Sometimes the career you’re meant for is the one you never expected.
For Rose Delgado, a successful career in banking seemed like the obvious path. But as friends and coworkers began leaving to become teachers, she couldn’t ignore the feeling that she might be called to do the same. Acting on that instinct, Delgado enrolled in community college before transferring to Angelo State University to earn her bachelor’s degree. By 2012, she had completed her master’s degree and stepped into the kindergarten classroom, where she discovered a passion for helping young learners grow.
Years later, that same passion inspired her to continue her own education. Delgado wanted to challenge herself, expand her leadership skills and better serve the students and educators around her. When Delgado decided to pursue her doctoral degree, she knew she wanted a program that could fit into her schedule as a full-time teacher. Another aspect that was non-negotiable for her was a program that allowed her to feel seen and supported as she navigated coursework and her dissertation.
She found both in Abilene Christian University (ACU). ACU’s online Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership made it possible to continue teaching while pursuing her doctorate, but it was the university’s Christ-centered mission and supportive community that convinced her she had found the right place.
“I felt like I could relate to ACU,” she said.
Finding Community Online with ACU
When Delgado first enrolled, she expected to gain knowledge. She didn’t expect to gain a network of people who would encourage her long after each class ended. One of her favorite parts of the program has been studying alongside students from different backgrounds and different parts of the world.
“I love the diversity,” she said.
Every conversation brought new perspectives, helping her see leadership, education and service through fresh eyes. Those connections became another reminder that education is about more than individual achievement. It’s about learning from one another and becoming stronger together.
“There are four people I still keep in contact with,” she said. “We check in with each other, ask questions and help each other along the way.”
Those relationships became reminders that even in an online classroom, no one has to walk alone. Throughout the program, her professors consistently made themselves available, answering questions, offering encouragement and helping her navigate each new challenge.
That support became especially meaningful as she worked through her dissertation. She credits her dissertation chair with providing thoughtful, direct feedback that strengthened both her research and her confidence.
“He gives verbal feedback and lets me talk through ideas,” she said. “I appreciate how direct he is.”
Growing in Faith and Skill
As Delgado reflects on her time at ACU, she doesn’t separate her academic growth from her spiritual growth. To her, they happened hand in hand. Resources like the online library and the Writing Center helped her become a stronger researcher and writer.
“The Writing Center transformed my writing,” she said.
But what she treasures most is the freedom to learn in an environment where faith is welcomed rather than set aside. She appreciated being able to grow closer to God while continuing to pursue academic excellence, finding encouragement in a community where academics and faith naturally complemented one another. That experience shaped not only the work she produced but also the person she became.
“I feel like I’m a different person than when I started,” she said.
Although Delgado pursued her doctorate for personal fulfillment, the experience has inspired a new dream. After graduation, she hopes to teach as an adjunct professor and, one day, give future students the same kind of encouragement she received from faculty.
“I would love to work at ACU,” she said. “I’ve seen how they treated me, and I want to make others feel that too. I feel like my role is to help others and guide them, lead them and plant a seed for Jesus.”
Those words capture the heart of why Delgado chose education in the first place. For her, every classroom is an opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life.
Delgado’s Advice
When people ask Delgado about ACU, she doesn’t begin by talking about assignments or deadlines. She talks about the people. She remembers how smoothly the admissions process unfolded, how advisors guided her through each step and how professors continued to walk alongside her throughout the program.
“They work with you,” she said. “It’s been a smooth ride.”
For anyone wondering whether returning to school is possible while balancing work, life and family, Delgado hopes her story offers encouragement. Growth doesn’t always happen because life becomes easier. Sometimes it happens because you find people willing to help you keep moving forward.
As Delgado prepares to cross the graduation stage, she knows she is leaving with more than a doctoral degree. She leaves with deeper faith, lasting friendships, renewed confidence and a heart even more committed to serving others.
If you’re interested in pursuing a career in education or want to earn your degree online, visit our website to see how ACU can help you.