Bethel has announced a partnership with the National Football League Alumni Association starting in the fall 2022 semester.
by Bethel University
Bethel University has announced a partnership with the National Football League Alumni Association starting in the fall 2022 semester.
NFL Alumni members, along with their spouses and dependents, will receive a discounted tuition rate that is applicable to both the on-campus and online degree programs offered by the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Professional Studies through the university. Bethel is one of only three universities that are partnered with the association.
The NFL Alumni Association was founded in 1967 by former NFL players and is now comprised of thousands of retired players, coaches, administrators, executives, cheerleaders and avid fans. Through their missions, “Caring for Kids,” “Caring for Our Community,” and “Caring for Our Own,” members are provided with robust benefits and connections while supporting numerous non-profit organizations working to improve the lives of children.
With 42 different chapters across the country, Tennessee’s chapter of the NFL Alumni Association in particular is well-established, which helped spur the discussion of partnership between the organization and the university. Through educational partnerships, NFL alumni are offered the opportunity to finish their education that may have been paused during their athletic career.
“As the NFL Alumni strives to support former players in retirement, making resources like Bethel University available to our membership and their families is what we are all about,” said NFL Alumni Association CEO Beasley Reece.
Dr. Joshua Greer, director of admissions for the College of Professional Studies, spearheaded the partnership and is looking forward to the opportunities Bethel will be able to provide the former players and their families.
“It’s amazing that Bethel gets to work with the most well-respected retired player organization in professional sports,” Greer said.
For Michael Jasper, Bethel’s head football coach and associate athletic director of internal operations, this partnership is particularly exciting.
“As an alumnus of both Bethel and the NFL, this means a great deal and is special,” Jasper said. Jasper played as an offensive lineman from 2011-2014 in the NFL and has served as Bethel’s head coach since 2019.
Members of the association who are interested in participating in the partnership and working towards a degree with Bethel University can find more information on their benefits portal at the NFL Alumni Association website or by contacting their local chapter.
Bethel University offers numerous associate, bachelor, and master’s degrees both on campus and online for potential students to choose from. The fall 2022 semester begins August 22.