Mary Hawkins

Dr. Mary Hawkins joined Bellevue University in 1995 as Vice President for Enrollment and Outreach and was named the University’s fourth president in 2009. Since her arrival, Bellevue University has changed dramatically in enrollment, geographic reach, scope of programs and services, and in the strong national, international, corporate, and community partnerships it is developing.

During her tenure, Bellevue University has experienced record enrollment growth and has been consistently recognized as one of the nation’s best institutions for working adults and military personnel. Dr. Hawkins is credited with establishing Bellevue University’s “Real Learning for Real Life” applied learning approach that helps undergraduate, graduate and doctoral-level students master in-demand professional skills and knowledge. Her keen interest and focus on the needs of working mothers, military spouses and those juggling careers and families while pursuing their education has led the University to continually innovate in ways that provide students with access, as well as the opportunity to advance and make a better life for their families.