For the second year in a row, Abilene Christian University (ACU) Online proudly congratulates three of its esteemed faculty and staff members — Dr. Alline Ayala, Dr. Jacqueline Bluitt and Stacie Shelby — on their recent appointments to the Leadership Development Institute (LDI) hosted by the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU).
“At ACU Online, we strive to cultivate leadership that aligns with both academic rigor and Christ-centered service,” said Dr. Stephen Johnson, Chief Executive Officer of ACU Online. “Dr. Ayala, Dr. Bluitt and Ms. Shelby exemplify that calling. Their selection to the CCCU Leadership Development Institute is a testament to their professional excellence, faithful dedication and the future impact they will make in Christian higher education.”
Dr. Alline Ayala, associate dean for the College of Learning and Development, Dr. Jacqueline Bluitt, professor and program director for general education, and Stacie Shelby, senior director of inbound marketing, were accepted into the 2025 Leadership Development Institute for their outstanding scholarship, demonstrated leadership skills and desire to enhance their leadership styles and responsibilities. Through a year-long mentorship program, each selected honoree will shadow senior-level leaders at other CCCU campuses, network with current and emerging leaders and create professional development plans with their colleagues and resource leaders to practice new forms of leadership and learning.
As part of the 2025 cohort, the honorees will gather with fellow emerging leaders at the Cedar Springs Christian Retreat Center in Sumas, Washington in June 2025. This distinguished leadership institute is designed to equip rising professionals in Christian higher education to lead with integrity, purpose and vision across Christ-centered campuses around the world.
“This recognition not only honors their personal achievements but also strengthens our collective vision for transformative Christian education,” said Dr. Stephen Johnson, Chief Executive Officer of ACU Online.
Focused on preparing higher education professionals to become changemakers at Christ-centered universities worldwide, the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities has been the leading national voice of Christian higher education since 1976. With campuses across the globe, including more than 150 in the U.S. and Canada and more than 30 from an additional 19 countries, CCCU institutions are recognized as being well-established colleges and universities whose missions are Christ-centered and rooted in the historic Christian faith.
