Bellar began his post-secondary education at John Carroll University where he received a B.S. with dual concentrations in biology and chemistry as well as an M.Ed. He then enrolled at Kent State University graduating with a Ph.D. in Exercise Physiology. In the last five years, Bellar has conducted numerous research projects and in 2011 was the recipient of the Patrick Rutherford/BORSF endowed professorship and the Vesta R. Bourgeois Research Award, and was named the Louisiana AHPERD Scholar of the Year.