At ACU Online, our faculty are not only instructors but also mentors who walk alongside our students in their academic and personal journeys. Their dedication for teaching is deeply connected to ACU’s mission of transformational education, where learning goes beyond textbooks to shape character and purpose outside of the classroom.
This month, we are honored to spotlight Dr. Beard, Program Director for the Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership program. Dr. Beard’s path from decades in ministry to Christian higher education is a powerful story of faith and perseverance. His career reflects a lifelong commitment to helping others grow, whether in the church, in the classroom, or through leadership development.
Following His Calling
Dr. Beard first felt called to ministry at 17, a moment that would shape the trajectory of his entire life. From then on, every decision and opportunity was guided by a deep sense of purpose. Over the next 25 years, he devoted himself to ministry by serving in youth, worship and leadership roles across multiple states. In each position, he poured into the lives of others, helping them grow in their faith and leadership skills.
When the door to higher education opened, Beard recognized it not as a change in direction but as a continuation of the same calling. He explains, “My calling didn’t change; my context did.” What had once taken shape in churches and ministry settings now found new expression in the classroom, where he could invest in students at a different stage of their journey.
His passion for Christian higher education is rooted in a conviction that learning should never be reduced to the transfer of information. Instead, it should be holistic, engaging the mind and the spirit. His goal is to equip his staff and students not only with knowledge but also with wisdom and a purpose bigger than themselves.
From Ministry to Higher Education
After completing a Master of Arts in New Testament and a Ph.D. in Leadership Studies at Johnson University, Dr. Beard stepped into the world of Christian higher education with both conviction and purpose. His academic preparation gave him a strong foundation, but his personal experiences deepened his sense of calling to this work.
In 2016, life took an unexpected turn when Beard’s father was in an accident that left him paralyzed from the waist down. At the time, Dr. Beard served as a lead minister in Beaumont, Texas, frequently traveling to Oklahoma to support his parents as they navigated a new normal. While his church graciously allowed him the flexibility to care for his family, he sensed that continuing full-time ministry was no longer what was best for the congregation. During this transition season, he began to recognize God’s hand, which was redirecting him toward higher education.
This new path allowed Dr. Beard to balance family responsibilities while pursuing his growing commitment to equipping the next generation of Christian leaders. He began teaching as an adjunct and soon stepped into leadership roles, directing master’s and doctoral programs at Christian universities. In these roles, he found a natural place to integrate his ministry background with his academic training.
Over the years, Beard has drawn on his expertise in adult learning theory, spiritual formation, and instructional design to shape programs that meet students where they are. His additional training, including a Master of Arts in Instructional Technology from the University of Alabama, further sharpened his ability to design engaging and innovative online learning experiences.
Building an Online Community
For Dr. Beard, online education is most effective when it feels deeply personal. He believes students should never feel like they are simply reading “words on a screen.” Instead, he intentionally creates learning environments that emphasize human connection, community and mentorship.
This approach is woven into both his teaching and program design. Beard frequently incorporates short video messages, personal reflections and interactive opportunities that allow students to see his face and connect with his personality. These practices help students feel known and supported, reminding them they are part of a living, relational community rather than an impersonal digital classroom.
His methods are grounded in years of research on adult learning theory – a field he has studied extensively through his Ph.D. work and continued academic development. He knows that adult learners are often motivated differently than traditional college students. They bring a wealth of professional and personal experiences, unique goals, and a strong sense of purpose, which Dr. Beard recognizes and designs his courses to accommodate.
The three methods he uses for the program are:
- Critical thinking and dialogue: Students are encouraged to process ideas deeply, challenge assumptions and engage in meaningful conversations with faculty and peers.
- Purpose-driven learning: Courses are structured to connect directly with students’ goals, empowering them to apply concepts to their workplaces, families and communities.
- Mentorship and community: Beyond academics, Dr. Beard emphasizes relationship-building, knowing that transformation happens best within the context of authentic connections.
Success Stories That Inspire
Among his most meaningful experiences are watching students defend their dissertations and celebrating as they officially become “Dr.” Many of these journeys are marked by the resilience of students balancing life challenges, career shifts and personal hardships while pursuing their degrees.
One student, in particular, stands out: “I coached this student from the very beginning, through countless phone calls and moments of struggle. They persevered through challenges, produced groundbreaking research, and I had the honor of hooding them at graduation. Those moments – seeing growth and transformation – are why I love what I do.”
The Future of Online Education
Looking to the future, Dr. Beard envisions technology playing an increasingly vital role in shaping the online learning experience. Tools like artificial intelligence and advancements in instructional design will continue to transform how students learn and faculty teach. Yet, while he embraces innovation, he is equally clear that the true future of online education lies in strengthening the reputation and credibility of online programs.
He believes ACU is uniquely positioned to lead in this space. With a decade-long commitment to online learning, the university has already built a structure that supports both students and faculty in remote environments, while remaining deeply rooted in the mission of Christian higher education. This commitment ensures that as the digital landscape evolves, ACU’s programs will remain relevant and mission-driven.
Are you interested in learning more about ACU Online’s offerings or Dr. Beard’s Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership program? Call us today at 855-219-7300.
