ACU DALLAS YEAR2022 REVIEWIN Advancing the Mission
This is the story of ACU’s mission at ACU Dallas, where excellence in learning and vocational formation is providing a transformative experience for our students. Cover Image: Summerly Norment, pictured seated, is an ACU Online student in the Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration program. Dr. Meghan Hope, pictured on the computer screen, is the program director for ACU Online’s Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration and Master of Science in Healthcare Administration. TABLE OF CONTENTS 14–1512–137–104–6111617–18 ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE MEET OUR STUDENTS STUDENT PARTNERSHIPBUSINESSINNOVATIONDIVERSITY,VOCATIONALSUCCESSFORMATIONEQUITYANDINCLUSIONANDDEVELOPMENTHIGHLIGHTS
The ACU Dallas Annual Review is the story of ACU’s vibrant, dynamic and historic mission playing out in new ways. These new ways include unique technologies and modalities by which learning and vocational formation take place; a distinctive student ACU is reaching with a transformative experience; and exciting corporate partnerships and development pathways that form our students for innovative work and service.
We recently shared a social media post highlighting our new partnership with the Texas Rangers baseball team. It included the players’ statistics. Alongside those numbers were the ACU logo and tag: “Because the numbers matter…ACU MBA-Analytics.” The numbers do matter, because they point to something else. The numbers tell a story.
In this first of many updates, we want to tell these stories — using numbers from time to time, but also introducing you to the names and faces, people and places that make up this dynamic and growing part of the university we love. As you read these stories, we hope you are proud of the lives being touched and transformed, the quality of the academic programs and the substantial research being generated through the Dallas campus. We hope you come to know the outstanding faculty and staff who lead and serve ACU Dallas and know their passion for students, as academic excellence and spiritual formation permeates everything they do. And, most importantly, we hope you are inspired by the work we are doing together, boldly and faithfully pursuing the mission of God in higher education. So much opportunity stretches out before us — a horizon with great promise!
A MESSAGE FROM THE Chief Administrative Officer
STEPHEN JOHNSON, TH.D. Chief Administrative Officer, Dallas Campus
Dr. Linnea Rademaker, researcher and evaluation specialist as well as a college professor and dissertation advisor in the School of Organizational Leadership, co-authored the book Evaluation and Action Research, published in 2022. It explores the potential of integrating action research and evaluation frameworks to encourage knowledge democracy, data literacy and ethical practices.
Dr. Jennifer Butcher, ACU Dallas’ director of diversity and a college professor for our Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership program, is a well-respected published author. Her writing includes numerous publications on diversity in the educational setting. She published two books in 2022, one of which, Black Female Leaders in Academia, includes chapters by three ACU Online Ed.D. students: LaShae Grottis, Tracey Ramsey and Kimberly Parrott.
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
DISTINCTIVE FACULTY
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ACU was also listed among “America’s Top Online Colleges,” a list produced by Newsweek and Statista Inc. honoring the nation’s 150 best online colleges.
A RAPIDLY GROWING CAMPUS
Abilene Christian University has received accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education for its online Master of Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) degree program. This accreditation indicates ACU’s online program meets or exceeds the established standards and criteria for MFT programs. It also means faculty actively contribute to the body of knowledge in their field. “This makes ACU one of only nine online master’s programs in the country to receive this accreditation,” said Dr. Sara Blakeslee Salkil, program director of the online MFT program. “By aligning with COAMFTE’s rigorous academic standards, our students will be better prepared to serve diverse families with increasingly complex problems in their communities.”
One Of America’s Top Online Colleges In the 2022 U.S. News & World Report rankings of “Best Online Bachelor’s Programs,” ACU ranked #36 in undergraduate psychology and #75 in undergraduate business programs.
COAMFTE Accreditation
From our founding in 2015, ACU Dallas has witnessed remarkably steady growth. Since 2017, our student enrollment has increased an average of 28.5% annually. We’re excited to report that in 2022 our total enrollment reached a record of 2,040, with 1,469 graduate and 571 undergraduate students.
Below are just a few stories of the many remarkable graduate students behind these numbers: DARLENE BREAUX, Ed.D. Dr. Darlene Breaux (ʼ20) is a graduate of ACU’s online Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership. Her dissertation won the Texas Council of Professors of Educational byAward.”“OutstandingAdministration’sDissertationShewasalsoprofiled Psychology Today for her contribution to the book Black and Brown Leadership and the Promotion of Change in an Era of Social Unrest. She was also highlighted by Texas School Business magazine as a “Thought Leader and Innovator in Education.” Darlene currently serves as vice president and chair of the policy committee for the Alief ISD School Board, where she tirelessly advocates for equitable education at the local, state and national levels.
5ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE DOCTORAL PROGRAMS BY THE NUMBERS ACU Dallas intentionally crafts exceptional graduate programs. When we launched in 2015, the first programs offered were graduate degrees. The statistics from our doctoral degrees exemplify our strong commitment to excellence in graduate education: Doctor of Nursing Practice 74 doctoral projects defended to date 82 doctoral projects in progress 20 faculty serving as both committee chairs and members 6 additional faculty credentialed as committee members Most downloaded projects in the ACU Digital Commons: • How Do Nurse-to-Patient Ratios in the Emergency Department Impact Patient Experience? by Jessica Marcoux 1,357 downloads • Utilization of Bedside Shift Report to Decrease Medication Errors on a Cardiac Progressive Care Unit by Maud Nelson 1,323 downloads • A Systematic Review of Acuity-Based Staffing in Acute Healthcare Environments by Demetria Stafford 1,066 downloads Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership 227 dissertations defended to date 301 dissertations in progress; additional 22 in the process of chair appointment 62 faculty serving as both committee chairs and members 65 additional faculty credentialed as committee members Most downloaded dissertations in the ACU Digital Commons: • The Implementation of Online Classroom Management Professional Development for Beginning Teachers by Kaytlynn Milliken 5,439 downloads • The Organizational Structures of Instructional Design Teams in Higher Education: A Multiple Case Study by Jason Drysdale 4,462 downloads
decade-long journey to earn her doctorate. She worked in a variety of postpartum units and realized how crucial nurses were as educators with new mothers in the first days after giving birth. When Shecarra started her DNP at ACU Online, she already knew her dissertation topic: postpartum education. In con junction with her faculty advisor over the next four years, she developed an intensive, focused series of resources and classes designed to equip postpartum nurses to educate new mothers. Shecarra received her doctoral degree from ACU Online in December 2021. “I feel like I’m walking in my path,” she said. Her long-term dream is to become a consultant for hospitals — empowering postpartum nurses and patients with the educational program she developed at ACU Online. She says it’s her life’s goal and calling.
SHECARRA COOK, DNP, APRN, FNP-C In 2012, Shecarra Cook (ʼ21) heard a Shecarradoctorates.4.4%lesstoprogram,inauguralDr.presentationconferencefromTonyaSawyer-McGee,directorofourDNPurgingBlacknursespursuedoctoratesbecausethan1%ofnursesandofBlackwomenhaveDeeplyinspired,embarkedona
The Fulbright Program is the flagship American international educational exchange program funded by the Department of State. In 2018-19, ACU was named a top-producing Fulbright institution for its record numbers of Fulbright semi-finalists and finalists, reflecting a culture of excellence and high performance.
Cassidy Miller (ʼ18) is also a student through ACU Online and works in Abilene as the university’s study abroad coordinator. She will graduate in August with a Master of Education in Higher Education. Cassidy will spend next year in the Slovak Republic teaching English and advising students who want to come to the U.S. She looks forward to returning to her role as ACU’s study abroad coordinator and applying her new experiences to the job.
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Cesar Manzano (ʼ22) earned his MBA this May through ACU Online and has been an 8th grade English teacher in Brownsville, Texas for the last three years. He’ll spend next year as an English teaching assistant in Spain. “Coming from a disadvantaged family, I realize education is vital for my success, and I would like others to experience the same transformative power,” Cesar said in his personal statement portion of the Fulbright application. “After three years of teaching in the classroom, I am ready to embark on a new journey with Fulbright and teach abroad in Spain. I am eager to experience a new culture and connect with middle and secondary students abroad. I believe everyone has unique gifts, and I would like to share my teaching gift with the world just as my teachers did.”
CESAR MANZANO AND CASSIDY MILLER: FULBRIGHT WINNERS
This year, ACU had nine students qualify as semi-finalists, a record number. Three were named finalists, tying the university’s record for most Fulbright recipients. Among these finalists were two ACU Online graduate students.
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Reaching across Texas ACU Online programs provide the opportunity to engage with students around the world, but our largest classroom is in our own backyard. Seventy-six percent of our online students reside in Texas. Today, our faculty is imparting knowledge and building skills in people that will contribute to the success of our region tomorrow. (29.61%)
DEGREEDoctorateBachelorMasterOther ETHNICITYWhiteBlackUnknownAsianorPacific Islander AmericanHispanic Indian MexicanOther American COUNTSTUDENT AGE MEET OUR STUDENTS MEET OUR STUDENTS 736 (38.23%) 2.6%1.4% 2.9% 23.6% 26% 40.7% 58 561(3.01%) (9.14%) 570
Built for adult learners Designed for busy working adults, ACU Online enables students to further their education at a nationally recognized university without the need to relocate. The majority of our student population falls between 25 and 50 years old. These students are actively engaging in valuable growth opportunities from a highly respected institution designed to help them advance their careers, serve their communities and care for their families and themselves. Our most diverse classroom Our vibrant, virtual, Christ-centered community provides an inclusive environment for students of all backgrounds. Of the reported population, 57% of the online students are racially and ethnically diverse, representing our most diverse classroom.
A growing student body As of 2022, we have 2,040 total students enrolled in online programs. Our undergraduate population continues to grow, with 29.6% of our student body now enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program.
7 ONLINE STUDENT PROFILE ACU Online is furthering the university’s mission to educate students for Christian service and leadership by extending our reach beyond the physical campus. Through more than 40 online degree and certificate programs, we provide a powerful learning experience that combines Christian values, real-world skills and career-boosting connections to students from all backgrounds.
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We’ve identified three key archetypes of our ACU Online student population. These archetypes reflect our students’ deepest dispositions: their hopes, dreams and goals. By identifying these types, we seek to serve our students better and shape our institution around their success. Below, we give each type’s “profile” and a student who exemplifies it.
Indefatigable, fearless and resourceful, Determined Degree-Seekers have the grit and the nerve to accomplish what many others may find too daunting or difficult. A profound sense of ambition drives these individuals to persist through any obstacle while juggling their personal and professional lives.
Jerica Nickerson-Guidry, Ed.D. Born into a family of educators, Dr. Jerica Nickerson-Guidry (ʼ20) was destined for the classroom. Jerica began her career as a middle school teacher after earning her bachelor’s in psychology and master’s in communication. In 2014, she transitioned into higher education as an adjunct professor for Houston Community College. Her dream was to become a department chair, and she knew a doctorate would help her stand out among other candidates. Jerica realized she needed to not only be the “required candidate” but a “preferred candidate.” Jerica also wanted to earn her doctorate from a university aligned with her mission and morals. ACU met and exceeded this expectation: it expanded the ways she considered the kingdom of God. She was particularly affected by how the program emphasized aligning biblical teaching with her vocational studies. “By looking at things through the lens of leadership, faith and compassion, we can emulate the ultimate servant-leader and our savior Jesus,” she said.
“My ultimate goal is to support and serve others to construct change for students and amplify their voices, and our faculty’s voices,” Jerica said. Whether she continues to live out her dream as a department chair or become a university president, Jerica is committed to making a difference in the lives of others through her leadership. It’s her daily goal to use the role the Lord has provided her to serve others and be a light to those around her.
MEET OUR STUDENTS
Innovative, future-oriented and boundlessly curious individuals, Lifelong Learners are driven by a hunger for knowledge and new ideas. Their passion for learning exhibits itself in ongoing personal development and deep investment in their legacies and contributions for future generations.
ACU also offered Jerica the flexibility of an online program, an attractive feature for a busy professor and wife. Her virtual assignments allowed her to remain present in her personal life while propelling her professional life forward. As Jerica embarked on her doctorate, she had her first child and, around the time she defended her dissertation, she had her second. “ACU has been there for a lot of important moments in my family’s life,” she said. Jerica is now the department chair and professor of speech at Lone Star College’s Houston North location. Her mission is to break down the stigma of community colleges and pour into “her home and the heart of the community.” Jerica also helps develop the adjunct faculty and enjoys providing them with tools to have fulfilling careers.
DETERMINED DEGREE-SEEKER
LIFELONG LEARNER
Kimberly Fancher, B.S. StudiesIntegrated For Kimberly Fancher, an East Texas native, life revolves around three things: faith, family and football. As a wife to a football coach and a mother of two girls, Kimberly quickly learned how to navigate the work-life balance her life demands. When they aren’t cheering from the stands at a football game or serving in their church, Kimberly and her husband hold Bible studies in their home – which is where she found the encouragement for one of her latest ventures.
“ACU made each student feel a part of the university, regardless of being virtual, and they utilized the learning platforms to the best of their ability,” he said.
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David now counsels clients of all ages at his nonprofit counseling center. The vision of his practice is to bring healing, restoration and hope to all people through accessible counseling.
“It’s a privilege to listen and walk beside families as they move toward a better outlook,” David remarked.
David Ha, MFT David Ha’s (ʼ19) passion for counseling and therapy stem from experiencing the family dysfunction of an alcoholic parent at an early age. As he dealt with the subsequent self-image issues and relational traumas, David began to explore how he could be a resource to others. To pursue his healing and that of others, David earned his bachelor’s degree in sociology and his Master of Divinity with an emphasis in counseling from Westminster Theological Seminary in Pennsylvania. Subsequently, he then worked with youth in churches and counseled individuals in various schools and churches in the Dallas area. After gaining confidence and experience, David opened his own practice in 2016. During the early stages, he decided to pursue a second master’s degree to provide the best care possible to his clients. While looking for schools, “I wanted something that considered my faith background and a place where I could get accreditation,” he said. This led him to ACU DavidOnline.credits
Friends within this Bible study urged Kimberly to write a book about her pursuit of a hope-filled life. So, in December 2020, she published Life After Grace, sharing her own testimony and vulnerabilities to help others find their purpose in accepting God’s grace. After writing her book, Kimberly searched for her next challenge. She realized she needed to further her education if other career opportunities were to arise, and she needed a university attuned to her beliefs and busy life. ACU Online checked all the boxes.
One of the goals of his practice is to serve churches, pastors and their families. In the next five years, he wants to see this vision, and the practice as a whole, grow to help even more people. David looks forward to reconnecting with ACU as a supervisor for interns and practicum students, passing along the knowledge he has gained.
MEET OUR STUDENTS
CHANGE MAKER Loyal, connected and positive, Change Makers possess a strong sense of personal mission and communal connection. These values motivate Change Makers to invest and serve in their community while positively impacting and transforming both the place and the people.
Following enrollment, Kimberly met with her advisors to create a degree in integrated studies that explored her interests in both business and psychology. She remains overwhelmed by the support of her advisors, professors and peers.
One of the greatest blessings Kimberly has found is our online structure. It allows her to design a manageable schedule for her career and family. “My goal was to continue working on myself and my career goals in ways that make sense, even if I needed to extend out my term,” she said. Being able to do classes when life allows has been a game changer for Kimberly and her family. ACU Online provides ways for Kimberly to follow her personal aspirations and progress in her educational journey.
“It’s almost like you have no chance to fail,” she said. “Everyone wants you to succeed, and there is so much encouragement to continue to push through.”
ACU for the confidence to serve his clients in the marriage and family therapy field, attributing his success to his supervisors and professors.
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DOCTOR OF EDUCATION IN ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP
“ACU has been the biggest blessing while I pursue my education. We have amazing professors who care and a university that wants to see their students succeed.”
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN MANAGEMENT “If it weren’t for ACU, I would not be in college right now. The advisors are wonderful and extremely helpful. They are willing to go the extra 100 miles, while accepting no excuses.”
“From the beginning of this journey, I have felt supported. I have loved the Positive Leadership program. It has been the best choice I ever made.”
MEET OUR STUDENTS
- Serenity Martinez
- Chrystal Watson
This past spring, ACU Online faculty and staff had the privilege of conducting in-person student mixers in Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio. It was a joy to shake hands with more than 80 of our students and provide an opportunity to network with their peers. Event feedback was positive, and additional mixers are planned for this fall.
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN COMMUNICATION SCIENCES & DISORDERS From the Virtual Network to Face-to-Face Networking
- Tai Peacock
- Darcy, MSOD student
The experiences our students gain, the memories they form and the relationships they build in honor societies and co- or extracurricular activities contribute to their long-lasting sense of belonging and purpose. Our students’ passions stretch beyond their academic goals, and we want their opportunities for involvement to extend far outside of the classroom. Student organizations at ACU Online exist to create a tight-knit ACU community that builds a network for future career development.
The Diverse Student Alliance (DSA) provides a safe space for students of color to share experiences, support one another, make personal connections and have a collective voice to address needs and concerns. The DSA also fosters a space for students to laugh, play and become more comfortable engaging in an online learning environment.
“The sense of normalcy created by my academic advisor. During the pandemic, everyone seems to default to things being different, but she helped keep everything normal. That was huge in lowering stress levels.”
Before ACU, he worked in student affairs with Laureate International Universities and the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences. A goal-oriented department planner, skilled program developer and experienced leader, Ryan’s deep sense of calling and passion motivates him to help students succeed. Under the new leadership of Ryan and his team, the Student Services Advising team has recently reevaluated its mission and recommitted to what is most important: our students’ success. This team walks beside each student as they seek to succeed in their educational journey. In order to solidify this mission and embrace this vocation, this department is now called Student Success. Alongside this transition, Abbey Green has joined our team as the student wellness manager. Abbey is currently building both an academic support services unit and a university behavioral intervention team, while partnering with Alpha Scholars to increase residential and online resources and develop programs to enhance student belonging. Our Student Success department is also diligently creating a portfolio of online career services such as career exploration, professional networking, resume writing, professional upskilling and interview skills training. ACU ONLINE STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS
STUDENT SUCCESS
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- Tee, MBA student
NEW LEADERSHIP Dr. Ryan Davis was hired earlier this year as the senior director of student engagement and student success, leading our student advisors and online support services. He has more than 10 years of professional work experience with diverse populations in student settings, along with an M.A. in family psychology and an Ed.D. Hardin-SimmonsfromUniversity.
Diverse Student Alliance
- Elizabeth, Ed.D. student “It’s been great talking to my advisor every other week. She doesn’t know what a big help she has been.”
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STUDENT SUCCESSWhat was your best experience with ACU this term? “I love everything about being at ACU. The faculty and staff are amazing. I love how much we can learn in seven weeks. We do it one bite at a time. It seems small, but at the end of a course, I feel so much more in sync with the program and am surprised at how much knowledge I gained. It has been a wonderful journey so far.”
Online education for post-traditional adult learners offers unique opportunities as students engage coursework not from a classroom, but from the particular contexts where they live, work and play. Therefore, faith integration — where faith, education and context intersect — is best done through action, reflection and articulation from the particular corner of the world our students inhabit. As undergraduate students pursue their academic discipline, they engage in theological reflection and spiritual practices that result in a more grounded understanding of their identity, relationship to the world and connection to the life and mission of God.
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In addition to curriculum and co-curriculum development, Ben ensures ACU is not only investing in its students, but also in the faculty who teach them and the staff who support them. “If we want students to have a sense that their work matters and to find more centered lives, we need staff and faculty with the same experiences,” Ben remarked. “As your life flourishes, the world flourishes,” he said. “At the end of the day, that’s what God cares about — that the world functions as a place of human flourishing.”
SoFormation.whatisvocational formation? Vocational formation is the place where both spiritual growth and faith integration happens for our ACU Online students. “At ACU, we don’t only care that students are intellectually developed, but that we’re helping them identify what they care about,” Ben said. “We want to encourage them to bring their full sense of self into the world around them.”
Vocational formation is fundamentally about attention to our life and the people around us. “To be formed vocationally and live in our vocational identity is primarily a task of learning how to pay better attention,” said Dr. Ben Ries (ʼ09), dean for vocational formation at ACU Dallas. But sometimes it seems like the entire world is conspiring to distract and prevent anybody from paying attention to anything. This difficulty is only compounded for the typical person enrolled at ACU Online: a non-traditional student learning remotely. In light of this, what does vocational formation look like for this kind of student? That’s where Ben comes in; through his role, he is leading ACU students, faculty and staff alike to cultivate more grounded and centered lives connected to the mission of God. Ben has always cared deeply that others understand they are beloved and enough, regardless of their background. He aligns his work with the life and mission of God while engaging others to take their next step in their spiritual journeys. After years of serving in churches in the Pacific Northwest region, he joined ACU Online in 2016 as the associate dean for vocational formation and executive director of the Center for Vocational
Online undergraduate students interact with four theological themes throughout their year: Creation, Kingdom of God, Hospitality and Presence. Students are invited into “practices of presence” that put their spiritual formation in view and then submit a reflection essay of their experience. In the last academic year, more than 2,539 undergraduate students interacted with vocational formation elements in their coursework, 230 undergraduate and graduate students attended Vocatio Talks (a 30-minute webinar that addresses vocational and spiritual formation), and 198 ACU Online students attended other vocational formation co-curricular initiatives (Winter Break daily devotional, virtual retreats, etc.).
VOCATIONAL FORMATION AT ACU ONLINE
VOCATIONAL FORMATION
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Pam’s journey to ACU was clearly a part of the Lord’s master plan for her family. The Bullers’ close friends are ACU alumni, which influenced Pam’s two oldest children to attend ACU. Pam’s son inspired her to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Christian Service and Formation, a program that could better equip her to minister to the Liberians.
“You will be the momma to many.” This is what ACU Online student Pam Buller heard the Lord whisper to her nearly 10 years ago as she prayed before her family’s move to Liberia. For years, she and her husband felt a calling to follow God into the unknown and serve in global missions. This is how her life in West Africa led her to a Bachelor of Science in Christian Service and Formation with ACU Online. In 2012, the Bullers and their four children moved across the ocean to serve the people of Liberia. Following the call was never easy, but the Lord faithfully gave Pam opportunities to love her Liberian neighbors in times of heartache and crisis, from the aftermath of a civil war to several pandemics. Through this, Pam has been privileged to adopt Liberian children into her family, nurture local teenage boys through Bible study and care for teenagers navigating motherhood alone.
“I live in a country with widespread trauma. I have cried with so many mommas who have lost babies to malaria or other treatable illnesses. I’ve felt unequipped to minister to those around me. I’ve also felt unequipped to weather my own trauma through these heart-wrenching experiences,” she said. The online format made it possible for Pam to access classes anywhere — even a tiny village in the middle of the West African jungle. Pam strongly encourages anyone considering an educational path to look at ACU Online.
“I can do anything God calls me to for a season,” she said. “I’ve weathered malaria, time differences and even a medical emergency with one of my children. Through it all, my professors have been consistently understanding and supportive. They work with me to keep going. ACU cares about who we are spiritually, and that sets ACU apart from other online options.”
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: PAM BULLER
as director, ACU Dallas held its first DEI Summit in 2021, and the Diversity Action Council (DAC) produced ACU Dallas’ five-year DEI Strategic Plan.
DIVERSITY ACTION COUNCIL
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at ACU Dallas
In 2021, Dr. Jennifer T. Butcher was appointed as ACU Dallas’ first director of diversity, equity and inclusion. Among her duties in this new role, Jennifer will cultivate a supportive and inclusive work environment for all employees, create and drive forward strategies and practices that ensure commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion for employees and students, and promote opportunities for ongoing employee growth and professional Underdevelopment.herleadership
• pursue greater intentionality and purpose in hiring diverse faculty.
• increase understanding among our staff, faculty and adjunct faculty by reading authors and experts who are minorities, to receive what they have to teach us;
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DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION
“Our aim has been to establish structures, practices and culture for long-term systemic change in our organization. Racial equity and justice will be a life-long pursuit together.”
Racial discrimination or discrimination of any kind casts a negative light upon the freedoms and opportunities that our nation has endeavored to achieve. More importantly, discrimination pulls us away from the value God has bestowed on each and every individual — and upon our call to community within His kingdom. With open hearts and open minds, we will work together to make a difference in the lives of all ACU Dallas faculty, staff and students. Our Commitment
ACU Dallas is committed to greater racial understanding, equity and inclusion among marginalized groups. ACU Dallas aims to:
– Dr. Stephen Johnson CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER, DALLAS CAMPUS
• require diversity training and implement learning communities for robust conversation – beginning with our campus administration and including our faculty and staff; and
• acknowledge and validate the experience of our minority colleagues and students, to listen to their voices and stories and to grow in our solidarity for a more just world;
The Diversity Action Council (DAC) sheds light on the areas where racial inequality exists within ACU Dallas, brings forth ideas on improvements and develops recommendations that aid ACU in our work to serve the best interests of our diverse employee base. The DAC, along with the support of the director of diversity, equity and inclusion, identifies goals and objectives as they pertain to greater diversity and inclusion on the ACU Dallas campus. This group also ensures that stated goals and objectives are implemented, measured and communicated to Minority Employee Resource Group (MERG) and the ACU Dallas community. The mission of DAC is to serve as the engine for systemic and sustained DEI-related change at ACU Dallas.
• include learning outcomes related to racism and diversity in our curriculum;
A member of numerous professional organizations, Jennifer currently serves on the Texas Association of School Administrators Higher Education Committee. She was named Advocate of the Year by the Texas Council of Professors of Educational Administration (TCPEA) in 2018. In 2020, TCPEA recognized her as Educator of the Year. And again, she was recognized as 2021 President of TCPEA and as dissertation chair for Darlene Breaux, the 2021 TCPEA Dissertation of the Year recipient. Jennifer brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in diversity in the educational context. Her research and writing includes numerous publications on diversity in the educational setting, including Black Female Leaders in Academia: Eliminating the Glass Ceiling with Efficacy, Exuberance and Excellence; Addressing Issues of Systemic Racism During Turbulent Times; and Overcoming Challenges and Creating Opportunity For African American Male Students, which was featured in IGI Global’s July 2020 comprehensive digital brochure on social movements, equality, misinformation and civic engagement.
Strategic Goal #3 Recruit, employ and retain a diverse workforce.
ACU DALLAS’ DEI STRATEGIC PLAN
The Minority Employee Resource Group (MERG) launched in 2021. MERG exists as a safe haven for ACU Dallas employees who identify as a minority or person of color to connect with and support one another as well as develop ideas for partnering with ACU’s ongoing effort to improve racial equity, diversity and inclusion.
Under its leadership team, the group has spearheaded the Black History Month celebration for the Dallas campus for the past two years, launched DEI-related programming through MERG Monthly Discussions, developed in-house training initiative MERG UP and formed the MERG DEI Leadership Academy. MERG continues to explore ways to positively impact ACU Dallas internally and the broader community externally.
Strategic Goal #4 Promote and support diversity, equity and inclusion education, scholarship and culturally responsive teaching to enrich the educational experience for all ACU community members.
The 2022 DEI Summit was held virtually on July 28. The presenter for this year’s summit was Dr. Lorin R. Carter, founder and CEO of C-Suite Consulting. Lorin facilitated the following three sessions: Sharing the Weight of the Work, Moving from Intention to Implementation, and Let’s Talk: Understanding Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging.
MINORITY RESOURCEEMPLOYEEGROUP
DEI SUMMIT
The DEI Summit was created to build ACU Dallas’ capacity for advancing its goals and priorities regarding diversity, equity and inclusion. It seeks to accomplish this by supporting the professional development of employees, including executive-level staff. The annual DEI Summit serves as a means for engaging the ACU Dallas faculty, staff and leadership in mandatory DEI-related training.
Strategic Goal #5 Engage in and encourage a peacemaking mindset that confronts inequities, cares for those hurt by injustice and pursues belonging and inclusion with an attitude of humility and in accordance with Godly principles (Micah 6:8, James 3:17, 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 & Galatians 5:22-23).
The Diversity Action Council developed a five-year strategic plan focusing on diversity, equity and inclusion for all students, faculty and staff on the ACU Dallas campus. The plan aligns with the mission, promise and core values of the university. This DEI Strategic Plan was approved by the ACU Dallas Executive Leadership Team before implementation. The strategic plan encompasses the following five goals with a desired outcome, rationale, objectives, metrics and sponsor for each goal: Strategic Goal #1 Create and maintain a welcoming, diverse, equitable and inclusive campus climate characterized by support and respect for all members of the university community.
LaShae is passionate about furthering ACU Online’s commitment to racial understanding, because for her, it is fundamentally about “letting people be their full and authentic selves.” Embracing diversity and working for inclusivity is rooted in her Christian identity. In her words, it’s “a spiritual discipline of seeing one another as God sees us. This requires us looking beyond the physical and seeing others as a spiritual being, appreciating who God made them to be.”
Strategic Goal #2 Recruit underrepresented student groups and enhance their retention/persistence by providing the support and opportunities necessary for their development and success.
This high level of excellence holds true in her academic life. LaShae is advancing diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) across the higher education landscape. Her dissertation thesis focuses on the self-care and resilience strategies Black female higher education administrators exhibit; she’s authored a book chapter entitled “Black Female Leaders in Academia”; and she’s participated in conference presentations and panels about DEI work. Also, as a student member of the Diversity Action Council, she helped establish the Diverse Student Alliance, ACU Online’s first student organization.
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: LASHAE GROTTIS
15DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION
LaShae Grottis has always been an overachiever. Whether graduating valedictorian of her high school, moving cross-country to attend Dartmouth College as a first-generation college student, serving as the first director of ACU’s Office of Multicultural Affairs or pursuing her doctorate with two teenagers at home while working in administration at Dallas College — LaShae has never been the kind of person to do things halfway.
- Dr. Phil Schubert ACU PRESIDENT
RETHINKING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN EDUCATION PREPARATION AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT
“We are excited about the addition of Dr. Jeff Frey to our ACU family,” said Dr. Stephen Johnson, chief administrative officer for ACU Dallas. “With his extensive background in technology and academic training, he will forge a special connection with our students and employment partners. We couldn’t be more thankful for God’s blessing and leading in Jeff’s calling to join our mission.”
The initiative launched with the formation of customized educational programs and pathways integrated with employment for vital organizations, such as: • Precision medicine pioneer Caris Life Sciences in Irving, Texas • Education Service Center Region 13 in Austin, Texas • Texas Rangers Baseball Club in Arlington, Texas Additionally, ACU Dallas will cultivate new employer partnerships in fields experiencing global talent shortages, such as teaching, nursing, management and information technology. These rapidly growing industries have widening skills gaps, so developing and producing qualified employees is vital work.
MEET DR. JEFF FREY Dr. Jeff Frey has joined ACU Dallas as our vice president of innovation and business development. Jeff brings first-hand business leadership and intelligence.datainandhedeploy”includinggrowingfounding,knowledgeentrepreneurshiptoACUfromworkinginandseveralbusinesses,a“hire,train,startup.Inaddition,hassubstantialcorporateacademicexperiencetechnologyinnovation,scienceandemotional
Frey earned a master’s in computer science from Kent State University, an MBA from Rice University and a doctorate in emotionally intelligent leadership from the Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western University. He also holds a faculty appointment in ACU’s College of Graduate and Professional Studies and teaches in the MBA programs at Rice University and The Citadel.
The aim of this new innovative educational and employment method is to accelerate the holistic growth of individuals and organizations by combining the care, understanding and commitment that makes ACU distinctive. Through strength ening both employers and prospective employees, the Office of Innovation and Business Development will deepen the culture of excellence and innovation that marks ACU and its students.
ACU Dallas has developed a new business unit — the Office of Innovation and Business Development — to form transforma tive partnerships with businesses that create direct employ ment pathways for ACU students. This initiative will accurately match people with professions by partnering with employers to not only upskill their existing employees but find and quickly educate potential employees and prepare them for new jobs.
“Dr. Frey has a creative, innovative mind and significant experience in helping today’s students meet employer needs. He will be a key part of ensuring ACU’s online programs are tailored to specific industry opportunities.”
INNOVATION & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT INNOVATION AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
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AN OFFICIAL HIGHER EDUCATION PARTNER OF THE TEXAS RANGERS
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ACU Online is now an official higher education partner of the Texas Rangers Baseball Club and provides customized academic learning opportunities for their players and staff. In April, an agreement was signed that offers the players and employees in the Texas Rangers’ system incentive to enroll in any of the university’s more than 40 online programs, as well as specially designed certificate programs. more at acu.edu/texas_rangers
Students learn to apply the latest molecular diagnostic techniques and analytics procedures, assist in the planning and implementation of precise treatment protocols for patients confronting serious illness and build and manage an effective laboratory.
. PARTNERSHIP HIGHLIGHTS PARTNERSHIP HIGHLIGHTS
communication and baseball history. Completion of these pathways will provide Rangers players with micro-credential milestones along their educational journey as they accrue academic credits building to a bachelor’s degree. Once complete, the Rangers and ACU intend to launch a version of their courses to their fans and the general public.
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CERTIFICATE IN PRECISION MEDICINE
CERTIFICATE IN PRECISION MEDICINE ADMINISTRATION
Students are introduced to the science of precision medicine by learning about the biology of cancer as well as major concepts in healthcare administration such as health policy, revenue cycle management, informatics and industry innovations. more at acu.edu/caris
RangersU ACU Online is developing custom performance,areasidentifiedmanagement,WorkingthatTexaspathwayseducationalforcurrentRangersplayerswilllaunchthisfall.withRangerswe’vefourinitialofcoursework:leadership,mentalmulticultural
LIFEWITHMEDICINEPRECISIONPROGRESSINGCARISSCIENCES
ACU Online has partnered with Caris Life Sciences, the Irving, Texas-based pioneer and leading innovator in precision medicine, to further educate their workforce through three custom academic programs — the Master of Science in Precision Medicine and graduate certificates in precision medicine and precision medicine administration. Together, ACU and Caris are tackling one of our society’s most important challenges: advancing cancer research. ACU developed three programs specifically for Caris employees: MASTER OF SCIENCE IN PRECISION MEDICINE
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This program is designed for medical professionals, clinical researchers and healthcare administrators seeking foundational scientific and operations expertise pertinent to the evolving clinical advances in precision medicine.
Doctor of Education Cohort this Spring ACU and ESC Region 13 are offering a distinctive experience for Central Texas educators: a dedicated scholarship of $7,000 for our Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership program beginning in Spring 2023. This learning community approach will provide a unique opportunity for Central Texas educators to take classes with their colleagues.
ACU Online has partnered with Education Service Center Region 13 to provide various educational programs for teachers and students in 57 Central Texas school districts. Offerings will span from high school students to classroom teachers to administrators.
• Collin College • Dallas College • Lone Star College
Alline received her Doctor of Education with a concentration in Global Educational Leadership from Lamar University. Seven years ago, she and her family moved from Monterrey, Mexico, to the Texas Hill Country where they currently reside.
Her husband, Edmundo Ayala, owns a managed IT service company, and they have three children.
Learn more at acu.edu/transfertrack DR.WELCOMEALLINE SADA Dr. Alline Sada joins the faculty as assistant dean of K-12 leadership and educator development. She is a passionate educator with a schoolincludingaAllineandplanning,backgroundmultidisciplinaryinstrategicdesignthinkingeducationaltechnology.bringsexpertisefrombroadrangeofprojects,talentdevelopment,improvement,product
The ESC Region 13 Classroom to Career Teaching Track pilot program is a route to classroom teaching for high school students. In this track, they are trained in a rigorous and supportive career and technical education environment in order to attain skills and knowledge for becoming successful classroom paraprofessionals and teachers. Further, high school students receive dual credit from Lamar Institute of Technology that culminates in an associate’s degree and instant employment as a classroom aide in their home school district. Students who successfully complete this program and are employed by their districts will be offered guaranteed admission to ACU in the online Bachelor of Science in Integrated Studies program that prepares them to become fully licensed teachers in 24 months.
18 SERVING CENTRAL TEXAS TEACHERS AND STUDENTS WITH ESC REGION 13
Introducing ACU Transfer Track – a specialized program that provides a seamless transfer process for community college students to ACU Online. Students can choose from multiple ACU Online degree programs, giving them access to personalized benefits to help them navigate the transfer experience.
development, business operations, and workshop planning and facilitation. She advocates the mindful use of technology as a tool for teaching and learning and has served as a thought leader promoting the inclusion of technology with Google, Apple, Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD) and others.
Learn more at acu.edu/region13 Classroom to Career Pilot Program
They can plan their community college coursework to transition directly into their major by taking classes that transfer to ACU – shortening their time to degree completion.
PARTNERSHIP HIGHLIGHTS
PATHWAYS FOR COMMUNITY COLLEGE STUDENTS
Our ACU Transfer Track partners include:
• Tarrant County College
Master of Business Administration Master of Divinity Master of Education in Higher Education Master of Education in Instruction and Learning
Bachelor of Science in Information Technology Administration
Master of Healthcare Administration Master of Marriage and Family Therapy Master of Science in Information Technology Master of Science in Management Master of Science in Nutrition Master of Science in Nutrition/Dietetic Internship Master of Science in Organizational Development Master of Science in Precision Medicine
Bachelor
Organizational Leadership GRADUATE CERTIFICATES Certificate in Business Analytics Certificate in Conflict Management Certificate in Conflict Management for Church Leaders Certificate in Conflict Management for Educators Certificate in Cybersecurity Certificate in Healthcare Administration Certificate in Healthcare Collaboration and Conflict Management Certificate in Precision Medicine Certificate
Precision
Bachelor
Bachelor of Science in Integrated Studies of Science in Management of Science in Marketing of Science in Organizational Leadership of Science in Psychology Track RN to BSN
Doctor
Bachelor of Science in Christian Service and Formation
Bachelor
Bachelor
Bachelor
DOCTORAL DEGREES
BACHELOR’S DEGREES
Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders
MASTER’S DEGREES
Bachelor of Science in Applied Communication Bachelor of Science in Child and Family Services
BSN to DNP Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership of Nursing Practice in in Medicine
Administration @ACU_ONLINE @ACUONLINE @ACUONLINE1 Stay Connected!
Accelerating Careers, Advancing Futures @ACUONLINE
Education Specialist
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration of Science in Health and Human Performance
Pre-Nursing
Master of Arts in Christian Ministry Master of Arts in Conflict Management and Resolution
Master of Arts in Global Service Master of Arts in Theological Studies
20 Learn more at acu.edu/dallas-annual-review. ACU’S MISSION Our purpose as a university is simple: We strive to educate students for Christian service and leadership throughout the world. This mission manifests in our exemplary teaching, meaningful research and service, each undergirded by ACU’s enduring core values and 21st-century vision.
