From late-night study sessions to early mornings spent encouraging students, Jewel Hale’s journey is one of resilience, purpose and heart. Graduating in May 2025 with his Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership, Jewel sees his latest achievement as one not just for himself but for every person who’s ever been told their dreams have an expiration date. As an admissions advisor at ACU Online, Jewel walks alongside others on their educational paths, bringing compassion, wisdom and lived experience to every conversation. Championing equity and inclusion across the university, Jewel’s active and joyful voice has inspired many to keep moving forward. As a devoted husband and lifelong learner, Jewel refuses to let barriers — racial, ethnic, physical, or societal — define what’s possible. His message is clear and powerful: your past does not disqualify you and your challenges do not define you. Through his life and leadership, Jewel Hale inspires others to believe it’s never too late to rise and become who God has called you to be.
Small Town, Big Dreams
Growing up in the small town of Lufkin, Texas, getting an education wasn’t just about bettering oneself. In more ways than one, it meant getting the chance to do bigger and better things. Curious about what God had in store for him, Jewel decided that to get out of Lufkin. He needed to become an excellent student, and so, he did. Excelling in his studies, Jewel went on to attend Stephen F. Austin State University, where he graduated with his bachelor’s degree in general business and from there, went to the University of Texas at Tyler to obtain his master’s degree in human resource development. Needless to say, Jewel was on the move.
“I was always someone who wanted to better himself,” Jewel said. “Naturally, school became that for me.”
Throughout his time, in and between degrees, Jewel worked with various people, particularly within the retail industry. From working as a store market manager at Foot Locker to becoming a human resource manager for Target and serving as a human resources director at Sontesa Technologies, Jewel always found a way to utilize his love for people and business. Still, though, he knew he had more to offer. And after speaking with one of his previous professors at the University of Texas at Tyler, Jewel was convinced that maybe he should look at ACU Online. Looking at what ACU represented, Jewel was taken aback by how ACU’s vision matched his values, academically and professionally.
“The number of people that kept referring me to check out ACU Online kind of threw me back,” Jewel said. “My professors and other people, plus checking to see what the history of ACU was and their values – it all just kind of fit exactly what I was looking for, and I applied.”
Finding Yourself, Again
As an adult student, starting his online doctorate in the Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership program felt different, and sometimes pretty challenging. From learning how to manage his studying time to figuring out what study habits work best for him, Jewel pushed onward despite his increasing difficulties. Fast forward to spring 2025, Jewel took it upon himself to figure out why he still had difficulty concentrating and focusing, especially as he was approaching his dissertation defense. And then, he received the verdict: dyslexia and ADHD.
“It was about two weeks before my graduation when I found out,” Jewel exclaims. “I was doing my research and editorial review with one of our writing specialists and she noticed that I shared some similarities with her husband, who has dyslexia. She asked me if I ever got tested and I said ‘No,’ but I took her advice and got tested. Right after defending my dissertation, I got the results and found out that I have dyslexia and ADHD.”
Shocked by the news, and in awe of how he was able to finish, completing his dissertation suddenly meant more to him than just earning his degree. It symbolized that God was with him, even during his roughest academic time.
“I think it’s different when you hear you have it later in your adult life, it’s like a different realization,” Jewel says. “I hear a lot of people say it’s not a disability, it’s a learning difference, so I’ve been trying to re-educate myself about it. There’s nothing like just going about your life and then to find this out. It was definitely an eye opener.”
And yet, Jewel has continued to press forward. Learning more about who he is, in more ways than one, has made him appreciate who God is even more. Taking his new perspective on life everywhere he goes, Jewel has been able to encourage others to constantly be finding out more about who they are. Working as a graduate admissions advisor with ACU Online, his testimony has even encouraged others with similar learning challenges to pursue their dreams.
Jewel Hale’s testimony is a powerful reflection of grace, grit and growth. His journey through learning challenges has not only deepened his appreciation for life’s victories, big and small, but also strengthened his faith in God’s timing and purpose. With every obstacle overcome, he has become more aware of the divine thread weaving through his story, reminding him that perseverance is a calling, not just a choice. Within the ACU Online admissions team, Jewel has grown into more than an advisor — he’s become a pillar of authenticity and determination, serving as a beacon for others, especially fellow employees who dream of earning their degrees. By sharing his journey, Jewel has empowered others to believe in their worth, embrace their struggles and move forward with courage and faith.
“You wouldn’t believe it until you experience what ACU Online can do for you,” Jewel says. “ I don’t know if it’s a newfound mission of mine, but I’m just letting God guide me into telling my story so as many people as possible can see themselves and say, ‘I want to reach my goals too.’”
Interested in learning more about how ACU Online works with a wide range of students and learning challenges? We offer our online students the best advisors and services via our Student Wellness Office. Visit our website and speak with an admissions advisor who can help guide you today.
