Faculty Spotlight: Jody Welsh Degroot B’83

A: I have been at Bellarmine since 1997, when I began teaching biology and coaching both volleyball and softball. In 2000, I became the head volleyball coach, a position I held for approximately 14 years, through the 2014 season. Coaching has been a very meaningful part of my time at Bellarmine. It allowed me to work with students in a different setting and to help them develop not only as athletes, but also as teammates, leaders, and young people.

A: I currently serve as the Vice Principal of Professional Development and Formation and Educational Technology. My work focuses on supporting our faculty and staff, strengthening professional development and formation, and helping ensure that technology is used thoughtfully and effectively in support of teaching and learning.

A: I have many favorite memories, both as a student at Bellarmine and as an employee. But one that stays especially close to me is winning our first state volleyball championship in 2012. That team was incredibly well disciplined and driven to compete at a high level. The support of the student body leading up to the championship was phenomenal. It was one of those experiences that brought the entire Bellarmine community together, and I feel fortunate to have been part of it.

A: I think what has changed most is the attention to excellence across our programs and the tremendous number of opportunities now available to students. Those programs allow our students to explore their interests, build community, and develop lifelong friendships.

What I hope never changes is the sense of community and the commitment to our students. Those relationships are at the heart of what makes Bellarmine special.

A: The values are intentionally embedded in everything we do and create. We use our various frameworks to help us build programs and processes that keep us focused on the goal of our mission. We are missioned to walk with our students as they grow in academic excellence and become whole persons who will be leaders in the world, both now and in the future. That mission guides the work I do with my faculty, staff, and students every day.

A: I want to travel, spend time with family, and always be near the water.

A: Sports, good food, friends and family, and learning new things. That sounds like a pretty great Saturday to me!

A: This is where it gets tricky! I loved coaching, and I believe that is something I can be good at, even though it is closely tied to teaching. There are many things I wish I were good at, but I think I am good at wanting to be around others. I really value being with people, building relationships, and being part of a community.