Leaders bring strategic expertise in business, law, finance, and community engagement 

Bellarmine University has announced the appointment of six distinguished leaders to its Board of Trustees, with three-year terms beginning in the fall semester. The new trustees bring deep expertise across finance, law, athletics, investment, and community leadership – each with strong ties to Bellarmine and a shared commitment to student success and regional impact. 

Bellarmine at a glance

Opportunity College – Recognized by the Carnegie Foundation as a "Higher Access, Higher Earnings institution," placing Bellarmine among just 16% of U.S. universities setting the standard for student success and economic mobility.

Unrivaled Outcomes – 99% of graduates are employed or in graduate school within six months, and Bellarmine alumni earn more on average than graduates from any other Kentucky university.

Personalized Success – Through the Bellarmine IMPACT initiative, students experience transformative learning rooted in Catholic and liberal arts traditions, with pathways tailored to their goals.

Workforce Alignment – More than 25 graduate and doctoral programs in healthcare, business, education, communication, and technology are closely connected to Louisville’s workforce needs.

75 Years of Impact – Since 1950, Bellarmine has prepared students in mind, body, and spirit for meaningful lives, rewarding careers, and ethical leadership. As we celebrate our 75th anniversary, we are building on this legacy of mission-driven excellence in Catholic higher education.

The new trustees are: 

  • Craig Bealmear ’88 
  • Shae Dobina Beckwith 
  • Theresa A. Canaday ’91 
  • Craig C. Dilger ’91 
  • Tim Recker ’95 
  • Mark A. Thompson ’76 

“These six new trustees are joining a talented board at a pivotal time in Bellarmine’s 75-year history,” said Donald Kelly, chair of Bellarmine’s Board of Trustees. “Each new member brings their own professional distinction along with a deep commitment to Bellarmine’s mission. Their leadership will help drive continued enrollment growth and further strengthen our ties to the Louisville community while ensuring that we remain a national model for student success and engagement.” 

The new trustees arrive at a time of growing momentum for Bellarmine. The university recently announced that it will welcome its largest first-year undergraduate cohort since 2019 alongside increased graduate enrollment. Earlier this year, Bellarmine was designated an “Opportunity College” by the Carnegie Foundation, one of a select group of colleges nationwide recognized for expanding affordable pathways to college while delivering exceptional return on investment for graduates. 

Meet Bellarmine’s New Trustees 

Craig Bealmear ’88 Craig Bealmear is the Chief Financial Officer of the energy company Oklo after previously serving in a similar role for Renewable Energy Group. Bealmear earned his bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Bellarmine and later an MBA in finance from the Wharton School. His career has included leadership roles in areas including finance, strategy, and commercial leadership in the United States and abroad. He is also active in consulting and serves on the Rubel School of Business Executive Board, in addition to being honored in Bellarmine’s Gallery of Distinguished Graduates.
 
Shae Dobina Beckwith Shae Beckwith is President and CEO of MPC Promotions LLC, a multigenerational family business based in Louisville, where she previously held leadership roles in sales and marketing. A former softball player and coach, Beckwith is a strong advocate for women’s athletics. She and her family are major donors to Bellarmine’s softball stadium renovation project and support Bellarmine student internships through MPC. Beckwith holds a BA from the University of Louisville. 

Theresa A. Canaday ’91 Theresa Canaday is Chair of the Litigation Department at Frost Brown Todd LLC, where she leads seven litigation practice groups. She has earned national recognition in commercial litigation and represents Fortune 500 companies and entrepreneurs alike. Canaday holds a bachelor’s degree in Philosophy from Bellarmine and a law degree from the University of Kentucky. A long-time supporter of Bellarmine, she previously served on the Bellarmine Board of Overseers and remains active in civic and legal communities across Louisville. 

Craig C. Dilger ’91 Craig Dilger is an attorney at Stoll Keenon Ogden, where he leads the sports and criminal law practices and co-chairs the healthcare practice. A former prosecutor and respected legal advisor to several leading college athletics programs, Dilger is deeply engaged in Louisville’s legal and civic communities. He is the past chair of the Bellarmine Board of Overseers. Dilger earned his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Bellarmine and his law degree from Northern Kentucky University. 

Tim Recker ’95 Tim Recker is the Chief Investment Officer for the James Irvine Foundation in San Francisco, managing a $3.5 billion endowment. He previously held senior investment leadership roles with the Regents of the University of California and Michigan Retirement System. A Bellarmine graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Economics, Recker also holds an MBA from UNC-Chapel Hill. He recently joined the Rubel School of Business Advisory Board and is active in national philanthropic and investment networks. 

Mark A. Thompson ’76 Mark Thompson is the founder of Thompson Investment Advisors and a Certified Public Accountant. After beginning his career at Ernst & Young, he launched his own firm in 1990 and has since provided investment management services to clients across sectors. A dedicated Bellarmine alumnus, Thompson serves on the Rubel School of Business Advisory Board and is a member of the Bellarmine Heritage Society. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Bellarmine in 1976.