PLANS FOR NEW BELLEVUE UNIVERSITY FIELD HOUSE UNVEILED

Bellevue University has announced plans to construct a new 72,000-plus square foot, multimillion dollar Athletics Field House just west of the University’s main campus, on Harvell Circle off of Herman Drive.

A formal groundbreaking ceremony for the Field House was held Friday, Oct. 28. University and community leaders, including Bellevue Mayor Rusty Hike, members of the University’s executive team, board of directors, and staff from HDR, the project architectural firm, turned over dirt during the ceremony on the north end of campus. Athletes held their own groundbreaking on February 14.

The two-level building will include multiple competition and practice courts for both basketball and volleyball; athletic training facilities, including a weight room and locker rooms; a press room area; and office, meeting and storage space.

Facility designs are almost complete. The project will be completed 18-24 months after the start of construction.

“This new facility and our student athletes will be a winning combination,” Dr. Hawkins said. “This state-of-the-art facility is a major step in our strategic facilities plan. It opens up opportunities for us to enhance and expand student services and resources for our students who learn on campus and those who learn online.”

Athletic Director Ed Lehotak said all of the University’s student-athletes and coaches are excited to see the project come to life.

The Bruins currently compete in 11 traditional men’s and women’s sports and one non-traditional co-ed sport, Esports.

Top photo on page 6: The facility’s official groundbreaking was held in October.

Second photo on page 6: Golf, basketball, track, cross country, soccer, softball, baseball, volleyball, and esports athletes held their own Field House groundbreaking on a rainy February day.

Third photo on page 6: The competition space will feature a multiconfigurational layout and have seating for more than 1,000 fans.

Bottom photo on page 6: The Field House will feature a spacious lobby with windows so fans can watch the Bruins practicing or competing.

Top photo on page 7: A tree-lined plaza in front of the Field House will visually integrate the new facility into other parts of Bellevue University’s main campus.

Bottom photo on page 7: Campus visitors and Bruin supporters will have easy access to the Field House, which will be conveniently located off of Harvell Drive in Bellevue.

Dr. Katey Shirley Named to Leadership Position With Nebraska Counseling Association

Bellevue University’s Dr. Katey Shirley was named President Elect-Elect with the Nebraska Counseling Association.

The Nebraska Counseling Association is a counseling community with approximately 550 members, with six districts to connect counselors across the state.

Dr. Shirley, an Associate Professor with the College of Arts and Sciences who specializes in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, joined the NCA in September of 2020 after moving from New Jersey to Nebraska. It was a way for her to re-establish herself as a clinician after moving to a new state.

As President of NCA in 2024-2025, her role will be to oversee all of the committees and six districts within the state and connect NCA to the Midwest Region and the American Counseling Association.

“I'm excited at the opportunity to continue working with the leadership team in a more significant manner,” Dr. Shirley said.

Dr. Shirley earned her Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision from Old Dominion University and has worked in the counseling field since 2004. Her areas of focus include researching and reducing suicidality.