Union's new partnership with Bellarmine expands academic opportunities and career support

Rachel Dorroh • September 26, 2023
Union College nursing students during lab.

Union College is pleased to announce a new partnership with Bellarmine University, effective this month. The new partnership gives Union students a guaranteed admission pathway to continue their studies at Bellarmine. Additionally, Union alumni and employees are now eligible for reduced Bellarmine tuition.


Union’s director of educational partnerships, Rachel Gaynor, says many Union students will be especially interested in Bellarmine’s Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), which includes a Family Nurse Practitioner track.


“We have a whole lot of students who get their bachelor's in nursing at Union, work for a year, and then want to become nurse practitioners,” she says.


These students will now have guaranteed seats in Bellarmine's nurse practitioner track, provided they meet the program requirements.


“Academically and economically, it would be a benefit to them,” Gaynor says.

Located in Louisville, Bellarmine offers over 25 graduate and second degree programs in diverse fields including education, business, digital media, and many health professions. Several of these are available online. Union students wishing to pursue any of these programs will receive priority admission consideration, up to 20% off tuition, additional financial aid opportunities, and personalized support throughout the enrollment process and beyond.


These benefits also apply to Union alumni whose most recent degree was completed at Union.

 

The agreement signed by Union president Dr. Marcia Hawkins and Bellarmine president Dr. Susan Donovan states that this is the “first phase of an ongoing promise to Union, and its students, that Bellarmine is committed to them.”

 

It also states that both schools are committed to preparing students to fill Kentucky’s most needed and in-demand jobs.

 

“This new pathway to graduate school is a win for Union College students, and a win for the Commonwealth of Kentucky, particularly in helping to meet the healthcare needs of underserved areas of the state,” says Donovan.


“Because we know Union students will be well-prepared for graduate school, we can offer them a streamlined path to pursue a variety of excellent and affordable advanced degrees without leaving the state. After they complete both of their degrees, they will be equipped for lives of leadership and service here in Kentucky.”

 

Union and Bellarmine are both private, liberal arts schools and members of the Association of Independent Kentucky Colleges and Universities (AIKCU). Both emphasize civic engagement, spiritual development, and commitment to student success. Union students wishing to continue their education at BU can expect a seamless transition and continued support from both institutions.

 

“Union and Bellarmine both prioritize personalized education and affordability for our students,” Hawkins says. “We’re happy to work together!”

 

To learn more about the partnership, contact Rachel Gaynor at (606) 546-1745 or rgaynor@unionky.edu.

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