Dr. Bellar Plans to Grow FranU’s Identity as Premier Catholic University

Although Dr. David Bellar is a Northerner by birth, from a “very snowy area,” he has spent most of his career providing strong leadership in universities in the South. Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University (FranU) will benefit from his skills and vision for its future as he assumes the role of fifth president of the university.

Bellar began his leadership role at FranU on July 14.

Born outside of Detroit, Bellar has been involved in promoting community health his entire career.  

He began at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette as professor and director for the School of Kinesiology before going to the University of North Carolina at Charlotte as chair and professor of the School of Kinesiology. He’s also served on the Board of Directors for the American Kinesiology Association.

Prior to joining FranU, Bellar was the dean of Usha Kundu, MD College of Health at the University of West Florida in Pensacola, Florida.  

While at the UWF, Bellar worked with numerous hospital partners to assure the college met the needs of the community.

“Nursing is such a critical discipline for all communities, and it’s also one of the most trusted professions in the United States,” said Bellar. “I know that speaks to both its cruciality and its importance and visibility.”

During his tenure, Bellar received a $6.68 million grant to enhance health education facilities, secured scholarship funding and gifts of space for immersive learning experiences at two hospitals, aided in implementing strategies to improve NCLEX pass rates to 98% for the School of Nursing, created the first Staff Council on campus, helped secure a partnership with two major hospital systems to support clinical space for nursing programs, and developed a virtual cadaver lab to enhance anatomy and physiology education.

FranU’s mission of instilling Franciscan leadership and service into its students from various backgrounds drew Bellar to apply for the president’s position at FranU.

Bellar said he’s had great conversations with the leadership of Our Lady of the Lake Regional Center and the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System.

“I think there's great work to be done in partnership with those groups in the future,” said Bellar.

He also looks forward to working with the FranU Board of Trustees and the Diocese of Baton Rouge and integrating his Catholic faith and professional life.

“There’s a strong connection between FranU and the diocese, working hand in hand to accomplish goals that the diocese has,” Bellar said.

Paying tribute to his predecessor, Dr. Tina Holland, Bellar said she did a tremendous job of moving FranU forward through managing regional accreditation, growing student enrollment, developing alumni relationships, and instilling Franciscan values. 

Bellar plans to expand the university’s identity and successes even further.

“FranU is a premier Catholic University and that’s something to be proud of. We need to share our story,” said Bellar.

He and his wife, Trisha, are parents of eight children, which includes triplets. His oldest daughter plans to attend medical school. His triplets, who are 6 years old, are still daydreaming about what they would like to do for their future careers.

“One day they want to be a firefighter, and two days later, it’s a police officer and then an astronaut,” Bellar said with humor.

Most of the Bellar’s children were born in Louisiana, so the family is enjoying being back in the state. His family particularly enjoys being back in an area where people know how to make a good king cake.

“It feels like a homecoming to us … There’s a joy being immersed in the culture,” said Bellar.