Category: Faculty Spotlights
Lessons from janitor father inspired Joseph Manga to earn doctorate, join ACU faculty
Growing up in Cameroon as the oldest child in a family of five, Dr. Joseph Manga never imagined where his life would take him. Four different universities for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral work, as well as tutoring and teaching experience, have all been part of the experience. And this past summer, it led him … Continued
Faculty Spotlight: Kay Williams
Meet Kay Williams, ACU alumnus turned internship director for ACU Online’s Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetic Internship. After years in the field as a clinician, she realized her love for mentoring others transformed into educating students in the classroom. Beyond the tactical skills students need to be successful, Kay’s focus and wish is … Continued
Faculty Spotlight: Dana McMichael
In the early hours before students log on for their courses and the online chatter begins, Dana McMichael, the dissertation manager for ACU Online’s Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Organizational Leadership program, has already started her day with coffee in hand. Dana’s commitment to supporting students goes beyond just helping them defend their dissertations. Dr. … Continued
Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Chris Flanders
“Where and how is the Spirit of God moving and how can we join and partner with God there?” This is the question at the center of Dr. Chris Flanders’ theology of missions. And it’s the same question igniting a new generation of missionally-minded Christians at ACU. Read on to learn how this American … Continued
Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Catherine Garner
A Calling, Not Just a Job Dr. Catherine Garner never slows down. Whether mentoring ACU Online’s nursing students, traveling to every single county of Tennessee for a Senate campaign, building one of the nation’s first online nursing programs, leading a large multi-campus clinic system at the height of the crack epidemic or helping launch a … Continued
Faculty Spotlight: Linda Gibson
ACU Online’s BSN to DNP and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program director, Dr. Linda Gibson has dedicated her life to the field of nursing. From tending to patients in the hospital to educating the next generation of healthcare heroes, Dr. Gibson brings rich knowledge and leadership to what she terms “a life-long profession.” … Continued
Dr. Brad East named ACU’s 2022 Teacher of the Year
Dr. Brad East is assistant professor of theology, and he’s known since high school he wanted to be just that. Now, only five years into his dream job, he’s earned the honor of Abilene Christian University’s Teacher of the Year for 2022. “The very idea that I could read, write and teach about theology … Continued
Faculty Spotlight: Nancy Kucinski
Dr. Nancy Kucinski might be the definition of homegrown talent. Not only is she an Abilene native, but she comes from a family of professors instilling in her a calling to Christian Higher Education. “My father was a professor when I was born and I essentially grew up on a small university campus. Plus, both … Continued
Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Ben Ries
“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, associate dean for vocational formation at ACU Online. Vocational formation is about paying attention—but sometimes it seems like the entire world is conspiring to distract and prevent anybody from paying … Continued