In late March, Bellarmine University announced changes to strengthen and redefine the university in support of a new strategic vision—Bellarmine Forward—that will position Bellarmine as the region’s premier institution for well-rounded, career-ready graduates. 

"We will continue to provide a well-rounded educational experience that is unmatched in this market."

Bellarmine Forward is a bold plan centered on opportunity and success, both for students and for Metro Louisville. It capitalizes on career outcomes that are among the best in higher education, with 98% of Bellarmine graduates landing a job or continuing their education within six months of graduating. What’s more, 74% of Bellarmine graduates choose to stay in Louisville and 95% are working in their field of interest. 

The new strategic vision describes a Bellarmine education according to five distinctive characteristics:

Career-ready graduates – Bellarmine is nationally recognized for providing talented leaders across high-demand fields—including healthcare, business and education—through innovative employer partnerships and a track record of helping students find rewarding careers after graduation.

Preparing students for life – Guided by its Catholic traditions, Bellarmine nurtures an interfaith community where a liberal arts foundation and hands-on experiences, guided by individualized attention in and out of the classroom, build critical thinking, self-agency, collaboration and character.

Community engagement – Bellarmine is deeply connected to its city and the region through distinctive community engagement, professional partnerships and athletics programs.

Equitable and inclusive – Bellarmine is a student-centered community committed to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging in a welcoming learning environment grounded in social justice.

Best return on investment in the region – Bellarmine offers an affordable and transformational experience for students through small class sizes, robust student support and a breadth of ways to learn and engage.

For students, Bellarmine will strengthen academic programs in high-demand career fields and add flexibility for an enriching, multidisciplinary liberal arts experience. For Metro Louisville, Bellarmine will expand meaningful workforce development and community engagement partnerships.  

These changes are a proactive, forward-looking response to challenges facing not only Bellarmine, but institutions of higher education across the nation.

Our new strategic vision includes these key initiatives: 

Academics

In keeping with Bellarmine’s role as a leader in academic innovation, the university has reviewed its academic structure and majors through an ongoing process with faculty members and major regional employers. Bellarmine's curriculum will maintain a strong foundation in the liberal arts as it produces well-rounded, critical thinkers. 

The university will continue to invest in high-demand majors, building on the recent successes of new degrees in marketing, neuroscience, public health, biomedical science, nurse anesthesia and health professions education, as well as a degree-completion program for returning students with prior college credit.  

Fundraising initiatives

In April, Bellarmine launched the first phase of an ambitious fundraising initiative to support Bellarmine Forward, focused on the personal attention paid to each student to ensure their success in the classroom and in their career field.

This effort will exist alongside the university’s commitment to raise private funds to support Bellarmine’s move to NCAA Division I, which has so far generated nearly $8.9 million. 

Community partnerships

We will continue to build mutually advantageous community partnerships that help to build enrollment pipelines; to establish internships, experiential learning and career placement for students; and to develop new academic programs that provide talented graduates to fill community workforce needs.

Maximizing access and affordability

Bellarmine continues to make affordability a top priority. The university will increase its attention to tuition pricing and financial aid strategies to ensure a Bellarmine education is as affordable and accessible as possible, regardless of a student’s financial circumstances.  

Regional and national visibility

The university will also continue to leverage its increased Division I visibility to grow into new regional markets with a higher percentage of college-age students through new regional recruitment strategies.

As an independent, private liberal arts institution, Bellarmine University is well-positioned to build upon its strengths and navigate the new higher education landscape. We will continue to provide a well-rounded educational experience that is unmatched in this market.