Abilene Christian University (ACU) is proud to announce the Online Adjunct Teachers of the Year. At ACU, we aim to provide students with quality education that prepares them to lead in their respective fields of study. These adjunct professors were nominated by their peers for their exceptional teaching abilities and the work that they do to ensure students’ success.
Nate Reiser, College of Leadership and Professional Studies, B.S. in Christian Ministry and Spiritual Formation
Nate Reiser is an adjunct professor who believes in the power of connection and community. His approach to teaching ministry is deeply relational, offering students the opportunity to speak and “see” him for a better understanding of the course material. “I love my students,” Reiser said. “Getting to know them and hearing their stories is one of the most meaningful parts of teaching.”
Reiser has intentionally redesigned his courses to be more experiential, encouraging students to engage with content in creative ways, such as creating visual projects instead of traditional essays. “How can we remodel learning so it connects to students’ lives?” he said. “When it becomes meaningful, that’s when transformation happens.”
Through tools like Zoom sessions and personalized video feedback, Reiser creates a strong sense of presence in the online classroom. One of Reiser’s students shared how inspiring it was to learn about the Word from him and said that he’s a professor he will never forget. “I enjoyed his class to the fullest, and I hope to be a student in his class again, whichever class he may teach that I may need.”
Dr. Sara Bengsch, College of Learning and Development, B.S. in Psychology
Dr. Sara Bengsch is an experienced therapist and psychology professor who uses her knowledge to foster organic growth in student performance and confidence. “Teaching is in my blood,” she said.
Teaching fully online, Dr. Bengsch focuses on building relationships through consistent communication, personalized feedback and a deep understanding of her students’ needs. “I’m very relational with my students,” she said. “Even online, connection is everything.”
Her empathetic approach often leads students to seek her guidance beyond coursework, whether through mentorship or career advice. “ Dr. Bengsch deserves to be recognized because her sense of dedication and passion for teaching can be felt through a computer screen. She inspires and has the ability to make every student feel supported and capable of success,” one of Dr. Bengsch’s students said.
The praise from her students is reassurance that her relational approach to teaching promotes better performance within her classes and allows students to fully understand the material.
Dr. Jeremy Pierce, College of Health and Human Services, Master of Marriage and Family Therapy
Dr. Jeremy Pierce works alongside students to support and ensure they are on track to licensure. His journey into therapy began after early experiences in ministry revealed a gap between spiritual guidance and the practical tools needed to support families in crisis. That realization led him to pursue a graduate degree in marriage and family therapy and eventually step into both clinical supervision and teaching roles.
Dr. Pierce supervises pre-graduate students who begin working on cases to help them gain confidence and ethical skills to serve their patients. “Confidence level is related to their clinical outcome. They need to trust their ability to support and help others,” Pierce said.
At ACU, Dr. Pierce emphasizes personal connection by regularly checking in with students both academically and personally, recognizing the importance of self-care in a demanding profession. “Whatever is happening in their lives directly impacts how they show up as students and therapists,” Dr. Pierce said. “If we support the whole person, we set them up for long-term success.” One student praised Dr. Pierce for helping their therapeutic approach during their internship, “ He is selfless, caring and empathetic while motivating our class to achieve our goals. I feel that I have become a better intern under his supervision.”
As online education continues to evolve, ACU remains committed to innovation, accessibility and student-centered learning. Faculty members like Dr. Pierce, Reiser and Dr. Bengsch play a role in shaping that future by prioritizing connection, adaptability and continuous improvement. Through their dedication, these adjunct professors continue to shape their students’ online learning experience that is not only effective but transformational, preparing students to succeed in their careers, communities and callings.
ACU’s online degrees are administered through the Dallas campus, offering 18 bachelor’s degrees, 18 master’s degrees, two doctoral degrees, five undergraduate certificates and eight graduate certificates. Each program is designed to equip students with the skills for their next role or career. For more information about ACU, visit acu.edu/online.
