums, students apply leadership skills learned across multiple programs.
Avi TenenbaumThe College of Business intentionally embeds leadership instruction into all its programs, not just its Master of Science in Organizational Leadership. Graduates of programs from across the college, working in a variety of industries, point to leadership principles and skills they learned at Bellevue University as vital to their professional and personal growth.
Samantha Stadel has worked for a global financial technology company for more than a decade. As she began to advance through the organization, she noticed that leadership roles were abundant – but just out of reach, in large part because she lacked a degree that armed her with the skills and knowledge necessary to take the next step in her career.
So, Stadel earned her Master of Science in Organizational Leadership in 2021. What she learned has allowed her to grow as a leader and make a meaningful impact at work. She points specifically to courses that focused on strategic decision-making, conflict resolution, team dynamics and organizational behavior.
“This helps me to inspire and motivate the teams I support, foster innovation and drive positive change within the organization,” Stadel said. “The program makes connections that really help foster a deeper understanding of how to apply leadership principles specific to your role. It was helpful to see how these principles and theories applied to other roles and the need for continued learning in order to adapt to new challenges and the ever-evolving nature of the organization I support.”
Avi Tenenbaum operates a company that provides crisis training in psychological first aid to first responders and psychologists around the world. He’s helped people coping in the wake of numerous large-scale disasters and wars, including the Second Lebanon War, Hurricane Harvey, the Pittsburg Tree-of-Life massacre and the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
No matter what the situation, effective leadership is vital. That’s why in 2022, acting on the recommendation of numerous colleagues, Tenenbaum earned his Master of Science in Educational Leadership through the College of Business. The program is part of a long-standing Bellevue University partnership with Yeshiva Initiatives Educational Programs, which allows Orthodox Jews to continue their education in an environment that does not conflict with their lifestyle demands and cultural customs.
Tenenbaum has extensive experience in social work, emergency medicine, law enforcement and disaster management, but he said nothing has proven to be more important to his career than the leadership concepts he learned through Bellevue University.
“The construct of leadership is so multi-faceted and at the base of every effort during chaos and crisis, when leadership is especially needed and scarce,” Tenenbaum said. “Using the concepts learned in this program I have repeatedly been able to effectively bring people together in complex situations to create safety and well-being for survivors of tragedy and disaster, as well as help my trainees study better about how to navigate crisis before a disaster strikes.”
Michael Pfeiffer is immersed in the digital world as a technology product manager, but as a student in the Master of Business Administration program, he’s learned leadership principles that span time and industries.
“Some may feel we live in unprecedented times,” said Pfeiffer, who’s pursuing a concentration in Cybersecurity. “But disruption is not unique to the digital era, and the classes in the MBA program present a time-tested framework for not only navigating uncertainty but leading others through it as well.”
He credits his College of Business professors for teaching him the “soft skills” necessary to effectively lead, not just the technical knowledge specific to his field.
“Thanks to this program, I’ve learned the interpersonal skills needed to communicate my insights to others with confidence,” Pfeiffer said.
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COB roundtable: How we teach leadership.
Joe Kirby, Assistant ProfessorWe asked a roundtable of College of Business professors and administrators for their thoughts on trends in leadership instruction and how the college prepares students to be successful leaders.
How is the topic of leadership embedded into all College of Business programs?
Sharon Rea, Assistant Dean: “Leadership is addressed using a variety of methods, but I think the overall message is the same: leadership is required throughout a student’s academic career, as well as an employee’s professional career. We are incorporating experiential learning into all COB programs as much as possible, so students are given the opportunity to observe how leaders can be successful and how leaders sometimes fail to lead. Students are also given the opportunity to practice the skills that are being developed through real-life scenarios and projects. Students learn that they don’t need to be manager in the typical sense to be a good leader.”
How do you see that evolving in the future?
Jane Schaefer, Assistant Dean: “I see the need for emotional intelligence development to impact future leadership programming. In addition to leaders being lifelong learners, leaders must learn how to be coaches. The rapid growth of generative AI will both shape and be shaped by leadership roles in all industries. Cultural diversity will become even more centric in effective leadership practices.”
Joe Kirby, Assistant Professor and Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Program Director: “Unfortunately, there is no shortage of opportunities to study high-profile scandals in business and leadership practices. A continued focus on ethics and corporate social responsibility will help to inform students of the demand for leaders who prioritize integrity, transparency and sustainability.”
How is the College of Business unique in how it teaches leadership?
Kevin Schieuer, Finance Professor: “Bellevue University and our College of Business are indeed unique in how we view and consequently teach leadership, as some core principles of business leadership and value creation are literally in the genesis and thus DNA of Bellevue University and our College of Business. The university was founded by our local chamber of commerce with an embedded commitment to be market-aware and market-driven, with the fundamental goal to provide value to our constituents and stakeholders in the marketplace. Our creation was based on core ideas of value-based decision-making and the implication that our services must create value for society. Our existence depends upon our commitment to successfully creating value to our stakeholders, and in particular the vast array of communities that we serve. This is inherently a leadership-driven mindset that is embedded in developing and delivering business education. Our curriculum must develop and inspire our stakeholders to be leaders in creating value in the marketplaces and communities they serve.”
Joe Kirby, Assistant Professor and Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Program Director: “One distinct feature is our commitment to integrating real-world experience into our learning environment. Many of our adjunct faculty members are industry professionals who bring valuable insight and firsthand experience from today’s work environment into our courses. The blend of academic rigor and practical expertise helps students bridge the gap from theory to real-life business.”
Sharon Rea, Assistant Dean: “The College of Business program directors and faculty recognize that leadership is not confined to a ‘superior figure-to-subordinate’ framework. Leadership can be practiced at any level of a relationship. Employees can be leaders to their co-workers. Students can be leaders to their peer group. Leadership can and should be shared among team members. Individual players have differing skills and passions, so when a situation calls for a different or new skillset, a new ‘leader’ can emerge from within a team. It’s with this mindset that the College of Business’s programs and courses are created.”
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Share your story!
Calling all alumni, students and partners, we want to hear the story of your experience with the College of Business! Complete this short, 5-minute form for a chance to be featured in future editions of the Innovating Business eNewsletter and Bellevue University’s social media accounts.
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A Message from Dean Rebecca Murdock
We place a strong emphasis on measuring positive student outcomes at Bellevue University, and that’s certainly true for the College of Business. Of all the metrics we monitor, sometimes the most rewarding are the stories we hear from our graduates. Their positive words offer further proof we’re on the right track. I often hear from graduates who express gratitude for their experience with the College of Business and it’s always a highlight of my day.
We try to feature as many of these stories as possible on the University’s website and social media channels – for example, the inspiring story of Sheena Bartlett, who recently earned her master’s degree in Human Resource Strategic Management and participated in our January commencement ceremony. Sheena completed her second master’s program while living with an inoperable brain tumor and four forms of epilepsy.
We also try to include as many success stories of College of Business alumni as possible in this newsletter. In recent editions we’ve featured graduates who are now inspiring educators, business leaders and healthcare professionals. They all point to their experience with classmates and College of Business professors as a key factor in their professional success and personal fulfillment.
I’m certain the stories featured in this newsletter will inspire many more student success stories, as we highlight our newly developed financial planning degree programs, the crucial role the College of Business plays in the University’s partnership with Centris Federal Credit Union, and the community outreach work done by our College’s accounting faculty and students.
So, now it’s your turn. We’d love to hear the story about your College of Business experience and where that’s led you today. It’s stories like yours that inspire others and continue to strengthen our college community. Please take a few minutes and fill out this form so we can spread the word about you and your accomplishments – you’ve earned it.
Of course, if you want to know more about anything the College of Business is doing, my door is always open, as is my inbox. Contact me.
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Centris partnership prepares employees for leadership roles.
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.
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Finance professor’s early interest in business leads to teaching career.
Dishant Pandya knew as a young boy growing up in India that he had a nose for business. Specifically, his father’s printer cartridge supply business.
“I would always be sticking my nose in his business,” Pandya recalls with a laugh. “Always butting in and asking, ‘What’s going on with this, what’s going on with that?”
Pandya’s early interest in business has led to a career teaching finance and economics, including his current position as an associate professor in the College of Business.
Pandya directs the college’s graduate and undergraduate degree programs in financial planning, as well as the financial counseling concentration as part of the bachelor’s degrees in business administration and finance. Both programs and the concentration will first be offered in fall 2024.
Pandya started teaching full time in 2014 after earning his doctorate degree in finance. He’s earned several finance and business degrees, he never felt the lure of the private sector. He knew his career path.
“I love teaching and I always have,” he said. “I was a full-time tutor in college, and I knew then that this is what I wanted to do.”
Prior to joining Bellevue University in June 2023, Pandya taught at a college in Kentucky for nine years. There, he developed degree programs in financial planning and formed a teaching philosophy that makes Bellevue University a perfect fit.
“The way I teach my classes is that we focus more on solving problems,” Pandya said. “I don’t want you to give me a 15-page term paper that you’re never going to use in your career. I want more real-life application.”
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Financial planning, counseling programs address demand for trusted professionals in growing field.
The College of Business prepares students for careers in a wide range of fields, but they all share at least one common trait: They’re in high demand.
That’s certainly the case for the College’s newly developed bachelor’s and master’s degrees in financial planning, as well its financial counseling concentration as part of the undergraduate degrees in business administration and finance. The degree programs and concentration will first be offered in fall 2024.
Students will learn the knowledge necessary to join what the U.S. Labor Department has identified as one of the country’s fastest growing job fields. The department reports that financial planning jobs are expected to grow at a rate of 13% through 2032.
Associate Professor Dishant Pandya directs the financial planning and counseling programs. He said there are two primary reasons why personal finance is a growing career field:
- Most people in the Baby Boomer generation have either retired or are nearing retirement age, meaning there’s a need for financial planners who can advise them on how to invest their accumulated wealth and plan for their family’s financial future.
- The pandemic caused many professionals in their 30s and 40s to re-evaluate their personal finances and invest their money in ways that ensure their family’s financial security.
Financial planning and financial counseling are distinct in multiple ways, but essentially financial counselors assist clients with specific issues, such as debt or dividing an estate during divorce, and financial planners help clients map out their financial future.
Both the financial planning degree programs and the financial counseling concentration will carry the approval of their fields’ leading accrediting bodies – the Certified Financial Planner Board and the Association for Financial Counseling & Planning Education, respectively.
“If you’re trusting someone with your life savings, you want to make sure that person is qualified to manage your money,” he said. “That’s why accreditation is so important and why it’s been one of my first priorities.”