With a passion for innovation and a genuine commitment to helping others succeed, Dr. Leah Wickersham-Fish (her students call her Dr. Leah) has dedicated her career to creating learning experiences that inspire curiosity, encourage growth and empower students to see what they’re capable of achieving. She understands that education is more than earning a degree; it’s about discovering new perspectives, embracing opportunities and finding the confidence to take the next step.
As a college professor for the online Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership program at Abilene Christian University (ACU), Dr. Wickersham-Fish brings decades of experience, a love for educational technology and a heart for helping students succeed. Through every lesson, conversation and connection, she reminds students that no matter where they are in life, there’s always room to learn, grow and become something more.
Discovering a Passion for Education and Innovation
After studying in Stephenville, Texas, Dr. Wickersham-Fish continued her academic journey at Texas A&M University, where she earned a Ph.D. in Agricultural Education with a focus on educational technology in 2000. Along the way, her experiences sparked a fascination with the possibilities of technology and how it can open doors to new ways of teaching and learning.
Before joining ACU almost a decade ago, Dr. Wickersham-Fish served as a faculty member at Texas A&M University-Commerce, where she continued nurturing her love for education. Throughout her career, she has witnessed the transformation of traditional classrooms into dynamic learning environments that reach students wherever life takes them. Having taught online classes since the 1990s, Dr. Wickersham-Fish has embraced the evolution of virtual education with enthusiasm and purpose.
Yet, despite the many technological advancements she’s experienced, one thing has remained constant: her belief that the most important part of education will always be the people behind it. For Dr. Wickersham-Fish, technology is simply a bridge connecting students to knowledge, opportunities and one another.
Creating Meaningful Connections Beyond the Classroom
A classroom doesn’t need four walls to create a sense of belonging. Sometimes, all it takes is an encouraging word, a thoughtful conversation or a professor who genuinely cares.
For Dr. Wickersham-Fish, teaching online is about more than delivering course material. It’s about creating an environment where students feel seen, heard and supported, even when they’re miles apart.
One of the aspects she appreciates most about online learning is the opportunity it gives students to slow down, reflect and engage more thoughtfully with their education.
“I love that it gives students the time to formulate a response rather than in a classroom when you’re asked a question. When you leave, you might think, “I should’ve said this.” She explained.
Rather than feeling pressured to respond immediately, students can take the time to explore new ideas, conduct research and develop responses that reflect their understanding. But beyond flexibility, Dr. Wickersham-Fish knows that encouragement and connection are essential to helping students thrive.
“I like being online and being available to my students,” she said.
She recognizes that every student brings a unique story to the classroom. Some are balancing full-time careers, while others are raising families, navigating personal responsibilities or returning to school after years away. Each student has their own reasons for pursuing higher education, and Dr. Wickersham-Fish believes those experiences deserve to be recognized and respected.
Through weekly office hours and an open-door approach to communication, she makes herself available to answer questions, offer guidance and provide reassurance when challenges arise. Her goal is to ensure students know they have someone in their corner who is invested in their success.
Embracing Change as an Opportunity for Growth
Throughout her teaching career, Dr. Wickersham-Fish has developed a particular interest in the relationship between change, innovation and education. She mentioned one textbook that she read and taught from, the Diffusion of Innovation by Everett Rogers, which talks about developing innovations and how to get other people to adopt them. After years of teaching courses focused on change, she began exploring how those same theories could be applied to educational environments.
She also incorporates online presentations and narrated slides into her teaching methods, providing opportunities for students to engage with course material in different ways. For doctoral students, particularly those completing dissertation research, this approach can help strengthen their ability to think critically, explore complex questions and contribute new knowledge to their fields.
Encouraging Students to Take the Next Step
The decision to return to school often begins with the dream to advance professionally, pursue their calling or accomplish a personal or professional goal. But turning that dream into reality takes dedication, perseverance and the willingness to make room for something new.
Having spent decades teaching students from different backgrounds and stages of life, Dr. Wickersham-Fish understands that pursuing an education while managing everyday responsibilities isn’t always easy. That’s why her advice to prospective online students focuses on making success feel achievable, one day at a time. She encourages students to create a quiet, dedicated space where they can focus on their studies and establish a routine that works with their schedules. Most importantly, Dr. Wickersham-Fish reminds them that they don’t have to accomplish everything at once.
Her recommendation?
“Start with just 30 minutes of focused study each day and gradually build from there,” Dr. Wickersham-Fish said. It’s a simple approach, but one that speaks to a much larger lesson: meaningful accomplishments are often the result of small, consistent efforts.
Every chapter read, assignment submitted and new concept understood brings students one step closer to their goals. And while the journey may come with challenges, Dr. Fish also encourages students to recognize the progress they’re making along the way.
Helping Students Thrive Through ACU
After nearly ten years at ACU, Dr. Wickersham-Fish continues to find fulfillment in teaching and supporting students as they work toward their goals. Her enthusiasm for online education is rooted in a belief that learning should be accessible, engaging and built around the needs of students.
Through her emphasis on innovation, connection and personal growth, she embodies the supportive learning environment ACU strives to provide. Whether students are pursuing advanced knowledge, feel called to leadership or are taking the next step in their professional journeys, Dr. Wickersham-Fish is committed to helping them recognize their potential.
If you’re interested in pursuing a degree in organizational leadership or want to learn more about ACU’S online programs, visit our website.