Abilene Christian University (ACU) is thrilled to announce the appointment of Dr. Meghan Hope, program director and associate professor in the Healthcare Administration program, as the dean of the College of Leadership and Professional Studies.
Holding a successful tenured career in healthcare operations and academia, Dr. Hope brings an abundance of knowledge and expertise to her new role alongside the university’s vision to continue expansion.
“Our campus is rapidly growing and it requires the best administrators to ensure all students meet and exceed the needs of the workforce today,” said Dr. Stephen Johnson, chief executive officer of ACU Dallas. “As we begin this phase of establishing new industry-aligned colleges to encompass our vision, we are confident in the selection of Dr. Meghan Hope based on her ongoing efforts to push ACU to the next tier of highly acclaimed and outstanding universities.”
Dr. Hope joined ACU in 2017 and has since served in a variety of roles, committees and councils. In 2020, Dr. Hope was promoted to associate professor and program director for the online Master of Healthcare Administration and B.S. in Healthcare Administration programs. Additionally, she was instrumental in the development of the M.S. in Precision Medicine. Throughout her time at ACU, Dr. Hope has actively continued her passion for education and leadership by extending her time and experience to building programs geared for the demands of the workforce, designing curriculum, managing faculty and advising students. She has also been actively engaged in university governance at ACU, serving on various committees and councils, including the Faculty Council.
With an extensive background in healthcare operations and law, Dr. Hope previously served in numerous roles and ventures, including community-based and academic medical centers, where she exercised the incredible skills she currently brings to her role as dean, including collaborative strategic planning, identifying emerging markets and leading interdisciplinary teams. Dr. Hope received her Juris Doctor, along with a certificate in Health Law, from the University of Tulsa College of Law in 2012. She also earned a Master of Health Services Administration and graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Midwestern State University.
“Dr. Hope has been an integral part of the ACU Dallas faculty for multiple years,” said Dr. George Saltsman, provost and vice president for academic affairs for ACU Dallas. “Not only has she demonstrated experience leading our healthcare administration programs, but she has also immersed herself in finding avenues for ACU to remain competitive and innovative in our teachings and academic program offerings. Dr. Hope brings not only a wealth of experience and knowledge but a deep commitment to our mission and values, making her an outstanding choice to lead the college and our campus into an exciting new chapter.”
ACU’s College of Leadership and Professional Studies is working diligently to build up new leaders across the spectrum of the workforce. Offering an immersive experience that dives deep into the fundamentals of leadership, the College of Leadership and Professional Studies is not just shaping future professionals but also crafting the change-makers of tomorrow, no matter the arena or setting. With 30 undergraduate and graduate degree and certificate programs designed to prepare students for a career in a variety of fields, including business, management, communications, conflict management and technology to further strengthen and encourage students to become leaders in their communities.
ACU’s online programs are administered through its branch location in Dallas and include 14 bachelor’s degrees, 16 master’s degrees, three doctoral degrees, five undergraduate certificate programs and 11 graduate certificate programs. For more about ACU Online, visit acu.edu/online.