When Annaliese Billings began her Bellarmine journey, she was majoring in Biology with plans to become a veterinarian. But like many students in their first year of college, her interests and her path changed.
“I soon figured out that’s not what I wanted to do,” she said of veterinary medicine. “I enlisted in the Kentucky Air National Guard and changed my major to Communication with a minor in Digital Media.”
That decision proved transformative. While studying Communication and Digital Media, Airman 1st Class Billings also served as a Public Affairs Specialist in the Kentucky Air National Guard. Her work and leadership recently earned her recognition as one of the Kentucky Air National Guard’s three top Airmen of the Year.
“In a short amount of time, Airman Billings has proven to be an exceptional and highly motivated troop who covered a variety of important off-station and home-station missions with enthusiasm,” said Lt. Col. Allison Stephens, 123rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs chief, on the
unit’s official website. “She’s always in learning mode, and looking to share what she’s learned with others, both through her personal and military experiences.”
At Bellarmine, Annaliese immersed herself in campus life. She participated in the university’s annual TEDxBellarmineU event, along with club and intramural volleyball, all while balancing her military duties. She also interned with Kentucky’s Legislative Research Commission.
She noted that Bellarmine “continued to support my education and involvement as a military member in the Kentucky Air National Guard.”
One of the most pivotal people in her college journey was a fellow student. “My best friend, Hayley Barger, changed her major at the same time I did,” she said. “She has been a pivotal part of my journey here at Bellarmine. I wouldn’t be here without her help and support, and the support of my family, friends and loved ones who have uplifted and encouraged me through my academic career!”
Annaliese says her degree has given her the tools to communicate across different platforms. “The best thing about my field was the relevancy of how it applied within our modern society,” she said. “I learned more about networking and communicating organizations’ missions – not just on campus, but also for smaller organizations as well.”
As she prepares to graduate, she feels ready for what’s next. “I absolutely feel prepared to go into the big world and get a big girl job,” she said. “I feel ready to take on anything life throws at me, and I’m so excited to graduate with a wonderful group of well-prepared, intelligent and outstanding students!”
Annaliese’s experience at Bellarmine reflects the promise of the university’s
IMPACT initiative, which helps students build lives of purpose through mentorship, wellness support, experiential learning and belonging. And Knights get hired. 99% of Bellarmine graduates are employed or in graduate school within six months of commencement, and 97% are working in their field of interest. Bellarmine graduates also lead in earning potential. Bachelor’s degree recipients earn a median income 19% higher than the Kentucky average three years after graduation —an edge that continues to grow over time. Learn more about the
outcomes associated with a degree from Bellarmine.
Looking ahead, Annaliese says, “Ultimately, I would like to be a Public Affairs Specialist for the FBI and will continue to work with the Kentucky Air National Guard upon graduation. I am completely open to any and all opportunities that come my way!”
Faith has been a steady guide throughout Annaliese’s life. "My Christian faith that my parents instilled in me when I was young has been the beacon of my positive attitude, kind generosity and warm heart to others. I thank God, my Lord and Savior, who saved me when I was at my lowest. He gives me grace even when I mess up and He continues to wake me up each morning, and for that I am eternally grateful."
She also leaves a heartfelt message for fellow Knights: “I just want to say I’m so grateful and to humbly thank everyone who has helped me get to where I am today: close friends, family, and other loved ones. What a surreal last year this was and an amazing time to look back on all my hard work.”