Ģ����ý announces the launch of its new Master of Science in kinesiology, a dynamic, Christ-centered graduate program designed to prepare students for high-demand careers in exercise science, human performance, physical therapy and athletic leadership. The 30-hour program includes hybrid learning options, flexible entry points and two hands-on internship experiences built for emerging professionals ready to make a meaningful impact through movement and health.

The Master of Science in kinesiology at Ģ����ý is uniquely positioned among Texas graduate programs. Students benefit from small cohorts, personalized faculty mentorship and internship placements tailored to their career goals – all while reinforcing Christian values that guide both academic and professional life. Coursework blends advanced kinesiology, biomechanics, human anatomy and research methodology with internship tracks that help students clarify their calling.

“Whether our students pursue careers in exercise physiology, physical therapy, coaching, athletic administration or further doctoral study, this degree equips them to serve others through health, wellness and human performance,” said Dr. Melissa Long, program director. “What makes Ģ����ý’s approach distinct is our commitment to Christian leadership and service at every level.”

Flexible, focused and future-ready, the program is designed for adults and recent college graduates alike. We offer in-person, online and hybrid class formats, plus summer courses give options for students to fast-track their degree. Entry points are available every fall, spring and summer, allowing applicants to start on a schedule that works for them.

Courses include:

• Applied Sports Psychology
• Research Methods
• Essentials of Human Performance
• Legal Aspects of Sports and Recreation

Job demand is growing across kinesiology-related fields. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, physical therapist aides are projected to see 19% job growth through 2032, with strong demand also in exercise physiology (10%), human performance (14%) and athletic administration (9%).

Graduates of the program will enter the workforce with a competitive edge and real-world experience, whether as a final professional destination or as preparation for doctoral study in physical or occupational therapy. All of this is delivered in the faith-infused environment of a top-tier, NCAA Division I university with a deep commitment to developing Christian leaders.

Applications are now open – no GRE required. Learn more or for the program today.

— Jamie Thomas
July 18, 2025

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Ģ����ý has hired Dr. Mark DeHart from Idaho National Laboratory to lead a new graduate program in nuclear science and engineering, including the university’s first Ph.D. degree offering. 

The Ph.D. in nuclear science and engineering will be the first graduate program in Ģ����ý’s Onstead College of Science and Engineering. The process to develop this new program is underway with the goal of launching by 2026 or 2027.

“Dr. DeHart brings expertise and leadership experience in the nuclear industry to Ģ����ý, and we look forward to the ways he will develop and lead the new graduate program. With the recently granted construction permit for our molten salt research reactor and heightened national interest in nuclear power, this is the right time to pursue advanced academic opportunities in the nuclear field,” said Dr. Charla Miertschin, dean of the Onstead College of Science and Engineering.

In this role, DeHart will spearhead program development and management, leveraging Ģ����ý’s ABET-accredited engineering program and long-standing physics and chemistry programs with a strong history in nuclear physics. Abilene Christian is already at the forefront of research and innovation and nationally recognized for its rigorous academic excellence and extensive opportunities for unique student experiences in scholarship and service. DeHart will also hold a faculty position in the Department of Engineering and Physics.

“I am honored to join Ģ����ý as the founding director of the nuclear science and engineering graduate program,” DeHart said. “This new chapter brings me back to Texas and offers the exciting opportunity to help launch Ģ����ý’s first Ph.D. program. I look forward to working with Natura Resources and the NEXT Lab team to prepare a new generation of nuclear scientists and engineers to advance the future of nuclear energy.”

DeHart holds B.S., M.S. and Ph.D. degrees, all from Texas A&M University. With more than 36 years of experience, including 15 years at Idaho National Laboratory and 17 years with a significant influence on criticality safety, reactor physics and nuclear engineering topics at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). Prior to his time at ORNL, he completed his doctoral research while working full-time on the K-Reactor restart project at the Westinghouse Savannah River Company. His Ph.D. work provided the foundation for developing reactor physics software at ORNL, which remains in international use today. 

Miertschin said that this unique combination of rigorous academic research and hands-on experience positions DeHart well to lead the development of Ģ����ý’s groundbreaking nuclear program.

Learn more about Ģ����ý’s Onstead College of Science and Engineering. 

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Ģ����ý will present 540 degrees this weekend in two Commencement ceremonies taking place at Moody Coliseum Friday and Saturday.

The Friday, Dec. 13, ceremony at 7 p.m. will award 172 master’s and 63 doctoral degrees. On Saturday, Dec. 14, 305 bachelor’s degrees will be presented at 10 a.m. Both ceremonies will be livestreamed; visit acu.edu/commencement for more information.  

Alejandro Ezquerra, bilingual minister at University Church of Christ in Abilene, is the featured speaker at Friday’s ceremony. Prior to coming to Abilene in 2022, he spent 15 years preaching at the Bammel Church of Christ in Houston. Ezquerra is also a chaplain and holds bachelor’s degrees in theology and journalism and a Master of Divinity from Ģ����ý. He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Ministry degree at Ģ����ý. In addition to his pastoral work, Ezquerra is an adjunct professor for Ģ����ý Abilene and Ģ����ý Dallas. His reputation as a dynamic and insightful speaker has made him a sought-after presenter across the U.S. and Latin America. He has written two books: The Other Side of the Pulpit and Conversations at the Table.

At Saturday’s ceremony, Dr. Houston Heflin, Ģ����ý’s 2024 Teacher of the Year, will give the charge to the class. Heflin, professor in the Department of Bible, Missions and Ministry, teaches undergraduate and graduate courses on spiritual formation, church ministry, and the scholarship of teaching and learning, as well as Cornerstone classes for the Honors College. He holds an Ed.D. from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and an M.S. and a B.S. from Ģ����ý. Before his 14 years of teaching at Ģ����ý, he spent 12 years in church ministry. He is also director of the Contemplative Ministers’ Initiative through Ģ����ý’s Siburt Institute and the author of several books, including Youth Pastor: The Theology and Practice of Youth Ministry, Pray Like You Breathe: Exploring the Practice of Breath Prayer, I Promise It’s True, and the recently published Faith in Mirrors, a book of mirror poems based on the life and teachings of Jesus.

Several undergraduate student awards will be presented at the Saturday ceremony.

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Ģ����ý’s Department of Psychology has been awarded $3.6 million in research funding from the U.S. Department of Education as part of the . The award is the largest federal grant Ģ����ý has received in the last 15 years. 

Under the leadership of Dr. Rachel Team, associate professor and director of the school psychology program, and Dr. Brit’ny Stein, associate professor of psychology, the grant funding will be used by Ģ����ý’s school psychology program to support mental health services in local public schools. The grant will also provide financial support for recruiting and retaining graduate students in the program and help address the current shortage of school psychologists across the nation and state.  

For the 2024 fiscal year, Ģ����ý will receive $662,758, with additional funding allotted for each of the next four years, totalling $3,672,972. Ģ����ý is the only Texas university included in this grant and one of 30 total.

“World-changing research and projects take place at Ģ����ý every day, and this award from the Department of Education affirms and supports those efforts,” said Dr. Phil Schubert, Ģ����ý president. “I’m so proud of our team and excited for the implementation of this program that will make a difference in our local community and have long-term influence to prioritize mental health nationwide.”

Ģ����ý’s innovative recruiting efforts and immersive training program, named Project SMILE (School psychologists Molded into Interdisciplinary Leaders in Education), will increase school-based mental health services in the Abilene and Wylie Independent School Districts through a partnership with Communities in Schools of the Big Country. 

Dr. Tim Allen, associate professor of psychology at Ģ����ý, will serve as the coordinator of school psychology training for the project and will start by expanding the diversity of school-based mental health professionals through intentional recruitment to Ģ����ý’s school psychology program and partnership building with other universities. Project SMILE will then work to empower relationships, as the school psychology graduate students serve as interdisciplinary school-based mental health leaders in high-needs schools. These students will receive stipends to support their training, funding for professional conferences and unique practicum experiences providing school-based mental health services. Ultimately, Project SMILE will develop these Ģ����ý graduate students into highly trained school psychologists ready to serve schools and improve mental health outcomes for children and adolescents across the state and country. The SMILE program is funded solely through this Department of Education grant.

“We are beyond excited for this grant and the opportunity it provides for our community, our program and the profession of school psychology,” Team said. “This funding allows us to provide additional mental health services to both Abilene and Wylie ISD students and address the critical shortage of school psychologists across the state and country.”

— Wendy Kilmer
Oct. 22, 2024

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Determined to increase advocacy and support for the community of Abilene, Sarah (Robirds ’09) McLean has been a shining example of the mission of the Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW) program: “meeting others where they are in their challenges and helping them overcome barriers.” As a mother, board member of Communities in Schools (CIS) and director of We Love Abilene, a community outreach program of The Well church in Abilene, Sarah has become a beacon of support for the communities she serves. 

A Passion for Advocacy 

Growing up in Abilene, Sarah was knowledgeable about the need for resources and advocacy for youth and the greater community. At an early age, she loved to listen, understand and nurture her ability to see people as whole beings. After graduating from Cooper High School in 2005, she began her Ģ����ý journey as a social work major, where her passions were nurtured through a rigorous curriculum, hands-on field experiences and mentorship from faculty. Upon graduating in 2009, she and her husband, Dr. Marc McLean (’09), relocated to Houston, where she began working at Star of Hope Mission, a Christian-based nonprofit organization that provides services to those in the community. She loved being able to support families and children in the area but she felt her heart pulling her in a different direction. 

 “It was incredible to walk alongside the families to help them overcome their situations but I realized this group needed a more holistic approach,” she said. “And much of what they were missing was the educational piece, so I decided to get a teaching certification.” 

After completing the certification in the summer of 2010, she began teaching science at YES Prep. Returning to Abilene in 2013, Sarah accepted a teaching position at Martinez Elementary School. Though she loved being a teacher, she believed that Abilene needed more social workers in the community. After praying over this transition back to social work, she felt called to enroll in Ģ����ý’s MSSW program. 

While a student in the program, she focused on integrating her faith into her work, the intricacies of serving diverse populations and learning about the systems put in place to help the community succeed. She landed an internship at CIS, a national nonprofit that provides support services to at-risk students, where she combined her love of social work and teaching.

A Renewed Calling: Serving the Body of Christ 

Having earned her master’s degree in social work in 2016, she remained at CIS as the director of mental health, where she focused on holistic support and trained school staff on social, emotional and mental health in youth. Over time, her commitment and leadership within the organization led to her appointment as a board member, where she now helps shape the future of CIS, ensuring that the needs of students are met at every level.

But her journey doesn’t end there. In addition to her work with CIS, she discovered a new way to give back to her community – this time, through her church. The Well welcomed her as an undergraduate student, and when she returned, she felt like she never left. After becoming involved in the outreach ministry, she began to lead We Love Abilene. 

“I get daily reassurance that this is what God called me to do,” she said. “It allows me to love well, serve others and act as the hands of God in all that I do. There’s nothing better than that.”

Her work at The Well is deeply fulfilling, allowing her to integrate her faith with her professional skills while finding ways to fill gaps and empower others. She works closely with the church staff and interns to partner with organizations that meet the needs of the Abilene community. 

“We are blessed, as a church, to be able to do the things we do for this community: providing financial support to families, hosting baby showers for teen mothers and praying for those in our community,” she said. “But the best part is building life-long relationships with people.” 

Throughout her career, she has been supported by her loving family. She and Marc have three children who share their love for service and education. 

Reflecting on her journey, she often shares that her time at Ģ����ý was instrumental in shaping the person she is today. 

“I think back to Dr. Wayne Paris, Dr. Tom Winters and so many others who helped me along the way, especially in graduate school,” she said. “I always tell people that I feel like I’m on a conveyor belt, and a big piece of what makes that belt go is the knowledge, skills and preparation I got from Ģ����ý.” 

The education and experiences she gained at the university equipped her with the knowledge, skills and values that have guided her through every stage of her career. From the classroom to the community, she has remained steadfast in her commitment to making a difference in the lives of others – a commitment that continues to drive her every day.

Learn more about Ģ����ý’s MSSW program.

— Senia Overstreet
Aug. 30, 2024

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Ģ����ý is proud to announce the acceptance of its invitation to join The Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED) network consisting of over 135 institutional members in the important work of redesigning professional practice preparation in education for the improvement of PK-20 education. Alongside other top-tiered universities, including Gonzaga University, Missouri State University, and the University of Alabama, Ģ����ý was chosen because of its diligent work in creating a competitive, nationally recognized Doctor of Education program. 

“This distinction and selection of our university is an honor,” said Dr. Stephen Johnson, chief executive officer of Ģ����ý Dallas. “Ģ����ý has dedicated itself to building a program that can compete with other large-scale universities, and we are proud that our efforts are being recognized.” 

New members are chosen through a rigorous application process and evaluated by a membership committee composed of leaders of current CPED members. From there, each new institution member is added to the growing network and participates in ongoing discussions related to supporting and learning from one another to push CPED’s collective work even further. 

“We are so pleased to join this prestigious organization and know that the work we do through the Ed.D. in Educational Leadership will improve the lives of students by offering a program that will be pivotal in addressing the preparation of professionals who practice in this field,” said Dr. Nannette Glenn, dean of the College of Learning and Development. “It is my pleasure to congratulate the team of Dr. Alline Ayala, Dr. Darlene Breaux, Dr. Jennifer Butcher and Dr. Twyla Williams-Damond for their hard work in getting our application accepted.”

Ģ����ý’s online Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership degree program is designed to foster collaborative alliances between educators, administrators, and school district leaders to provide the strategies and knowledge to enrich their students’ lives and grow diverse schools statewide. Using cutting-edge methodologies and with the help of academic professionals, Ģ����ý’s online Ed.D. programs prepare students for strategic thinking and educational change. 

“We’re very excited to welcome these new institution members to CPED’s growing consortium and to see the contributions they will make in transforming the EdD to meet the educational needs of the 21st century,” said CPED executive director Jill A. Perry, PhD.

Ģ����ý’s online programs are housed at its branch location in Dallas and include 14 bachelor’s, 17 master’s, four doctoral, five undergraduate certificates, and 10 graduate certificate programs. Learn more about Ģ����ý Online’s degree programs at acu.edu/online.

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Let’s face it – conflict occurs no matter the circumstances. Regardless of whether you’re working on a large team or small group, conflict can occur when people feel unappreciated, unheard, or even unseen despite your best efforts as a leader or coworker. Still, though, not all conflicts are particularly bad. Though conflict is often something we try to avoid, positive conflict can be beneficial and constructive. It produces new ideas, solves continuous problems, and allows people and teams to expand their skills and foster creativity – a great thing for teams and organizations of all sizes.

Working through positive conflict has that lead to lasting avenues, including enhanced creativity and innovation, improved decision-making, greater team cohesion, and opportunities for personal and professional growth while still promoting productivity. According to a in China, scholars interested in organization productivity and growth showed a correlation between the use of conflict management and an employee’s overall work satisfaction. Looking at how some employees and managers approach conflict, the study examined that conflict – though not ideal – actually allows for greater communication and work styles to come together across an organization. 

However, conflict resolution is not for the faint of heart. Becoming a point person for internal conflict resolution is integral to the success of any growing team, department or company, and thus requires training. 

Through Ģ����ý Online’s Master of Arts in Conflict Management and Resolution, you will not only be tasked to understand the knowledge and skills necessary to help you manage conflict effectively and professionally but also build relationships by successfully moving parties toward an agreement. Placing a greater emphasis on resolution, the program is designed to help you become a conflict resolution master interested in reflecting the importance of maintaining relationships, even through a disagreement amongst your coworkers, supervisors, or team members. 

Here are just some of the top positive skills you will learn that can be applied the moment you find yourself called to step into a conflict-related situation. 

Promote an integrative approach to managing team conflicts

When emotions get involved in any situation, it can be difficult to manage; let alone, promote a clear-headed discussion focused on moving forward. In both of our programs, soon-to-be mediators uncover what it means to handle a stressful situation objectively without minimizing one’s differences or grievances. Through classes like Mediation – Principles & Practice and Managing Conflict in the Workplace, you will learn integrative ways to motivate effective negotiation and mediation specifically for professional work environments. Providing opportunities to develop skills in identifying the signs and root causes of friction, anger, violence and conflict, students will undergo a series of case studies and real-life examples of how the framework for understanding sources of organizational conflict occur and how the best practitioners have found ways to improve upon them.  

Foster a safe environment for differing opinions

As humans, we all come from different walks of life, racial upbringings, and styles of communicating. Some people love to express their thoughts no matter the content of them, while others prefer to keep them bottled up inside – and then explode at a later time. Either way, conflict resolutioners need to know how to manage and create environments where both sets of people can cohesively work together. In classes like Conflict – The Christian Perspective, you will examine conflict through the lens of scripture will paying particular attention to how Christians should approach conflict as a means to glorify God and grow in their faith, along with a special emphasis on the concepts of forgiveness and reconciliation. Though not all mediators are in managerial positions, you will learn how they can establish safe environments in their groups, team meetings, and interpersonal relationships by giving people the opportunity to express their feelings, work through their circumstances independently, and walk with them into the newfound solutions. 

Advocate for training

Providing training for employees offers more than just the benefit of positive work conflicts. It allows for opportunities to grow and enhance their problem-solving, interpersonal communication skills, and even mental training. When employees disagree, it’s hard to keep conflicts positive areas for work. However, businesses should consider training their employees to think about disagreements as arenas for growth and kindness. Through classes like Practicum in Conflict Resolution and Conflict Management Systems Design, you will be guided through real-life frameworks for how to understand organizational conflict prevention and resolution systems. Additonally, you will be given the chance to apply those training systems within a graduate-level practicum tailored to meet your individual interests. Focused on building future mediators through a series of intensive courses and hands-on training, you will discover how academically-inclined training can reduce the likelihood of conflict or at the very least, increase their chances for advocating for training to their managerial staff.

Handling conflict is an art form. It requires careful examination, a tuned ear, an open heart, and a focus on objectivity no matter the circumstance. Bringing effective conflict resolution skills to your organization can help create positive relationships between coworkers and also encourage productivity within teams. Our program will prepare you to meet the rising demand for professionals with conflict-resolution skills in the workplace. 

If you want to learn more about how effective conflict resolution can help people and businesses thrive, visit us online today to discover more about our Master of Arts in Conflict Management & Resolution.

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As a mother, wife, instructor, program director and endoscopist, Ģ����ý faculty member Erika (Cook ’14) McLean hopes to make a difference in the lives of those around her and is eager to produce change in her students and her field. As a therapist, she finds joy in helping patients understand their options regarding swallow therapy through her mobile Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) program. As an alumna of the M.S. in speech-language pathology program and now an instructor and co-program director of Ģ����ý’s residential M.S.-SLP program, she serves as a mentor to her students and hopes to inspire them to always find ways to transform the world, use the knowledge and skills they receive through the program to empower others, and strive to be the best they can be. 

A Lifelong Learner 

Growing up, McLean had a love for helping others and knew it was her calling. With family members in the medical field, she planned to become a professional therapist. As a senior in high school she explored speech pathology and immediately fell in love, developing a passion for rehabilitation and medical therapy. 

Her journey to Abilene Christian began in 2010 as an undergraduate in the SLP program. She immediately felt the mission of Ģ����ý – to educate and prepare students for Christian service and leadership – come to fruition in her life. The idea that Ģ����ý will guide you into your calling and prepare you for the workforce, no matter the career path you choose, particularly appealed to her. 

“While enrolled at Ģ����ý, I always had this feeling that I was being prepared to go into the mission field,” McLean said. “That made my transition into my job a lot easier because I always believed it was my calling, and my professors believed it, too.” 

With the support of her department, McLean learned about the possibilities of the field through interning, volunteering in the community and going on a mission trip to Brisbane, Australia, with WorldWide Witness. She took advantage of those opportunities and gained hands-on experience, shadowed professors and therapists, and learned from her peers. 

“Those experiences pushed me out of my comfort zone, but Ģ����ý prioritizes encouraging students to go out and experience the world,” she said. “They provided the support and I’m truly grateful to have had those wonderful opportunities.”

Leading Change at Ģ����ý and in Abilene 

As a master’s student, she interned at the Hendrick Medical Center – Acute, practicing medical speech therapy and shadowing her professors. After graduating from the master’s program in 2016, she landed a full-time job at Health South Rehabilitation Hospital of Abilene, now known as Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Abilene, began her career as a speech pathologist and became a therapy lead. Although she took great pleasure in treating patients and enjoyed the work she did, she discovered diagnostic procedures could take two weeks or longer. 

Determined to improve turn-around times, she began researching a fast-growing resource in larger cities. The FEES program utilizes advanced fiberoptic technology to evaluate and identify swallowing issues in patients, providing them with specialized solutions to improve their quality of life. 

Drawn in by this process, she and her husband, Mitchell McLean (’12), established Texas Swallow Diagnostics LLC in 2018, a mobile FEES program located in Abilene, Texas. She specializes in diagnosing patients and determining the necessary course of treatment in a fraction of the time. This innovative technology has benefited countless individuals in Abilene and set new standards in the field of speech pathology.

Full Circle 

McLean remained connected to Ģ����ý and the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders beyond her departure, but it came as a shock to get a job offer as an adjunct professor. In the spring of 2023, she accepted the part-time position and now serves as a full-time professor under the leadership of her mentor, Dr. Terry Baggs, associate professor and department chair.

“I had so much respect for him as my professor,” she said about Baggs. “And now he’s one of my colleagues, so to come full circle has been one of the sweetest things. He’s been present in every aspect of my career, and it’s a blessing.”

Now, McLean brings her wealth of knowledge and experience to the classroom, inspiring the next generation of speech and language pathologists. She enjoys incorporating the work of her private practice into the classroom and training graduate students to be skilled in fiberoptic evaluations, as well as motivating them to hone their skills, perfect their crafts and prepare to be blessings to their patients. 

The support she receives from her spouse, friends and coworkers has made working two jobs extremely fulfilling, as well as raising two small children and her golden retriever, Tucker. 

“I’m grateful for Ģ����ý and my support system,” McLean said. “Every day I get those light-bulb moments that remind me I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be, and I can’t wait to see how the private practice grows and what innovations our students go on to create.” 

Learn more about Ģ����ý’s MS-SLP program and faculty like McLean today! For questions about the residential Abilene program, call 325-674-6911.

–Senia R. Overstreet
Aug. 8, 2024

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Whether she’s speaking at congressional meetings in Washington, D.C., earning various awards, or serving as board president for Alief ISD, Dr. Darlene Breaux is a testament to what can happen when you pursue your passions and hold a strong pulse on what the world needs from an educational, social, and spiritual standpoint. As an Ģ����ý Online alumna of the

On the Road to Education 

Dr. Breaux didn’t start as the director of the Research and Evaluation Institute for the Harris County Department of Education and a board member of Alief Independent School District in Houston, Texas. Before all this, Dr. Breaux was one of nine children. Growing up in West Virginia, where it wasn’t a guarantee or expectation from her teachers that she’d go to college Because early in her educational journey she was identified as a student with a reading disability (dyslexia) and faced some definite educational challenges.  But, through the support of her parents and siblings, Dr. Breaux persisted and earned her way into Marshall University. 

Fast forward to the summer of her sophomore year, Dr. Breaux vividly remembers visiting her sister in Houston, Texas the summer of her sophomore year where she immediately fell in love with the people, climate, and atmosphere. Begging her parents to let her move to Texas, she maneuvered her way to becoming a Texas resident and finishing her undergraduate studies at Texas Southern University (TSU). According to her, “it was really not just about the weather but also just the people and the diversity [..] West Virginia will always hold a special place in my heart , but Houston is now my home.” 

Completing her bachelor’s degree in psychology from TSU, Dr. Breaux then began her professional career as a Pre-K and Kindergarten teacher at a private school — before she launched herself into obtaining her master’s degree in educational management with a principal certification at the University of Houston-Clear Lake. 

Getting hooked on learning and specializing in the educational system, Dr. Breaux continued her impressive career by working in a mental facility for children. After witnessing what her patients were going through, she wondered if her efforts would make a greater impact if she focused more on improving educational systems for children from within. “I just kept telling myself, ‘man, if I could only get into that classroom, maybe I could prevent or delay some of these kids ending up in a psychiatric hospital or residential facility,” Breaux said. Moved by their responses and emotional ties to how much influence a teacher can have on a student, Dr. Breaux decided to dive head-first into her new mission of obtaining a teaching certification. She wasted no time and ultimately began working toward building her career in the educational system of Harris County. 

A Rising Star In-and-Out 

Initially recruited as the Director of Special Populations for the Harris County Department of Education, Dr. Breaux learned about the various needs of her community, including those with learning and language differences. In light of her child development and research expertise, Dr. Breaux was promptly promoted to the director of the Research and Evaluation Institute. While creating countless initiatives for Harris County students and faculty members, Dr. Breaux still felt like something was missing. It wasn’t enough to just complete a project and move on with her day. She wanted to enact change. She felt like there was still more to learn about educational leadership and maybe more to learn about herself as a woman of color in the education system. 

Once again, she was on the search for more knowledge to support her vision to enact educational reforms for minority students. Looking for a program that focused on enriching her professional experience, Dr. Breaux found out about Ģ����ý Online’s Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership program and immediately knew this was something she needed to do. Having the opportunity to take classes with other working professionals in education, she learned how to view education from different perspectives and how she could tie more about herself as a leader, educator, and believer. 

Throughout her time in the program, Dr. Breaux received several recognitions, including winning the “Outstanding Dissertation Award” from the Texas Council of Professors of Educational Administration for her work titled . On top of that, she was also profiled by for her contributions to the book Black and Brown and the Promotion of Change in an Era of Social Unrest, as well as Texas School Business magazine where she was highlighted as a “Thought Leader and Innovator in Education.” And while she was praised by many, Dr. Breaux’s biggest takeaway during her time as an Ģ����ý Online student was hearing about the power of vocational callings. 

“During our program at Ģ����ý, they emphasized that we all have a vocational calling, which is something that really stuck with me [..] It drove me deeper into reflection and understanding of a career versus a calling. 

Leading Future Wildcats 

After earning her Ed.D. in August 2020, Dr. Breaux felt her vocational calling nudging her towards new endeavors. In 2023, she rejoined the Ģ����ý family as the newest program director for the Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership. Eager to bring in aspiring educators and leaders interested in becoming changemakers, she began her appointment with the first cohort in Fall 2024. Dr. Breaux’s extensive experience, including being honored as the School Board Member of the Year by the local, state, and national levels of the National Alliance of Black School Educators, one of Houston’s Top 30 Influential Women, and recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award presented by the White House Administration, has made her a household name for rising scholars and advocates.

“What’s really exciting to me about the new EdD in Educational Leadership program is to design a practitioner-focused program that will train and educate the next generation of leaders,” Dr. Breaux remarks. “I am very much a hands-on person, and it’s important to me to design a program that is beneficial for our students and advances the university’s mission which is to educate students for christian service and leadership throughout the world. This work will have rippling effects by creating change agents who are working in their calling. Being a part of this opportunity is so fulfilling.”

Guiding countless educators and women in leadership, Dr. Breaux continues her efforts to enact real change from the bottom to the top with grace and peace.

Interested in learning more about our program? Visit our website or call 855-219-7300 to learn how you can step into a fulfilling, innovative future at Ģ����ý Online.

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Ģ����ý (Ģ����ý) has launched a new online Doctor of Education (Ed.D) in Educational Leadership degree. This innovative program, designed to meet the evolving needs of education professionals, equips aspiring leaders with the knowledge, skills, and expertise necessary to drive meaningful change in educational institutions throughout Texas.

Led by highly regarded leadership professionals and interdisciplinary professors, the program is designed to prepare working educators with the essential skills and strategies to navigate the complexities of instructional leadership and educational administration. Through innovative and engaging coursework, hands-on experiences, and mentorship from distinguished faculty, students will develop the critical thinking, strategic planning, and collaborative skills needed to lead with integrity and vision. 

“At Ģ����ý, we’re committed to preparing visionary leaders who will transform the landscape of education, said Dr. Darlene Breaux, program director of the Ed.D. in Educational Leadership program. “Our Ed.D. program empowers educators to tackle complex challenges, champion equity and inclusion, and inspire excellence in teaching and learning.”

The Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership program will lead students through a set of core curriculum courses in contemporary educational leadership theories, communication as an education leader, learning instruction and innovation, managing human capital, and schools as organizations. With two distinct concentrations in principal leadership and school superintendent, this program is dedicated to advancing each student’s career aspirations through enhanced competence and professional growth opportunities. The innovative program also features an embedded dissertation model that seamlessly integrates dissertation milestones alongside each student’s coursework, providing a comprehensive program tailored for success with a three-year completion time.

The program is now accepting applications for its inaugural cohort beginning August 20, 2024. With hopes of attracting students from a variety of school districts and settings, the program is partnered with organizations such as Education Service Center Region 13 in the Austin metro area and Education Service Center Region 4 in greater Houston to offer tuition discounts. Additionally, teachers and administrators holding a principal or superintendent certification or relevant coursework may be admitted with advanced standing, allowing them to earn up to 15 credit hours toward their Ed.D., resulting in a substantial savings of $12,500. 

“Elevating experienced educators for school leadership roles is at the heart of our doctor of education programs,” said Dr. Stephen Johnson, chief executive officer of Ģ����ý Dallas. “As a university hyper-focused on making the next generation of educational changemakers, we are proud to launch this new program to provide more resources and opportunities for aspiring administrators looking to expand their knowledge and reach their next professional goal.” 

Ģ����ý’s online programs are administered through its branch location in Dallas and include 14 bachelor’s degrees, 17 master’s degrees, three doctoral degrees, five undergraduate certificate programs, and 10 graduate certificate programs. Learn more about Ģ����ý Online’s degree programs at acu.edu/online.

Learn more about the fully online Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership program.

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