ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

Their paper, titled “Addressing the Needs of Diverse Learners in a Christian, Online, Higher Education Environment,” focused on online higher education entities finding new approaches to support the success of their growing diverse student bofides.

One Of America’s Top Online Colleges

For the second year in a row, ACU was listed among “America’s Top Online Colleges,” a list produced by Newsweek and Statista Inc. honoring the nation’s 150 best online colleges.

Distinctive Faculty

Dr. Jennifer Butcher, vice president for diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, was named the 2023 recipient of the Bravo Award during the Texas Council of Women School Executives (TCWSE) Books, Boots, and Bling Reception. The Bravo Awards are presented at TCWSE’s annual conference to exemplary practitioners who have assisted in developing innovative programs and initiatives that promote community and parental involvement in education. As both a mentor, active member and advocate for women in leadership, Butcher continues to bring a wealth of knowledge and experience about diversity into educational settings.

Butcher was also selected to participate in the second cohort of the Best Practices in Christian Higher Ed Research Seminar. ACU is partnering with the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities to host a research seminar series investigating high-impact practices in Christian higher education.

Butcher and Dr. Brian Cole, associate professor in the School of Organizational Leadership and program director for the M.Ed. in Higher Education, presented their co-authored research at the Biennial Best Practices in Christian Higher Education 2022 Conference.

Additionally, Cole and Butcher submitted their conference paper to the Christian Higher Education journal, which will be published in the Fall 2023 special issue.

Dr. Ian Shepherd and Dr. Don Pope, professors in the School of Professional Studies, and Dr. Brent Reeves (‘80), professor in the School of Information Technology and Computing, published an article, “Canvas Five Year LMS Accreditation Reporting Using Rubrics and Assignments,” in the Journal of Higher Education Theory and Practice. The article focuses on issues with Canvas as a Learning Module System (LMS), particularly how the platform facilitates assignment evaluation, rubric creation and course administration. In addition, Shepherd co-authored an additional article titled “Create Differentiation: Rugby for Recruiting Student-Athletes,” which looks into creating a differentiating model for collegiate rugby recruitment for men and women.

Dr. Maxine Notice, assistant professor in the Master of Marriage and Family Therapy program, presented at the International Family Therapy Association Conference in Malaga, Spain, earlier this spring. Her presentation “Embracing Change: Supporting Clinician Adjustment to Telehealth” addressed how the recent global pandemic has fundamentally shifted the clinical practice of marriage and family therapists with the emergence of telehealth-based services.

Top Business Management Ranking

U.S. News & World Report recognized ACU as one of the nation’s “Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Programs,” with a ranking of #66 for its bachelor’s in management program. Tied with other reputable four-year universities, ACU is proud to prepare undergraduate students for entry-level management, marketing, operations and human resources positions to further enhance their professional goals.

Ranked No. 5 in Doctorate of Education

ACU ranked #5 nationwide on Fortune Education’s list of “Best Online Doctorate of Education (Ed.D.) Programs,” highlighting universities that provide Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership programs. ACU is eager to continue to provide growing professionals the skills needed to lead, elevate and improve their workplaces in various industries.

Dr. Sara Salkil (‘06 M.M.F.T.), program director for the Master of Marriage and Family Therapy program, was appointed as a board commissioner for the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE). She will serve a three-year term through 2026. COAMFTE is the accrediting organization that specializes in assisting and governing public and university programs, their students and the profession of marriage and family therapy.

DESIGNING HIGH-QUALITY CURRICULUM

Under the direction of Dr. Amanda Goetzke (‘22), director of instructional design and development, Duncum Center Solutions partners with subject matter experts and instructional designers to produce the highest quality courses for ACU Online. Collaborating with the various departments across the university, the Duncum Center’s instructional design team oversees Canvas and textbooks to ensure a smooth, effective student learning experience.

Doctoral Programs By The Numbers

ACU Online works diligently to develop exceptional and innovative graduate programs. From master’s to doctoral programs, our students have gone above and beyond as they continue to expand ACU’s Christ-centered legacy around the world. The growing statistics from our doctoral candidates showcase our strong commitment to excellence in higher education:

Doctor of Nursing Practice

17 doctoral projects defended (June 1, 2022 – May 31, 2023)

72 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:

• Bedside Shift Report and Patient Satisfaction by Kasandra R. Johnson

1,068 downloads

• The Effect of Postpartum Depression Screening Education for Postpartum Nurses by Shecarra S. Cook

781 downloads

• How do Nurse-to-Patient Ratios in the Emergency Department Impact Patient Experience? by Jessica

L. Marcous

752 downloads

Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership

75 dissertations defended (June 1, 2022 – May 31, 2023)

339 dissertations in progress; additional 47 in the process of chair appointment

71 faculty serving as both committee chairs and members

67 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

7,036 downloads

• A Qualitative Case Study Examining Parental Involvement and Parent-School Partnership Strategies in a Middle School: Perspectives of Parents, Teachers, and Administrators by Jil

Massucco

6,535 downloads

• The Organizational Structures of Instructional Design Teams in Higher Education: A Multiple Case Study by Jason

Drysdale

5,061 downloads

CORA BRUTON B.S. in Child and Family Services

Known for her optimistic attitude and big heart for teaching kids of all abilities and ages, Cora Bruton is an inspiration for anybody looking to achieve their calling. Inching closer to completing her bachelor’s degree in Child and Family Services, Cora is a light in her community and a master influencer of kindness, change and advocacy, especially for children with learning disabilities.

Making her mark in and out of the classroom, Cora challenges others to see beyond their perspectives and seek the positive aspects of life. As a peer coach and special education tutor, Cora worked in various settings with kids experiencing disabilities. She even implemented training programs for high-functioning students who wanted to work at Chick-fil-A. Seeing the smiles on their faces and the growth they were achieving, Cora knew she wanted to do this for the rest of her life.

“It was just amazing to see what these kids were capable of,” Cora said. “In many ways, sure, I was helping them, but in others, they were helping me. They were giving me the opportunity to pour into them and learn what it means to serve with a joyful heart.”

After finding love and moving to the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, Cora recognized the only way she could get into her desired career of teaching was by getting an education.

Obtaining her associate’s degree in education, Cora began working at Faith Academy through the Faith Academy Learning Connection of Neurodevelopment (F.A.L.C.O.N) program, where she was introduced to research and training techniques for persons with lower cognitive abilities. For Cora, this was the place she needed to be. However, she knew she needed a bachelor’s degree to make a more positive impact as a future director or instructor.

It didn’t take long for Cora to find ACU Online and enroll in the Child and Family Services program. For her, picking ACU was the perfect stepping stone toward reaching her goal.

Today, Cora is just steps away from her calling. Working on her teaching certification, Cora hopes to sign her first teaching contract within the next year. Looking to potentially work with students in an English as a second language (ESL) program, Cora is excited to get hands-on experience as an independent instructor. Continuing to shepherd optimism to every area of her life and those around her, Cora has a deep passion for teaching the love of Christ and bringing joy to outcasts. Whether volunteering, teaching, working with a peer or encouraging others, Cora has a bright future ahead of her.

Kayla Perez

B.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders

A bright, young and full-of-life Houston native and proud Latina, Kayla Perez is the perfect example of a go-getter. Kayla always knew she was destined for online learning. Not only because of its flexibility and accessibility, but also because of its versatility for students who seek a nurturing environment without the stresses of peer pressure and “classroom chaos.” Wanting to become a speech pathologist, Kayla transferred to ACU Online for several reasons, including the opportunity to earn her bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders while incorporating components of faith.

“When I finished high school, I started going to church more, and I felt like my faith was really growing a lot,” Kayla explained. “What really pulled me into ACU were the Bible classes, and the ability to learn more about my faith while taking normal classes for my major. Honestly, there are just so many things that attracted me to ACU that my past university didn’t give me, especially the support I needed to succeed.”

If you ask Kayla why she wants to be a speech pathologist, her answer is pretty simple; it’s because she loves her niece. Diagnosed with autism at a very young age, Kayla has witnessed other professional women working to care for and serve her niece as she deals with developmental challenges. Inspired by their efforts, Kayla realized that gaining an education wasn’t only for her but for others as well. In a way, it would give her a chance to give back.

“In five years, I just see myself helping people,” Kayla said. “I think that’s where God’s put me. He keeps putting things in my life that keep pushing me closer to wanting to become a speech pathologist. I’m applying to graduate school in May 2024 and I may or may not get in. But regardless, I just feel like this is where I’m meant to be.”

Aiming to graduate in December 2023, Kayla has her eyes focused on what’s ahead. Leaping over the obstacles that stand in her way, Kayla is motivated to make a difference in her community and for other young women who seek to impact the world in big and small ways.

KIMBERLY PARROTT, ED.D.

Juggling the roles of wife, mom, and executive educator, Dr. Kimberly Parrott (‘22) is no stranger to hard work, especially when it comes to pursuing her education. As a recent Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership graduate and recipient of a Certificate in Conflict Management, Kimberly never shied away from the pressures of earning her doctoral degree. In fact, it was something she always knew she would achieve, but only if God helped her.

As a Louisiana native, Kimberly started her journey at Dillard University, obtaining her Bachelor of Arts in English, and later earned her master’s in guidance and counseling at Prairie View A&M University. Along with adding a mid-management certification in education administration from the University of Houston, Kimberly began working in the Houston Independent School District in various positions, including as a principal, before transitioning into her current role as senior manager of behavioral intervention social and emotional learning. Initially, Kimberly was amazed at how vital her role was to teachers seeking mentorship and personal support.

“Advocating for emotional wellness and balance in all capacities can produce amazing students both educationally and behaviorally, and provide a sound foundation for educators,” she said.

Still, Kimberly knew she was meant to do more with her skills and passion for educators and students alike. Praying for God to provide her with the perfect online program that would allow her to balance her hectic schedule and home life, Kimberly met with an ACU Online advisor and immediately felt at peace.

“Throughout the onboarding process, I realized having the transparency as a believer to talk openly and honestly about my faith and have a community that prays for you and wants you to succeed was special,” Kimberly remarked. “A lot of times when people think of these online experiences, they think it’s technical and that they won’t receive the same connection and support, but ACU has gone above and beyond to let you know there is someone there for you to answer your questions.”

Without hesitation, Kimberly enrolled in the Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership program and quickly was blown away with the level of professionalism and exceptional instruction she was given from the comfort of her home and office. Even through the significant changes in her workplace due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Kimberly felt stable and emotionally supported by her ACU faculty members – something she tried to mimic in her own workplace. Putting her degree into practice, Kimberly’s primary goal is to provide the same level of care, generosity and mentorship she received to the next generation of learners, big and small.

“It has been the greatest experience, and I’m so happy to be a part of the ACU family. I wouldn’t change my experience for the world,” she expressed.

INNOVATIVE CAMPUS, UNIQUE STUDENTS

ACU Online is reaching more students than ever before, including underserved demographics like adult learners, women and lower socioeconomic students. Attracting all ages and backgrounds, ACU Online’s engaging and immersive environment has granted the opportunity to pursue higher education to students who are often unable to access it.

We are serving the under-served.

• 91% of undergraduate students are Pell-eligible or receiving need-based aid

At ACU Online, we understand that the cost of obtaining a post-secondary education is one of the top deterrents preventing students from going back to school. With a vast majority of our students receiving Pell Grants or government aid, we are proud to help students reach their full potential without worrying about their financial status.

We are creating success from students’ past experience.

• 65% of students have transferred credits

• 37% of students have transferred credits from more than one institution

• 15% of students have transferred credits from more than three institutions

Through the tireless work of our skilled student success advisors, ACU Online is giving students the opportunity to transfer most of their credit hours and apply them toward one of our bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees – so they can build on their background, earn their degree and pursue their dreams with as little hassle as possible.

We are breaking barriers.

• 25% of students are under the age of 24

• 50% of undergraduate students are married, divorced, or separated

• 80% of students are women

ACU Online draws learners from all walks of life seeking to increase their earning potential, develop new skills to switch career fields or reach the lifelong goal of earning their college degree.

Listening And Improving

With such a diverse and almost entirely remote student population, ACU Online is always seeking to deepen our understanding of the student experience. As a result, one of the most important campus-wide goals for the last year was refining and expanding the End-of-Term Survey, which is deployed at the end of every 14-week long semester. Specifically, ACU Online aims to increase the Net Promoter Score, a market research metric used to gain insight into how likely students would recommend ACU to a friend or family member. By zeroing in on this metric, the university can identify the most significant areas for organizational growth.

To identify current students’ likelihood for recommendation, the survey examined feedback on every aspect of their educational experience: from tuition to technology to spiritual enrichment and more. The depth and breadth of these questions aimed to provide qualitative and quantitative data to campus leaders about what students are seeking within their programs, areas where they need further assistance and how ACU Online can cater to their social and emotional well-being.

This survey was deployed at the end of the Spring 2023 term and resulted in 584 student entries, over a quarter of our student population. This represented a 43% increase in response rate from the spring end-of-term survey in 2022. Going forward, all of ACU Online is highly invested in collecting meaningful feedback from our students to provide intentional, Christ-centered online education.