For Dr. Stephanie Hamm, social work has never been just a career; it has been a calling shaped by compassion. From hospital rooms and delivery wards to online classrooms reaching students across the country, Dr. Hamm¡¯s journey reflects a steady commitment to meeting people where they are and walking alongside them with purpose.

Dr. Hamm¡¯s Journey with Social Work

Dr. Hamm graduated from Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ in 1990 with a Bachelor of Science in Social Work. From there, she began practicing social work clinically in West Virginia. Early in her career, she worked primarily with children, including through organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters. But it was her work with women that shaped much of her professional identity.

¡°I really had a heart for women and women¡¯s issues,¡± Hamm said. That heart led her into clinical settings serving pregnant women and children, including roles that supported high-risk infants and mothers navigating addiction and limited resources.?

Dr. Hamm¡¯s dedication to supporting pregnant women even allowed her to develop a unique skill. While working in counseling, she learned how to help deliver babies. ¡°If a client didn¡¯t have a support person, I would go with them,¡± she shared. Dr. Hamm joked that if she hadn¡¯t pursued social work, she would¡¯ve been a doula.

Stepping Into Education and Online Learning?

In 2008, Dr. Hamm returned to Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ but this time as an educator. She began teaching graduate students across a wide range of courses, including research, statistics, spirituality, and micro and macro? practice classes, while also supervising theses. In June of 2025, Dr. Hamm joined Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ Dallas as a full-time faculty member. ¡°I like working with students. I love being with students. I think they¡¯re fun.¡± Hamm said with a laugh.?

Dr. Hamm¡¯s path into online education was shaped both personally and professionally. Her husband had been working with online learning programs, and together they decided to pursue a joint research project that ultimately took them to a conference in Ireland. There, Dr. Hamm encountered online education on a global scale and realized how it can remove learning barriers to create opportunities for those wanting to pursue higher education.

¡°Online education is about accessibility,¡± she says. ¡°Not everyone can pick up their lives and move to a campus.¡± For her, online learning isn¡¯t a compromise; it¡¯s an opportunity. Dr. Hamm continues to voice how her experience solidified her purpose as an educator. ¡°It¡¯s on us as educators to make programs as engaging and interactive as we can.¡±?

In one introductory course, students are required to volunteer within their own communities, encouraging early engagement with the profession. The goal for Dr. Hamm is deeply human: helping students see themselves as social workers in the world, not just in a classroom.

Dr. Hamm¡¯s Approach to Teaching?

When asked about her approach to creating and teaching course material to students, Dr. Hamm said, ¡°Teaching is the use of my own self.¡± She continued to emphasize that social work is more than the content being taught; it¡¯s helping people at some of their lowest points in life.?

Dr. Hamm¡¯s goal when teaching a class is to bring her whole self to it. Another important aspect of Dr. Hamm¡¯s work as an educator is to keep learning, something she does especially for online students. ¡°I set out to learn how to teach classes in the most interactive way that I can,¡± She said. Her own experience as a student continues to shape how she teaches. She remembers professors who upheld rigid hierarchies, as well as those who chose collaboration instead. The latter of the two teaching approaches left the deepest impression on Hamm. ¡°They were willing to listen,¡± she says. ¡° That¡¯s the kind of professor I want to be,¡± she added.

The results from her approach have made a lasting impact on students. Two former students became actively involved in statewide politics, bringing a social work lens into policy conversations, even having a former student run for public office. Dr. Hamm also recalled a nursing student she mentored who later received recognition for a project they worked on together. ¡°Anytime a student says, ¡®Because of this course…,¡¯¡± Dr. Hamm reflects, ¡°moments like that tell me I¡¯m doing something right.¡±

Continuing Her Passion For Social Work and Teaching

At the core of Dr. Hamm¡¯s teaching is a deep respect for the profession itself. She believes students must understand that social work is built on skills, knowledge and research, not just good intentions. ¡°We are working with other people¡¯s lives,¡± she said. That responsibility is something she carries heavily and passes on to her students. ¡°We need to know research and content to offer clients the best we can give.¡±

The online Bachelor of Science in Social Work program officially began this January, and Dr. Hamm is excited to see what the future holds for the new program. Dr. Hamm voiced an enthusiasm for doing what she can to ensure that the program is providing students with an interactive, enjoyable learning experience that prepares them for the real world. ¡°I¡¯m going to keep learning and doing whatever I can.¡±?

Dr. Stephanie Hamm¡¯s deep love and passion for social work and her respect for education have allowed her to teach and touch the lives of many students. Her work is a testament to what Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ wants to give students: affordable and accessible educational opportunities to make a difference in their communities.?

If you want to pursue a career in social work and are interested in Ä¢¹½´«Ã½, visit our website to learn more.

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Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ and The Grace Museum will host visiting Chinese artists and dignitaries from Jan. 15-17 for collaborative exhibitions, a public dialogue and a live painting experience, all part of an intercultural project conceived by Robert Green (’79), department chair and professor of art and design at Ä¢¹½´«Ã½.

The show in Ä¢¹½´«Ã½’s Shore Gallery, titled ¡°Boundless: A U.S.-China Collaborative Exhibition,¡± features works by Chinese artists: Zhai You, Gao Yun, Fan Lei, Shao Lian, Wang Ping and Wei Dong, alongside American artists: Dallas-area artist Bonny Leibowitz; Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ adjunct instructor of art and design Hollie Brown; Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ art and design professor Kenny Jones (’82); Abilene artist Polly (Compton ’82) Jones; and Green. A smaller companion exhibition entitled ¡°Boundless: Origins¡± will be in the Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ Brown Library, featuring works by Green and Chinese artist Sheng Dongqiao. Zhai, Gao, and Fan will be in Abilene for the openings and events. In addition, Chen Chunmei, minister-counselor for cultural affairs for the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Washington, D.C., will attend the opening of these exhibitions on Jan. 17.

Three main events are planned:

• Public Dialogue: A public dialogue between American and Chinese artists, from 6:30-7:30 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 15 at The Grace Museum. A piano recital by Hanqiu Xu, visiting college assistant professor of piano and collaborative arts at Ä¢¹½´«Ã½, will follow at 8 p.m. in the Williams Performing Arts Center Recital Hall.
• Opening Reception: The opening reception for ¡°Boundless: A U.S.-China Collaborative Exhibition,¡± 10 a.m.-noon, Saturday, Jan. 17, at Ä¢¹½´«Ã½’s Shore Gallery. This event will include a poetry reading by Dr. Steven Moore, professor of language and literature at Ä¢¹½´«Ã½; a musical performance by Austin-based actor Ryan Chu (’24); and opening statements by Green and Zhai. Zhai is vice president and secretary general of the Jiangsu Chinese Painting Society.
• Collaborative Live Painting: A public collaborative painting experience where Chinese and American artists will create two works together from 2-4 p.m., Jan. 17, at The Grace Museum.
  

All events are free and open to the public.

Green¡¯s project ¨C ¡°Boundless: An Intercultural Exhibition and Dialogue¡± ¨C centers around exhibiting Chinese and American art, along with public dialogue, in both China and in the U.S. The Chinese exhibition, ¡°Connecting Hearts Through Art: A China-U.S. Artistic Exchange¡± took place in May and June at the Yuan Contemporary Art Museum in Nanjing, China. Green and Kenny Jones traveled to China for the opening of the show. They were joined by Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ alumnus Allen Smith and Chinese-American artists Kiki Liu (a ceramicist from Los Angeles), Zhao Jianmin (from San Francisco), and Wang Qingxiang (from Brooklyn, New York). Two other American artists¡¯ works were included in the exhibition ¨C Leibowitz and Abilenian Jingyi Teng, although they did not make the trip to China.

¡°The greatest benefit of this exhibition is that it appears in China and America,¡± Green said. ¡°Though it will speak differently in each setting, it will amplify the importance of cross-cultural dialogues and creative initiatives on both sides of the Pacific.¡±

The concept for this project emerged about two years ago when Green connected with Sheng to discuss shared interests in Chinese art, and their conversations sparked the idea of exhibiting works together.?

¡°I was motivated to reach out to him because our paintings were indebted to traditional Chinese landscape painting styles that date back to the 18th century and beyond,¡± Green said. ¡°It seemed to us that as we were in dialogue with one another, so, too, were our works. Our paintings carried on a conversation with the past and with each other.¡±

The two collaboratively planned both events, developing a catalog of works and agreeing on exhibition titles.?

¡°We were also convinced that having the artists attend the exhibition, come to the opening reception, sit for a public dialogue with local audiences and include interactive elements were necessary to promote mutual understanding and respect,¡± Green said. ¡°The public dialogue will allow us to discuss our different approaches to artmaking and the things that we admire in the art of our respective cultures. Additionally, it will emphasize a theme of respect between Chinese and American people during an era marked by distrust and sometimes demonization.¡±

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Lory Chrane was originally a special education major before stepping into the world of speech-language pathology. Before she joined the Wildcat family, Lory attended Valdosta State University in Georgia until she met her soon-to-be husband. After they married, she transferred to Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ (Ä¢¹½´«Ã½) in her junior year to pursue a B.A. in Communication Disorders. What inspired her decision to change majors was her husband¡¯s family members, who have intellectual learning disabilities. While visiting her in-laws, Lory was introduced to speech therapists and saw firsthand treatments and planning for certain intellectual disabilities. ¡°I would visit them and hear about their therapist,¡± Lory recalled, ¡°And I thought I could be a speech therapist.¡±

After graduating from Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ with her master¡¯s in 1991, Lory went on to practice as a speech-language pathologist for over 25 years in Texas and Virginia. It wasn¡¯t until her father-in-law¡¯s Alzheimer¡¯s diagnosis that Lory returned to Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ and began teaching. However, God would have another plan for her career, guiding her into roles that would go on to shape Ä¢¹½´«Ã½¡¯s residential and online Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) programs.

Channeling Her Passion Through Educating Others

A long-time faculty member at Ä¢¹½´«Ã½, Lory has spent nearly a decade educating and shaping speech-language pathologists. Her teaching journey began at Ä¢¹½´«Ã½¡¯s residential campus, serving as an instructor for communication sciences and disorders. After four years of teaching, she was appointed as the director of undergraduate studies for the Communication Sciences and Disorders program. ¡°I have loved teaching. I love pouring into the new generation,¡± Lory beamed.?

In her time as an educator, Lory has had the opportunity to bond and connect with her students. She describes her relationships with former students as her favorite part of teaching. ¡°Being able to see all of the work that students who have graduated are doing in the world. I love seeing them pour into a client. They¡¯ll email me and talk about how their work and relationships are going.¡± Lory is also involved with , through which she leads students in clinical mission work in countries like Uganda, as well as other places.?

Now, Lory¡¯s passion is being fueled by a new project alongside teaching students. She is stepping into the vital role of division director for the M.S. in Speech Language Pathology program, being developed for Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ Online. Launching in January 2026, this program will offer interactive learning in an online modality with 2-year and 3-year tracks that can accommodate full-time students or working professionals.

Speech-Language Pathology Is More Than A Career

Speech-language pathology is more than a profession for Lory; it¡¯s deeply rooted in service and compassion. ¡°This field is our ministry. We¡¯re meeting people at such a difficult time in their lives,¡± Lory said. She thoughtfully explains the important work that SLPs provide to their communities and how they impact families. From there, Lory emphasizes the importance of technology and tools that are helping patients overcome their disabilities, such as augmentative and alternative communication (AAC).

¡°Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ has a rigorous admission process and application,¡± Lory explained. She continues, ¡°We feel ethically responsible to make sure students know what they¡¯re embarking on in their next level of education.¡± As of August, Lory and the CSD family from Dallas and Abilene have been interviewing students and seeing a high number of bilingual and multicultural applicants and applications from speech-language pathology assistants. On top of that, applicants are gravitating to Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ to receive a faith-based learning experience to deepen their faith and grow their skillset to become licensed. ¡°We¡¯re going to have a faith-focused SLP degree program. We have varied people applying, so they¡¯re going to be serving with that lens. So that¡¯s really exciting to me.¡± Lory is hoping to reach a wider audience with the new online SLP program and begin transforming students who can treat and help families navigate speech and communication challenges.

Shifting To Online Learning

For Lory, the shift into the online space is more than making an online-friendly curriculum. ¡°Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ is so relational,¡± she shared, emphasizing Ä¢¹½´«Ã½¡¯s commitment to fostering relationships with each student. Lory intends to build an online program that will allow cohorts to grow, have upperclassmen serve as mentors to new students and even provide opportunities for spiritual formation.

Transitioning a residential program to an online format is no simple undertaking, but Lory has been deeply encouraged by the collaborative process taking place behind the scenes. ¡°We are really fortunate that subject matter experts are helping to transfer residential learning content to an online modality. The content will remain similar, and our accreditation standards will be followed throughout our coursework,¡± she explained. In fact, one unique aspect of the online SLP program is how it will offer students computer and in-person residencies at the Dallas campus in Addison, Texas,? that will provide real-life training to develop clinical readiness.

As Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ Online is gearing up to welcome the first cohorts for its online SLP program, Lory offers advice for students interested in becoming speech pathologists: ¡°Really approach it with the same seriousness as you would with any program. Being more than organized and independent.¡± Lory goes on, ¡°You have to say to yourself, ‘I¡¯m going to take the lead and self-advocate. I¡¯m going to have to ask questions.¡¯ Be a strong communicator. Don¡¯t do the bare minimum, [it¡¯s] more than just a grade. You need to develop to serve your clients.¡±?

Whether students are preparing for licensure, seeking to advance their careers, or feeling called to serve their communities through communication and care, Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ Online offers a supportive environment where their goals can take shape. The integration of a curriculum designed by professionals and experts in speech-language pathology, paired with Christian values, creates an educational pathway that nurtures both professional competence and personal spiritual growth.

Those ready to take the next step in their academic and professional journeys will find that Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ Online faculty and staff are prepared to walk alongside them. For more information, visit .?

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Ä¢¹½´«Ã½

KK remembers the moment her name was read twice at the 10th anniversary celebration. A few minutes earlier, she had already received the Excellence in Research Award for her work in Positive Psychology. Hearing her name again, this time as the recipient of the Teacher of the Year Award, felt surreal. ¡°That moment in receiving both of those awards was the culmination of hundreds of micromoments with students,¡± she said. ¡°That was such a peak moment for me.¡±

Her journey with Positive Psychology began long before she joined the Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ Online family. When the field first emerged, KK felt immediately drawn to it. Later, after encountering a toxic leader, her purpose became even clearer. ¡°I vowed that I was going to give positive psychology to leaders,¡± she said. She was determined not to create a program that was simply ¡°a repair tool¡± for leadership but one that developed positive, intentional leaders capable of building healthy workplace cultures. Partnering with Dr. Heather Rasmussen, they designed and pitched what would eventually become the Positive Leadership track.

Much of KK¡¯s approach to teaching is shaped by her own experience as a student. As someone who is neurodivergent, she remembers the teachers who took the time to understand her and how deeply their impact shaped her path. ¡°For me, it¡¯s the relationship with the student,¡± she said. ¡°So I can learn about who they are, and how I can help them.¡±

This commitment to truly knowing her students is woven into her daily work. She recalls one learner on the verge of dropping the program after struggling with a writing assignment. KK reached out, listened, and offered an alternative, turning the essay into a recorded presentation. What she received in return moved her to tears. ¡°I was literally crying watching it because she nailed it! Her zest for learning, her material, her knowledge all came through and I loved it!¡± That moment reaffirmed her belief in flexibility, compassion and designing coursework that allows every student to flourish.

KK O¡¯Byrne¡¯s story is a reminder that teaching at its core is relational. It is built on trust, empathy, and the willingness to meet students where they are. Whether she is supporting a struggling learner, celebrating a breakthrough, or shaping the future of positive leadership, Dr. KK leads with intention and heart. Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ is honored to recognize her as the 2025 Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ Online Teacher of the Year, and even more honored to have her as part of the Wildcat family.

The post Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ Online¡¯s Teacher of the Year, Dr. Kristin Koetting ¡°KK¡± O¡¯Byrne appeared first on Ä¢¹½´«Ã½.

For as long as Dr. James Thomas can remember, becoming a Texas Ranger was his dream. At just nine years old, after countless Saturday mornings spent watching westerns with his father in the piney woods of East Texas, he set his heart on the path of law enforcement. Decades later, at age 36, that dream became reality.

Now, after more than 23 years of service in law enforcement, including roles as a Texas Ranger, company commander and chief training officer, Dr. Thomas is answering a new calling: shaping the next generation of leaders in criminal justice as program director for Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ Online¡¯s B.S. in Criminal Justice.

A Mission with Purpose

When asked why he chose to bring his decades of law enforcement experience into the world of online education, Thomas¡¯ answer came quickly and with conviction. For him, the decision was about more than just teaching; it was about expanding his impact.

¡°The online environment gives me the opportunity to reach students everywhere. Every city, every state, every country,¡± he shared. ¡°At Ä¢¹½´«Ã½, I get to share not just what I¡¯ve learned in law enforcement, but how that experience can prepare students to improve outcomes for the people and communities they serve.¡±

For someone who spent years serving on the front lines of criminal justice, the shift to higher education wasn¡¯t about stepping away from his mission, but rather about enlarging it. By teaching in an online setting, Dr. Thomas can pour into students he may never meet in person: future officers, investigators, and leaders who will carry forward the lessons of integrity, perseverance, and justice into their own communities.

But it wasn¡¯t just the accessibility of online learning that drew Thomas to Ä¢¹½´«Ã½. It was the university¡¯s foundation. ¡°We¡¯re grounded in biblical principles, ethics, grace and love. Those values are in the DNA of the program,¡± he said.?

For him, that alignment matters. Ä¢¹½´«Ã½¡¯s mission provides a framework that connects professional preparation with personal character formation. It¡¯s not simply about producing graduates ready for the workforce; it¡¯s about equipping servant-leaders who see their work in law enforcement and criminal justice as a calling to serve others with compassion.

Teaching in a New Way

Though passionate about face-to-face interactions, Dr. Thomas welcomes the challenge of teaching online. Storytelling, he believes, bridges that gap. By sharing real-life experiences from complex investigations to life-changing encounters with families, he helps students connect deeply with the lessons.

¡°I love storytelling,¡± he explained. ¡°It creates an experience students can take into the broader world. Whether through a screen or in a classroom, if I can connect with their heart, mind, and soul, I¡¯ve done my job.¡±

Building Ambassadors for Ä¢¹½´«Ã½

Even in just his first month, Dr. Thomas has already seen the program¡¯s potential ripple outward through its students. One conversation in particular left a lasting impression. A veteran officer with over 30 years of experience contacted him for a phone call that lasted over 40 minutes. What struck him most was not just the student¡¯s respect for the program, but his passion for representing it.

¡°Before I even mentioned the word ¡®ambassador,¡¯ this student was already living it,¡± he recalled with a smile. ¡°He was so enthusiastic about Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ that he invited me to visit his agency to connect with other officers and cadets. That¡¯s exactly what we want – students who represent Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ and carry forward the mission.¡±

Moments like this fuel his vision for the program. Each student becomes more than just a learner; they become messengers of Ä¢¹½´«Ã½¡¯s values and living examples of how education rooted in faith and integrity can influence communities. For him, that is the true measure of success: when students step out not only as graduates but as ambassadors who embody the mission of Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ wherever they go.

Looking Ahead

Dr. Thomas looks toward the future of online education with a sense of urgency and excitement, confident that Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ has a unique role in shaping what¡¯s next. ¡°My mission is to have the best criminal justice program in the country,¡± he said. ¡°That means building a program so strong that agencies across the nation come to Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ for research, insight, and graduates who are ready to lead with integrity.¡±

In his eyes, the future of online learning is not just about delivering content digitally; it¡¯s about building a network of leaders who are deeply rooted in character, prepared to think critically and equipped to meet the real challenges facing their communities. Thomas imagines Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ Online becoming a trusted resource not only for students, but also for agencies, departments, and organizations across the country who turn to the program for solutions and well-trained graduates.

For Dr. Thomas, the journey from boyhood dreams in East Texas, to a decades-long career in law enforcement, to academic leadership is more than a career arc, it¡¯s a calling. At Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ Online, he¡¯s ready to help students pursue their own purpose, one story and one class at a time. Call us today at 855-219-7300 to learn more about becoming part of our community!?

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At Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ Online, our faculty are not only instructors but also mentors who walk alongside our students in their academic and personal journeys. Their dedication for teaching is deeply connected to Ä¢¹½´«Ã½¡¯s mission of transformational education, where learning goes beyond textbooks to shape character and purpose outside of the classroom.

This month, we are honored to spotlight Dr. Beard, Program Director for the Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership program. Dr. Beard¡¯s path from decades in ministry to Christian higher education is a powerful story of faith and perseverance. His career reflects a lifelong commitment to helping others grow, whether in the church, in the classroom, or through leadership development.?

Following His Calling

Dr. Beard first felt called to ministry at 17, a moment that would shape the trajectory of his entire life. From then on, every decision and opportunity was guided by a deep sense of purpose. Over the next 25 years, he devoted himself to ministry by serving in youth, worship and leadership roles across multiple states. In each position, he poured into the lives of others, helping them grow in their faith and leadership skills.?

When the door to higher education opened, Beard recognized it not as a change in direction but as a continuation of the same calling. He explains, ¡°My calling didn¡¯t change; my context did.¡± What had once taken shape in churches and ministry settings now found new expression in the classroom, where he could invest in students at a different stage of their journey.

His passion for Christian higher education is rooted in a conviction that learning should never be reduced to the transfer of information. Instead, it should be holistic, engaging the mind and the spirit. His goal is to equip his staff and students not only with knowledge but also with wisdom and a purpose bigger than themselves.?

From Ministry to Higher Education

After completing a Master of Arts in New Testament and a Ph.D. in Leadership Studies at Johnson University, Dr. Beard stepped into the world of Christian higher education with both conviction and purpose. His academic preparation gave him a strong foundation, but his personal experiences deepened his sense of calling to this work.

In 2016, life took an unexpected turn when Beard¡¯s father was in an accident that left him paralyzed from the waist down. At the time, Dr. Beard served as a lead minister in Beaumont, Texas, frequently traveling to Oklahoma to support his parents as they navigated a new normal. While his church graciously allowed him the flexibility to care for his family, he sensed that continuing full-time ministry was no longer what was best for the congregation. During this transition season, he began to recognize God¡¯s hand, which was redirecting him toward higher education.

This new path allowed Dr. Beard to balance family responsibilities while pursuing his growing commitment to equipping the next generation of Christian leaders. He began teaching as an adjunct and soon stepped into leadership roles, directing master¡¯s and doctoral programs at Christian universities. In these roles, he found a natural place to integrate his ministry background with his academic training.

Over the years, Beard has drawn on his expertise in adult learning theory, spiritual formation, and instructional design to shape programs that meet students where they are. His additional training, including a Master of Arts in Instructional Technology from the University of Alabama, further sharpened his ability to design engaging and innovative online learning experiences.

Building an Online Community

For Dr. Beard, online education is most effective when it feels deeply personal. He believes students should never feel like they are simply reading ¡°words on a screen.¡± Instead, he intentionally creates learning environments that emphasize human connection, community and mentorship.

This approach is woven into both his teaching and program design. Beard frequently incorporates short video messages, personal reflections and interactive opportunities that allow students to see his face and connect with his personality. These practices help students feel known and supported, reminding them they are part of a living, relational community rather than an impersonal digital classroom.

His methods are grounded in years of research on adult learning theory – a field he has studied extensively through his Ph.D. work and continued academic development. He knows that adult learners are often motivated differently than traditional college students. They bring a wealth of professional and personal experiences, unique goals, and a strong sense of purpose, which Dr. Beard recognizes and designs his courses to accommodate.?

The three methods he uses for the program are:?

• Critical thinking and dialogue: Students are encouraged to process ideas deeply, challenge assumptions and engage in meaningful conversations with faculty and peers.
• Purpose-driven learning: Courses are structured to connect directly with students¡¯ goals, empowering them to apply concepts to their workplaces, families and communities.
• Mentorship and community: Beyond academics, Dr. Beard emphasizes relationship-building, knowing that transformation happens best within the context of authentic connections.

Success Stories That Inspire

Among his most meaningful experiences are watching students defend their dissertations and celebrating as they officially become ¡°Dr.¡± Many of these journeys are marked by the resilience of students balancing life challenges, career shifts and personal hardships while pursuing their degrees.

One student, in particular, stands out: ¡°I coached this student from the very beginning, through countless phone calls and moments of struggle. They persevered through challenges, produced groundbreaking research, and I had the honor of hooding them at graduation. Those moments – seeing growth and transformation – are why I love what I do.¡±

The Future of Online Education

Looking to the future, Dr. Beard envisions technology playing an increasingly vital role in shaping the online learning experience. Tools like artificial intelligence and advancements in instructional design will continue to transform how students learn and faculty teach. Yet, while he embraces innovation, he is equally clear that the true future of online education lies in strengthening the reputation and credibility of online programs.

He believes Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ is uniquely positioned to lead in this space. With a decade-long commitment to online learning, the university has already built a structure that supports both students and faculty in remote environments, while remaining deeply rooted in the mission of Christian higher education. This commitment ensures that as the digital landscape evolves, Ä¢¹½´«Ã½¡¯s programs will remain relevant and mission-driven.

Are you interested in learning more about Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ Online¡¯s offerings or Dr. Beard¡¯s Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership program? Call us today at 855-219-7300.

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Dr. Bill Hunt, a distinguished professor in the

Now, as Dr. Hunt faces the personal challenge of stage four lung cancer, his courage continues to inspire all who know him. Even in the midst of treatment, his love for teaching endures, reminding the Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ community of the power of resilience, purpose and faith. His story is one of quiet strength and unwavering hope.

A Calling Found Through Faith and Family

Born in Richmond, California and raised in Livermore, Dr. Bill Hunt¡¯s journey to becoming an influential educator began with uncertainty and unexpected turns. Unsure of his path after high school, he spent time in college without a clear direction¡ªuntil a mission opportunity changed everything. Through the F.A.C.T. (Foreign Action for Christian Teens) program, he served for two years in Saskatchewan, Canada. It was there he met his future wife, setting the stage for a life defined by commitment, compassion and service.

After returning to California and working in the newspaper industry, Dr. Hunt found the work financially rewarding but unfulfilling. Drawn to the meaning and connection he experienced through part-time ministry, he began to imagine a different path¡ªone that would require a leap of faith for his entire family.¡°I quit my job. I sold my house, and I went to Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ when I was 28 years old and had two children,¡± Dr. Hunt says. ¡°It was a crazy time but my wife wanted to go back to school as well, so we did.¡±?

While raising two sons and working as a youth minister, he earned his undergraduate degree in Bible, followed by a master¡¯s in family ministry and systems. His journey in ministry and education took him to Portland, Oregon, where he served as a youth minister and later became dean of students at Cascade College. After earning his Ed.D. from Azusa Pacific University, Dr. Hunt began teaching in higher education¡ªeventually returning to his Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ roots, where he now serves as the Senior Associate Program Director for the Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership.

Leading With Hope, Purpose and Humility

For Dr. Hunt, teaching is more than a job¡ªit¡¯s a sacred calling. At Ä¢¹½´«Ã½, he teaches foundational leadership courses and champions faculty development with a Christ-centered focus. His leadership model prioritizes hospitality, empathy, and epistemic humility¡ªcreating an environment where students feel welcomed, valued, and heard. His vision for professional learning communities and mindfulness-based faculty support illustrates his deep care for both learners and educators.

What makes Dr. Hunt¡¯s story especially powerful is his perseverance through personal trials. Diagnosed with stage four lung cancer over four years ago and given a two-year prognosis, he continues to defy expectations with grace and strength. His life philosophy¡ªrooted in faith and gratitude¡ªdrives his daily commitment to be present, listen well, and recognize the sacredness of each moment.

Even while undergoing treatment, Dr. Hunt lives fully: he hiked the Camino de Santiago in Spain, regularly backpacks in the Pacific Northwest, and cherishes time with his grandchildren in Arkansas. His love for his wife, now retired after 29 years of teaching, and their shared dream of future adventures together paints a picture of joy, resilience and grounded hope.

¡°I love what I¡¯m doing,¡± Dr. Hunt says. ¡°I see myself working at Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ for a few more years¡ªor down the road, who knows? I love what I¡¯m doing.”

Dr. Hunt¡¯s story reminds the Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ community that leadership is not just about achievement,it¡¯s about heart, humility, and showing up for others, no matter the circumstances. He teaches not just from textbooks, but from a life lived with intentionality and love.

¡°Each day is a gift,¡± Dr. Hunt said. ¡°You just look at people differently, love your wife better, enjoy your kids, and then just love the blue sky each day.”

Are you interested in joining a community like Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ Online? Visit us online and get connected today.

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When you meet Professor Lauren Kinamon, you¡¯re struck not only by her kind demeanor but by her presence. Soft-spoken yet unmistakably strong, she carries a quiet confidence that inspires trust and admiration in both her students and colleagues. As a dedicated Speech-Language pathologist and instructor at Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ Online, Lauren brings a blend of compassion, expertise, and gentle leadership to everything she touches. Her heart beats for her students: their growth, their transformation, and their readiness to serve others as empathetic, skilled clinicians in their communities. In her virtual classroom, students find not only guidance but genuine care, each lesson layered with purpose and kindness. Whether she¡¯s mentoring a budding therapist or contributing to curriculum development, Lauren is proof that strength doesn¡¯t need to shout. Sometimes, it speaks with grace, leads with humility, and leaves a lasting impact on every life it touches.

Moving Up and Around The USA

Growing up as a military kid, Lauren always had a different perception of the world around her. For many years, she became used to the idea that change was constant, so you had to make the most of your time. As she grew up, she learned she had a passion for helping patients with speech limitations and wanted to see how she could improve their overall quality of life. Highly motivated to one day become a speech therapist, she attended Auburn University and obtained her Bachelor of Communication Disorders and Master of Speech Language and Hearing Science. Seeing how she had a knack for research and patient care, Lauren firmly believes that she became the scholar she is today because of her caring and life-giving professors.?

¡°My professors truly gave me an amazing, formative experience,¡± Lauren says. ¡°I really felt strong support in my learning and the further I got into the program, I began to develop supportive relationships which helped my research and professional development, overall.¡±?

As time went on, Lauren figured it was time for her to spread her academic wings and fly. From working as an Acute Care Speech-Language Pathologist in Florida, to serving as a Speech Language Pathologist in New Mexico, she moved from place to place, looking for different ways of providing speech, language, fluency, swallowing and cognitive communicative care for pediatric and adult patients. Having a love for educating her adult patients, she even began providing educational resources for family members and parents regarding diagnoses and treatment plans; all different ways to ensure her patients were being cared for. Fast forward a few years, and Lauren found herself with some slight shifts in her life, including getting married, moving and finding new ways of keeping her passions alive for patients and students.?

Shifting To Teaching

Now, as a military spouse, Lauren sees this as a full-circle moment, except this time, she has been given the opportunity to make her life and career her own. Looking for ways to keep her drive to teach and train new speech-language pathologists, she researched universities and programs that she could potentially teach at from the comfort and convenience of her New Mexico home. And after contacting Professor Alicia Ramirez, assistant professor and program director for the Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ Online Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders program, Lauren knew Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ was where she needed to be.?

¡°I think it was a God thing,¡± Lauren says. ¡°When I reached out, they told me that they needed someone to teach the courses that I was equipped to teach, so it kind of just worked out well with the timing and everything happening in my life.¡±?

Beginning her position in April 2023, Lauren is now one of the program¡¯s leading adjunct instructors ¨C and she is loving every minute of it. From preparing lectures, grading case studies and assignments, and guiding students in coursework, to teaching courses related to the neurological bases of communication and clinical Methods in Speech-Language Pathology, she has established herself amongst the growing program. As a self-proclaimed highly motivated educator, she is beyond excited to continue teaching students who have a similar drive to care and become an advocate for patients with communicative disorders.?

Every term, Lauren works with a wide variety of students. And while she has mentored quite a few, she has realized that a great future speech-language pathologist is someone who has compassion for others, for themselves and for their community. Working to instill that trait into each student, Lauren says she believes that learning this early on can help students become the best professionals they can be.?

¡°If you do not have compassion and are not ready to serve, I feel like your learning won’t be truly meaningful,¡± she says. ¡°This field focuses on helping people, and you have to have genuine compassion. On top of that, eventually, you¡¯re going to treat patients and you have to be thorough and learn how to adapt to become a detail-oriented student who wants to become a professional. That’s something you practice now, so once you get into a real job, you know what to do.¡±?

Aiming to mold and shape students, Lauren says she hopes to resemble her previous professors and their active involvement in her education. From answering questions to leading classroom discussions and advocating for her students, Lauren is proud to be a wildcat and educator in this remarkable and ever-growing field.?

Do you have an interest in caring for others? Have you considered becoming a speech-language pathologist? Take the first step today and earn your Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders.

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Hailing from the great state of Alabama, Dr. Drew Jamieson always felt he had a calling on his life. Whether it was to bring people together, help others find greater spiritual connection, or even just to be a listening ear, Dr. Jamieson has striven to follow his passions.. Serving as a professor in the Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ Online

Along The Tennessee River

There¡¯s nothing like growing up in the great outdoors, surrounded by hills and flowing rivers. As a child raised in Florence, Alabama, Dr. Jamieson remembers getting outside every chance he got. Whether it was kicking the soccer ball or hiking around the trails outside his home, Dr. Jamieson was always trying to find a way to exercise and enjoy nature. Along with recreation and time outdoors, Sundays would bring time with family and going to church. With his grandparents being former missionaries, Dr. Jamieson remembers hearing about the importance of sharing love in far and distant places.

¡°My grandparents were missionaries in Nigeria,¡± Dr. Jamieson said. ¡°Even my mother was born out there, so in many ways, it made the whole experience of what missionaries do, sharing love with humans no matter the race, culture, or creed, all the more real. It really made me think about the world in a different way.¡±?

It was that kind of childhood that made Dr. Jamieson cognizant of what the world needed and how he might play a small part in sharing that light. And much like his grandparents, Dr. Jamieson says he, too, felt the call to full-time ministry. Shortly after graduating high school, Dr. Jamieson began working as a youth and senior adult ministry director at his local church. He also obtained an undergraduate degree in history from the University of North Alabama. For the next 11 years, Dr. Jamieson did it all ¨C from organizing the Vacation Bible School lessons to visiting elderly members in the hospital.?

¡°I just remember thinking, these people also need someone,¡± Dr. Jamieson expressed. ¡°And while visiting someone in the hospital didn¡¯t seem like the most fun thing to do, to me, it meant the world to meet and care for those who so desperately needed to hear some good news.¡±?

Amidst his church career, Dr. Jamieson pursued his Master of Divinity and Master of Theology from Southern Seminary with a special emphasis in pastoral counseling. And while it seemed like a lot for a young man to pursue his graduate degree while juggling full-time ministry, Dr. Jamieson loved it all. He loved seeing people and connecting with others. He enjoyed the conversations and laughs he would share. But most importantly, he loved hearing the stories of families and couples. It was at that moment that he, once again, felt a calling.?

¡°I think studying history and going to seminary really just put me in a special place to have open ears, an open heart and enjoy the present,¡± he said. ¡°I think after a while, I just started thinking that perhaps I was meant to go into the field of mental health and therapy.¡±?

Searching for a program that would fit his interest, Dr. Jamieson remembered seeing an online program for an accredited Ph.D. in Marriage and Family therapy from Amridge University in Montgomery, Alabama. And while an online program was never heard of in 2005, Dr. Jamieson felt comfortable jumping in. A few years later, Dr. Jamieson graduated and began working as a medical marriage and family therapist for an oncology clinic while simultaneously seeing private clients.?

¡°The practice became so big that I eventually started to do that full-time,¡± Dr. Jamieson said. ¡°It truly was a wonderful experience because it just fit with who I was and what I was made for: connections and helping people through difficult circumstances.¡±?

But Dr. Jamieson was left with a curious thought: What if he started teaching??

Calling Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ Online Home

After working as an adjunct professor at a different online university, Dr. Jamieson connected with Dr. Sara Sakil, program director of the Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ Online Master of Marriage and Family Therapy program, and wanted to see if Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ Online would be interested in an adjunct professor and part-time therapist. The answer was, undoubtedly, yes. One thing led to another, and by 2017, Dr. Jamieson was officially a full-time instructor teaching students online who were once like him, eager to serve and interested in becoming better listeners and advocates for others. Now in his 9th year of teaching at Ä¢¹½´«Ã½, Dr. Jamieson is blown away at how the university has grown over time.?

¡°It¡¯s truly amazing to see this program flourish as much as it has,¡± he remarked. ¡°Our students are some of the most upright and bright people out there, and that¡¯s what really kept me going. Seeing students reach their potential and begin helping others. That¡¯s what it¡¯s all about.¡±?

Dr. Jamieson has made his mark on the Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ Online community by teaching courses and assisting in program developments. Now, earning the Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ Online Teacher of the Year Award in 2024, Dr. Jamieson feels even more excited to be in it for the long haul. Hoping to continue to teach classes, Dr. Jamieson sees the award as somewhat of an affirmation from God, a distinct callback to something he felt long ago. These days, he remains faithful. Working every day with great joy, Dr. Jamieson is eager to see how the program grows beyond his wildest dreams.?

¡°I always knew I had a calling, a mission, a purpose,¡± Dr. Jamieson said. ¡°For a while, I thought it was to be a pastor and then a therapist. But, the real answer is to be me, to live, to give and care, to share love. That¡¯s what I¡¯m called to do, and that¡¯s what I¡¯m going to keep doing.¡±?

If you are interested in learning more about Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ Online¡¯s growing Master of Marriage and Family Therapy program, watch about our program today! Our faculty members would be glad to have you in class and lead you down the path toward becoming the therapist you¡¯ve always wanted to be.

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Bringing passion, humility and kindness,

Dancing Her Way Into Teaching

Growing up in Portland, Oregon, Dr. Knutsen always enjoyed being involved in the arts. From a young age, and well into her mid-20s, she was involved in various creative endeavors, including dancing and reading.?

¡°I always loved to read books like Beverly Cleary and Judy Bloom,¡± she said. ¡° I just read voraciously and since I lived right near where one of my favorite writers lived,I knew a lot of the streets in her books. I even ended up dancing at the same dance studio as one of her characters.¡±?

Having enjoyed reading about the adventures of some of her favorite book characters, Dr. Knutsen always felt a strong connection between reading, writing and dance. As time passed and her dancing time came to a bittersweet end, she began to take her college career more seriously. Thinking back to her love for reading and writing, including a freshman composition class at the University of Nevada Las Vegas, she decided to start focusing on earning her bachelor¡¯s degree. While at Portland State University, Dr. Knutsen noticed her knack for being a great listener and writer. Graduating in 1992 with her degree in psychology, she quickly chased her writing dream. She enrolled in her master¡¯s degree at New Mexico State with an emphasis on English and creative writing, before earning her second master¡¯s degree in creative writing with a focus on fiction. Needless to say, Dr. Knutsen knew this was the right path for her. As if she were dancing through her education, she went from program to program, excelling as she went along, earning her Ph.D. in English Literature from Western Michigan University. Time was flying by, but she was having loads of fun.?

In 2006, wanting to be closer to family, she returned to the growing city of Portland. Earning a professorship role, she began teaching at Concordia University, where she taught an array of courses including fiction, poetry, memoir and creative nonfiction ¨C almost everything under the sun. Seeing how much she enjoyed teaching and leading students into learning, Dr. Knutsen felt like this was her future: teaching, mentoring and writing.?

And then, the pandemic hit.?

Like most universities around the country, shutdowns were beginning to occur, and that included Condoria. Nervous about what would happen next, Dr. Knutsen noticed a common thread amongst her students¡¯ work: the healing power of writing and art. Seeing how students were diving into assignments like writing memoirs of their personal experiences, Dr. Knutsen noticed that maybe there was something there; maybe there was something therapeutic about writing. Looking into discovering this further, she decided to take on the additional challenge of becoming a therapist, specifically for those who needed to find ways to break free from traumatic diet experiences. Teaching, then, in a facility for those undergoing diet culture trauma, Dr. Knutsen saw how writing helped her students learn more about themselves, and more about who God was in their lives.?

As time passed, Dr. Knutsen says she was still open to teaching. After she encountered Dr. Scott Self, Vice Provost for Academic Affairs & Development for the Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ Online campus, she saw the chance to teach again, only this time, via Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ Online.

¡°I was so lucky to get in contact with Dr. Scott Self,¡± said Dr. Knutsen. ¡°After a few quick calls, I started teaching classes.¡±?

Living Life With A Purpose

Dr. Knutsen is not only recognized for her diligent work but also because of her ability to make any student feel seen, heard and understood through the power of their own story. As she teaches students the importance of seeing a character or series of poetic lines through their lens, she believes she¡¯s teaching the value of storytelling. Since ¡°every person is the main character in their own story,¡± Dr. Knutsen has found the perfect way to introduce God as the ultimate storyteller of our lives, thus giving hope and inspiration to her students. In her own words, ¡°we are constantly living in the story of the world and what the world says about us; and changing that story, being empowered by that, is life-changing. And since God is the original storyteller and author, it helps students understand how storytelling is a part of their everyday lives.¡±?

Through all of her efforts, and consistent ability to care for her students and their well-being, she felt ¡®really happy¡¯ when she learned she was awarded Adjunct of the Year. After seeing her name in an email, Dr. Knutsen says she was so touched by how the university saw her work ethic and worth as an instructor.?

¡°I just felt really honored and pleased that I was given that award,¡± she said. ¡°It was just like a testament that all the hard work I’ve tried to do for my students has just really paid off.¡±?

Today, Dr. Knutsen continues her therapeutic work in Portland, Oregon. Whether she¡¯s teaching classes on writing poetry, mentoring an Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ student about their essay, or walking her dog alongside her son, Dr. Knutsen is pleased with how life has turned out for her and her family. Fully trusting in the Lord and all His promises, Dr. Knutsen sees the future with great optimism ¨C something she hopes to continue teaching to her students and clients.?

Interested in taking classes from inspiring faculty members like Dr. Knutsen? Visit our website today and see how Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ Online can help you achieve your goals.

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