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Bellarmine University has named Bethany Padgett ’19/’25 as its new Director of Alumni and Constituent Relations, leading engagement initiatives that strengthen connections among Bellarmine’s alumni and broader community. 

 

Padgett, a two-time Bellarmine graduate, brings several years of experience working with Alumni Association programs and communications at the university. Since joining Bellarmine in 2020, she has held progressively advancing roles within the Office of Alumni Relations.  

 

In her new role, Padgett will oversee alumni engagement programs, events, and communications designed to connect graduates with one another and with the university. She will also work closely with alumni volunteers and campus partners to support Bellarmine’s mission and strengthen lifelong relationships with the Knights community. 

 

“After more than six years in the Alumni Office, this moment feels incredibly meaningful,” said Padgett. “From my time as a student intern to today, I’ve seen firsthand the power of our alumni community as they mentor students, invest in our mission, and lift Bellarmine higher. As we celebrate Bellarmine’s 75th anniversary, I’m excited to help strengthen those connections and build momentum for the next chapter.” 

 

During her time at Bellarmine, Padgett has helped develop and execute alumni events and programs, manage volunteer teams that organize fundraising events, and contribute to communications across multiple channels including email, print, social media, and Bellarmine Magazine. She has also tracked and increased alumni engagement through reporting and database management systems.  

 

Padgett’s leadership and dedication to the Bellarmine community have been recognized by colleagues. In 2024, she received the Cura Personalis Bellie Award, presented to employees who model Bellarmine’s commitment to “care of the person.”  

 

A Louisville native, Padgett earned her Master of Education in Higher Education Leadership and Social Justice from Bellarmine in 2025, after completing her undergraduate degree at the university in 2019. 

 

In this new role, Padgett replaces Matt Real, who has become a Development Officer, helping lead the work to complete Bellarmine’s comprehensive $75 million fundraising campaign, Honoring our Past, Shaping our Future. His work will focus on securing major gifts for the Bellarmine College of Arts and Sciences and the Rubel School of Business, as well as facilitating relationships with donors beyond the Louisville region.