Veteran / Military students at Involvement Fair

Office of Military & Veteran Services

Bellarmine University is committed to serving those that have and continue to serve us—the veterans, active duty, and reserve members of our military forces, and their dependents. At Bellarmine, you will benefit from our close knit and supportive community, low student-to-teacher ratio, and accessible student services, as well as programming tailored specifically for you.

Bellarmine earns national recognition for military student support

Colleges of Distinction logoColleges of Distinction, a national higher education resource for students, has recognized Bellarmine University for its support of military students.

The organization praised Bellarmine for its comprehensive education benefits, a committed military and veterans affairs team, flexible options, trained faculty and dedicated campus activities and community support.

Bellarmine is the only private university in Kentucky to receive the distinction.

No one gets left behind: A message from the OMVS Director during COVID-19

The military teaches many lessons through training, especially in dealing with crisis situations like we are experiencing today. The most valuable lesson for me now as we adjust to our lifestyles at home, in our community, in our nation is, "No one gets left behind." 

Many veterans come home and experience  isolation; this is not a new battle for us, but many of us adapt, overcome and are resilient by nature. It is hard work. This time is going to require hard work of us all to make sure we leave no behind. We can all learn these skills together. Be fearless—reach out to someone. 

The Office of Military & Veteran Services is  available  to offer  support and services to all of Bellarmine  students, faculty and staff as our community continues to adapt, overcome and show our resilience. 

Lindsay Gargotto, USAF Veteran
Director, OMVS
Read more about Bellarmine's response to COVID-19

Why use your benefits at Bellarmine?

  • Dedicated Office of Military & Veteran Services for support and services
  • Participant in the Yellow Ribbon Program with no cap*
  • A discounted $250 per hour tuition rate for active duty, reserve, and guard service members**
  • Average student to teacher ratio of 11:1
  • Bellarmine is ranked #11 among best colleges for veterans in Southern Regional Universities according to U.S. News & World Report
  • Designated programming for military and veteran students
  • 55% growth in Bellarmine’s military and veteran student population since Fall 2018

*includes all programs except Doctorate of Physical Therapy
**Includes all programs except Doctor of Physical Therapy, Accelerated Nursing & Exec. MBA

Our Office & Services

Staff
Director: Lindsay Gargotto, MSW, MFA • lgargotto@bellarmine.edu
Administrative Assistant: Elle Rich, MA • erich@bellarmine.edu
Phone: 502.272.7027
Location: Second floor of the W.L. Lyons Brown Library (BL209)

Resources in the Office

  • Designated Military and Veteran student lounge with private study area, open during library hours
  • Boots to Books Program: borrow used books from our department donated by other military students
  • Programs and Events throughout the year created specifically for Bellarmine’s Military and Veteran students

Book a Meeting or Study Space
If you would like to book a meeting with a staff member from the Office of Military and Veteran Services or reserve the the private study room, please visit https://tinyurl.com/omvsbookings.

In accordance to Executive Order 16307, Bellarmine University bans against providing commission, bonus or other incentive payment based directly or indirectly on securing service member enrollments, and Bellarmine University bans against high pressure recruitment tactics on securing service members.

ROTC

Bellarmine offers Army & Air Force ROTC programs through Metroversity. ROTC is an elective curriculum you take along with your required college classes. It prepares you with the tools, training and experiences that will help you succeed in any competitive environment. Along with great leadership training, ROTC can pay for your college tuition, and provide other monetary benefits.

Army ROTC

Campus Office Hours – Office of Military & Veteran Services

  • Thursday: 1 - 3 p.m.

Contacts
Scott Bryant
P: 502.852.3514
C: 502.851.7382
E: rotc@bellarmine.edu or walter.bryant@louisville.edu

Major Nate Linse
C: 704.975.5382 
E: nathan.linse@louisville.edu

SFC Schelee Burkett 
P: 502-330-4019
E: schelee.k.burkett.mil@mail.mil

For more information visit: https://louisville.edu/armyrotc

Air Force ROTC

Campus Office Hours – Office of Military & Veteran Services

  • By Appointment Only

Contact
Captain Brent Lasher
P: 502.852.6576
E: b0lash01@louisville.edu

Captain Colin Backert
E: colin.backert@louisville.edu

For more information visit: http://louisville.edu/afrotc

Get Involved

  • Drop by to find out what’s going on at Bellarmine and how to get involved.
  • Check out the BU Student Veterans Association on Facebook, or drop in to one of their weekly meetings. Contact the Office of Military & Veteran Services at 502.272.7027 for the location of the meeting.
  • Visit our Engage site