Bryan Wong was stationed at Dyess Air Force Base in Abilene, Texas, with no idea the university just down the street would one day change his life for the better. During that time, his wife Laressa enrolled in ACU’s Master’s Program in Organizational and Human Resource Development and spoke highly of her professors, coursework and the support she received. It was through her experiences that Bryan got his first real sense of the university’s impact and community.
That impression stayed with him for years. “She had a great experience,” he recalled. “Fast forward about ten years later, a colleague of mine told me about ACU Online’s Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership program. Between my wife’s encouragement and my colleague’s enthusiasm, I finally decided, “This was my chance to pursue something I’ve always wanted.’”
That “something” was a doctorate.
A Lifelong Learner
Bryan has always valued education. Before enrolling with ACU Online, he earned a bachelor’s degree at the University of Minnesota and a master’s in Aeronautical Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Both of these degrees aligned with his Air Force career in aviation and aerospace management, but over time his passion shifted from technical expertise to leadership development.
“In the Air Force, we don’t hire leaders from the outside,” Bryan explained. “We grow them from within. Young officers fresh out of training suddenly find themselves responsible for over a hundred people at the age of 22 or 23. I realized building strong leaders isn’t just about technical skills, it’s about mentorship and creating the right environment for others to succeed.”
That drive led Bryan to ACU Online’s Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership with a concentration in positive leadership. Going into the program, he believed he had a clear understanding of what positive leadership meant. But as he worked through the coursework, his perspective expanded. He discovered that positive leadership was far more than optimism, it was about how organizations function, how culture shapes behavior and how leaders can create environments where people can thrive.
Applying Coursework in Real Time
For Bryan, the value of ACU Online was clear from the very beginning as the lessons applied directly to his role in the Air Force. Early in the program he decided to apply to be an instructor for a leadership development course and the knowledge he gained from his ACU coursework gave him a strong foundation. By the time he began teaching he already had the tools and confidence needed to succeed.
He went on to teach Leadership Development for Squadron Command, a role that perfectly blended his doctoral studies with his professional duties. “It was super rewarding. We were teaching Air Force officers how to build a positive culture, which aligned perfectly with my coursework.”
Even while stationed overseas in Japan, Bryan continued applying what he learned at ACU. He established a weekly academic session at his base, bringing officers and senior enlisted leaders together in a classroom-style setting. The group explored both technical topics and leadership principles, allowing Bryan to put his knowledge into practice while mentoring others. His efforts had a ripple effect, inspiring several colleagues to consider pursuing higher education for themselves.
The Challenge of Balance
Balancing military life, family and doctoral studies presented significant challenges for Bryan. He began the program while working at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., later relocated to Alabama and eventually to Japan. With each move came new obstacles. Completing his dissertation while stationed overseas meant adjusting to the time difference. Despite the long nights and demanding schedule, he found the effort deeply rewarding and worthwhile.
Bryan credits ACU Online’s faculty and structure for helping him push through. “Of all the things I’ve done in my life, this was probably one of the hardest. But it wasn’t impossible because ACU gives you a pathway. It’s rigorous but supportive. Faculty check in with you, advisors track your progress and you always know someone has your back.”
The Dissertation
Bryan graduated in May and was honored with ACU Online’s Dissertation of the Year award, a recognition of both the rigor and impact of his research. His dissertation examined toxic leadership in the Air Force, focusing specifically on maintenance organizations which is a critical area where leadership directly affects both performance and morale.
Through his research, Bryan discovered that toxic leadership is often less about individual personalities and more about the organizational environment. Understanding how organizational culture shapes behavior allows leaders to create positive environments, prevent toxic behaviors and support the development of healthy, high-performing teams. Although his research focused on the Air Force, he found the lessons apply across industries.
For Bryan, the dissertation was not just an academic exercise; it was a chance to bring practical solutions to real-world challenges. The study reinforced his belief that leadership is about creating the right conditions for people to thrive, mentoring others, and intentionally shaping the environments in which teams operate. His work now serves as both a valuable contribution to the Air Force and a model for leaders in any field seeking to understand and mitigate toxic organizational dynamics.
A Lasting Community
Although Bryan studied entirely online, he still built real connections. Some courses included optional symposium-style presentations, giving students the chance to interact more deeply.
“Even though we were spread out across the world, we built friendships,” he said. “I still keep in touch with members of my cohort. I even attended a friend’s dissertation defense online. And when I walked at graduation in Abilene this past May, I finally got to meet several of them in person.”
Looking Ahead
After 24 years in the Air Force, Bryan is nearing retirement and hopes to continue shaping future leaders through coaching, mentorship and teaching. He envisions working with Air University, the Air Force’s education system that blends military instructors with civilian academics, where he can combine practical and theoretical perspectives to create immersive learning experiences.
When reflecting on advice for anyone considering ACU Online, Bryan emphasized the importance of following your passion. He believes that pursuing what genuinely excites you, rather than simply seeking a title, makes the journey meaningful. He also stressed the value of approaching the program as a marathon rather than a sprint, breaking the long journey into manageable, achievable goals. Bryan advised approaching the program with the dissertation in mind, using early assignments and research to build a strong foundation.
A Journey Worth Taking
Reflecting on his time at ACU Online, Bryan describes it as both demanding and deeply rewarding. “It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done but also one of the most fulfilling. It challenged me, grew me and gave me tools I could immediately apply to my career and my passion for developing leaders.”
For Bryan Wong, ACU Online was more than a degree program; it served as the bridge between a lifetime of military service and the next chapter of mentorship, leadership and teaching. To learn more about ACU Online and how it can help you achieve your goals, visit our website or call 855-219-7300.
