American College of Education is an accredited, for-profit college based in Indianapolis, Indiana, delivering online master's, doctorate and specialist degree programs, and graduate-level certificates in Education.

American College of Education confers Graduate Degrees in a variety of diploma programs, including a Master of Education in Educational Leadership, Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction, Master of Education in Early Childhood Education, and a Master of Education in Educational Technology. Ed.D. and Ed.S. in Leadership degrees were launched in 2013.^[3] All courses are taught online.

American College of Education was formally incorporated in Illinois on February 25, 2005. Following incorporation, it purchased the intellectual property (the academic programming) of Barat College. American College of Education immediately applied to The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools to continue the accreditation of Barat College under its new name and ownership. The Higher Learning Commission approved this request in March 2006.

American College of Education offers eleven master's degree, one doctoral degree program, and one specialist degree program. All are focused on education. The college also offers more than 13 graduate-level certificates, including programs in Bilingual Education, English as a Second Language, English language arts, and mathematics.

American College of Education is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The Professional Education Programs (M.Ed. in Educational Leadership, M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction, M.Ed. in English as a Second Language, M.Ed. in Bilingual Education, M.Ed. in Educational Technology) are also accredited by the Teacher Education Accreditation Council (TEAC).

Highlights of American College of Education

According to the college, they provide one of the most affordable master’s degrees in the nation
The school reports a 90% graduation rate
Students take one class at a time
Master’s degree programs completed in 18 months
No on-campus requirements
Accreditation provided by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

Overview of American College of Education

American College of Education was founded in 1858 as Barat College in Chicago, as a college for young women. In 1982 the college became coeducational, and nine years later it became part of DePaul University. After the affiliation with DePaul ended in 2004, the school became known as American College of Education. It is located in Chicago, Illinois.

American College of Education offers online master’s degrees. The curricula are designed for practicing and aspiring educators. One of the primary goals of the programs is improving the instructional effectiveness of teachers.

Education Programs

American College of Education offers numerous online master’s degrees in education. The college also offers online continuing education programs, such as an English as a Second Language and Bilingual Education. The curricula utilize evidence-based research tools. They are aligned with core competencies and national standards. The courses combine theory and real-world practice.

Student Notes

Students take one five-week course at a time
The personal coaching model provides each student with personal and academic support throughout his or her education
The Student Services department and the Academic Support team offer assistance
Students have access to technical support
Students have access to the Learning Resource Center

Faculty Members

The courses are taught by experienced professionals who have expertise in their field.

Admissions and Financial Aid Information

The American College of Education uses an open enrollment policy. Applicants can complete the online application form. Enrollment Team representatives guide applicants through the application procedure.

Applicants are required to have a minimum 2.75 GPA for their undergraduate degree, or highest post-baccalaureate degree, from a regionally or nationally accredited school. Applicants are required to provide documentation of professional teaching or a school services certificate.

At American College of Education we believe in teachers and the inspirational role that they play. It’s something we’ve demonstrated since we opened 10 years ago. We are a college founded by educators, for educators–teachers who love what they do and are looking to strengthen their skills.

For motivated educators seeking to improve their careers and classroom skills, ACE is the first online graduate school for educators that fulfills the promise of earning a quality, online master's degree, doctorate or specialist degree, or graduate-level certificate on a real teacher’s budget. With tuition under $8,000 for an M.Ed. degree, American College of Education’s tuition is one-third of what other schools charge for comparable programs.

CE - Continuing Education

Many of the programs at The College qualify for insurance Continuing Education. Please refer to the grids below, organized by program at The College, to obtain recent CE credit information by course. Understand that this information changes frequently, and while we will do our best to provide current data, it is your responsibility to verify CE credits with your state.

If you would like to order a duplicate certificate because you have misplaced the original.
If you require your continuing education credits to be reported immediately outside of our normal processing time of 7-10 business days.
If continuing education credit was never requested at the time of registration and you now require immediate CE processing due to licensure renewal.
CE Certification Request Form

As of January 1, 2013, CE fees are now included in the tuition however, students must still request CE upon registration.

WA Residents Please be Advised:
The Washington Department of Insurance requires that agents must be reported for continuing education credit within ten days after your exam has been taken and passed. In order to ensure you receive proper credit, please make sure you have requested continuing education at the time of registration.

In order to more accurately comply with state requirements for processing CE, The American College takes the following approach:

All students are required at the time they enroll in a course to request state CE for processing and provide their state license number.
When CE is requested and a passing grade is achieved, CE credit will be reported and filing fees paid in accordance with state regulations. If a student is late in requesting that CE be filed and the state charges a late processing fee as a result, that fee will be passed on to the student.
When CE is declined, completion of the course will not be reported to the state, and CE certificates will not be issued to the student.
Designations from The American College are subject to PACE recertification fees. Click here for more detail.
If you are currently enrolled in courses and want CE reported to your resident state but did not select CE when registering, please contact:

Professional Education
888-263-7265
Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. E.T.

The American College's Guidelines for Exam Proctors:

The American College requires that every examination be proctored by a "disinterested third party who is not a relative, an immediate supervisor nor employee of the producer and one that has no financial or personal interest in the outcome of the examination." States having additional or alternate requirements are noted when accessing the Exam Proctor link below. Students must follow all posted guidelines regardless of the reason for taking the course.

Click on the link below to access your state's proctor affidavit. Students will be able to access the Exam Proctor link at the Pearson-Vue testing center’s Administration Desk for your convenience on the day of the exam. All affidavits must be faxed to The American College CE Department (fax: 610-526-1402) no later than the day following the exam. State insurance continuing education will not be granted if your monitor/proctor affidavit is not received in a timely manner. Students who fail to return the appropriate affidavit will have to take the exam again if CE is desired. If your state is not listed, you do not have to fill out a proctor affidavit but you do need to select a proctor in accordance with The American College's guidelines.

Please note: Pearson-Vue will act in lieu of the state required affidavit for the following states:

AL, CO, GA, PA, AZ, CT, MA, VA, VT, WV, NC, OH, IA, MT, MI, MN, HI and NY.

This means that students who take their exam at a Pearson-Vue testing centeronly for any of the above states will not have to submit a signed Proctor Affidavit back to the Continuing Education Department.

The remaining Proctor Affidavit states MUST have their affidavit signed at Pearson-Vue’s testing center and have it faxed to 610-526-1402 within 24-hours. These states are as follows:

MS, SC, AR, FL, MO, NE, NV, IN, WI, DC

Any student taking their exam outside of a Pearson-Vue testing center MUSThave the Proctor Affidavit signed and returned regardless of the location for ALL affidavit states listed on the Exam Proctor page.
Exam Proctor Criteria

Click here to read Frequently Asked Questions about CE Credit.

It is your responsibility as a license-holder to know your state's CE requirements and procedures. Visit the Department of Insurance website for your state to obtain this information.

If you need fee information that is not provided, please contact a Professional Education counselor at 888-263-7265, M–F 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. ET.

The American College of Surgeons Accredited Education Institutes (ACS-AEI) educate and train practicing surgeons, surgical residents, medical students, and members of the surgical team using simulation-based education

Since we launched the ACS-AEI program in 2005, we have set standards for how surgical education and training should be offered at Accredited Education Institutes. Our goal is to promote patient safety through the use of simulation, to develop new education and technologies, identify best practices, and promote research and collaboration among our institutes. We also evaluate the impact of education through long-term follow-up of learners and analyze how to best incorporate aspects of surgical research into surgical education.

Take advantage of the enormous benefits this program offers to surgeons, residents, medical students, members of the surgical team, and ultimately to the surgical patients, by applying for accreditation.

OUR HISTORY AND MISSION

The Mission

The mission of American College of Education is to deliver affordable online degree programs that provide evidence-based content and relevant experiences to improve educators’ knowledge, skills, and performance.

A history grounded in innovation

Founded in the digital age, American College of Education exists to improve education across the United States through online graduate programs and professional development for educators.

American College of Education has been incorporated in Illinois since February 25, 2005. American College of Education then applied to The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association for regional accreditation. The Higher Learning Commission approved this request in March 2006. ACE maintains regional accreditation through The Higher Learning Commission today.

Ownership

American College of Education is a wholly owned subsidiary of Higher Ed Holdings, LLC, 2200 Ross Avenue, Suite 3800, Dallas, TX 75201; 214-438-4100.

Committed to providing high quality, affordable online programs

American College of Education is committed to providing high quality, affordable educational programs for teachers, administrators, researchers and other professionals. The College increases access to educational opportunities by offering its programs online and reducing geographic and scheduling hindrances for busy professionals while keeping tuition and fees low. With programs grounded in current research, American College of Education enables its students to develop the knowledge and skills to be effective teachers and leaders.

COLLEGE ADMINISTRATION

Shawntel Landry, Ed.D.
Provost and Interim President

Deborah Lee Tincher, Ph.D.
Academic Dean

Dr. Jerry Ausburn, Ed.D.
Assistant Dean of Programs
Interim Chair, Educational Leadership

Howard Rouse, B.S.
Chief Financial Officer

Dan Holestine, M.B.A.
Chief Operations Officer

Tiffany Neville Bryant, M.S.
Bursar and Assistant Controller

Monica Carson, M.Ed.
VP of Enrollment Operations

Amber Nicole Ying, J.D.
Associate Counsel and Vice President, Regulatory Affairs and Compliance

Lana Sloan, Ed.D.
Vice President, Curriculum and Development

Kenneth Jandes, Ed.D.
Associate Dean and Director, Office of Academic Excellence

Karen Swenson, M.B.A.
Senior Vice President, Compliance and Regulatory Affairs

Tiffany Hamlett, Ph.D.
Department Chair, Curriculum and Instruction

Rebecca Wiehe, Ph.D.
Assistant Chair, Curriculum and Instruction

Sharon Spears, Ed.D.
Assistant Department Chair, Educational Leadership

Crystal Neumann, Ph.D.
Chair, Doctoral and Specialist Programs

Rochelle Franklin, Ed.D.
Director of Faculty Training and Development

Kathryn Talley, Ph.D.
Director, Institutional Research and Effectiveness

Becky Gerambia, M.A.
Associate Director, Institutional Research and Effectiveness

Sandra Quiatkowski, Ph.D., M.L.S.
Director, ACE Library

Courtney Shelton, M.M.
Director, Admissions

Erin Maurer, M.S.
Associate Director, Office of Academic Excellence

Stephanie Hinshaw, M.B.A.
Senior Director, Student Operations

Melissa Markovsky, M.S.
Senior Director, Marketing

Jordan Waltz, B.A.
Manager, Information System

LEADING THE WAY IN HIGHER EDUCATION
About ACE

Founded in 2005, American College of Education exists to improve education throughout the United States by delivering affordable online degree programs. With over 30 master’s, doctorate, specialist, and certificate programs, ACE helps teachers be more effective in the classroom because we believe that the more teachers learn, the more their students learn.

ACE’s Values

ACE prides itself in being a socially responsible college. To that end, our tuition is deliberately kept low to fit within a working teacher’s budget. Our programs are often one-third the cost of comparable programs without sacrificing quality, because we believe that all practicing professionals deserve the chance to become master educators. A majority of our alumni are able to graduate debt-free.

Diversity

ACE is committed to a diversity of ideas. Our online programs enable students to collaborate across geographical borders and boundaries. This diversity of ideas extends to our workplace as well. ACE provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin or ancestry, marital status, veteran status, physical or mental disability, or any other legally protected status or characteristic.

WHAT OUR EMPLOYEES SAY

“I truly love my job at ACE! Out of all of the companies and institutions where I have held a position, this is my absolute favorite place to work. ACE provides opportunities for growth and development, as well as encouraging me to use my prior knowledge and experience to do my very best. I feel that my opinions and ideas are valued.” - Sandra Quiatkowski

“Working for a company that bucks the norm in education motivates me immensely. I’ve worked in higher education for over a decade, and I can truly say that ACE is doing it right. It’s a joy to go to work and know that your college is all about doing the right thing and about providing high-level education.” - Stephanie Hinshaw.

Career advancement

"In March of 2011, I was named the School District of Palm Beach County's (SBPBC) Macy's Teacher of the Year. I truly believe that one reason why I was selected was because of everything I learned at ACE and implementing in my own classroom. Thanks to ACE, I am charged with being a leader to teachers so that they can provide a world-class education to children in which they will experience authentic learning so that they can become independent thinkers." — Kristen Rulison, M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction, Reading Specialist and West Palm Beach Teacher of the Year, ACE Alumni Achievement Award Winner, Winter 2013

"Twenty-four months ago, I never dreamed that would be a graduate of a master's program and a leader among my faculty. I would describe this journey as a pathway to leadership. Although my program was in Educational Technology, the knowledge I have gained has given me the confidence, desire and the ability to lead where I had not led before. The American College of Education has completely changed my views on what it means to teach, to lead and to serve my students and colleagues. My experience with ACE was one of the defining moments of my life and set me on a path that I was not expecting, but thoroughly enjoy and will be forever grateful for wherever it leads me." — Brenda Raccuia, M.Ed. Educational Technology, Technology Leader and Teacher in the Weber School District, Utah, January 2013

"I was a kindergarten teacher before ACE. Since I earned my master's degree, I am now grade level chairperson and PTA Coordinator. I have always wanted to be a teacher who understands the newest practices and strategies — the best teacher possible. Since graduating from ACE, I am." — Denise Steudlein, M.Ed. Curriculum and Instruction, February 2011 Commencement

"In addition to mentoring teachers at my school, earning a degree from ACE makes me eligible for new teacher mentorship positions at the district and regional level. I want to lead educational reform in my state, Louisiana. My degree from ACE affords me the opportunity to effect change." — Donna Patten, M.Ed. Curriculum and Instruction, February 2011 Commencement

"By earning an ACE master's degree, I feel more prepared to teach. I am now the school technology specialist, and teachers come to me with questions about Smart Boards, MOBIs, etc. My degree has prepared me to teach other teachers about technology and how to integrate it into their own classrooms." — Sara Lowe, M.Ed. Educational Technology, February 2011 Commencement.

Applicable coursework

"ACE has prepared me to adapt to the systemic changes that are occurring in our educational system. The evidence based, relevant methodology in ACE's curriculum has allowed me to manifest dramatic improvements within my own school community." — Jeremy Heck, M.Ed. Educational Leadership, Assistant Principal at Indian Oaks Academy, Manteno, IL, ACE Alumni Achievement Award Winner, Summer 2012

"ACE has provided me with the academic opportunities and the personal foundations necessary to grow and develop my leadership skills." — Irit Alkalay, Solomon Schechter Day School, Lake County, IL, January 2013

"What I learned in Reading to Write and Writing to Learn is still relevant for my science classes. Another benefit was the information in a class called Strengthening Literacy. I started reading more to my students and having them write and explain questions. These two “additives” helped my students gain higher scores on some common assessments." — Mary Tune, ACE alumna and Ambassador, February 2011 Commencement

"I think the assignments are awesome. I'm teaching a unit on "Water" (I teach 3 and 4 year-olds), and I cannot wait to try these new ideas out when we go back to school in January. I earned my master’s degree last year in Early Childhood Special Ed from a school here in Chicago, and to be honest, there were many times I wondered why we were even doing the projects we did--sometimes the workload was not relevant to anything we were doing. I am so impressed with these assignments from ACE—finally something I can use in my classroom!" — Meghan Safranek, ACE Student-at-Large, January 2013

"I am in my last class before I graduate, and I just wanted to thank ACE and my Portfolio professor, Dr. Katrina Landa, for a great experience. Dr. Landa is also my professor for my last TESOL class. She has been very accessible and extremely helpful throughout this final stage. I just recommended ACE to three very interested teachers! Thank you!" — Margaret Archer Zimmer, M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction with Specialization in English as a Second Language, January 2013

Programs that fit your life

"I chose ACE for many reasons. The first was the cost. It is lower than any other college in Illinois. I was also looking for a program that was completely online. My M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction helped me become the teacher I am today. I started the program during my second year of teaching. The classes helped me improve how I taught my classes and prepared my lessons. I learned more about how to manage classroom behaviors and how to incorporate positive reinforcement. Since I was a new teacher, ACE helped me grow and learn at the perfect time!" — Jessi Tymchyshyn, M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction, ESL endorsement and M.Ed. in Educational Leadership, December 2012

"I worked for twenty years in the military and emerged seeking a new career in which I could have a similar impact. My degree from ACE helped me to become the best teacher I could be. The lessons I learned at ACE were immediately applicable in my own classroom — on a daily basis. Attending a brick-and-mortar school would not have been an option for me. Pursuing an online degree program and collaborating with educators across the country was perfect." — Reginald Watts, M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction, February 2011 Commencement.

FACULTY

Curriculum & Instruction Department Chair

Tiffany Hamlett, Ph.D.
Texas Woman's University

Dr. Tiffany Hamlett, Chair for Curriculum and Instruction department for the American College of Education. She has a Ph.D. in child development from Texas Woman’s University. She has worked in higher education for eight years in various educational fields. Her background includes early childhood education, curriculum development, and research methods. In addition she serves as a reviewer for Social Development and the Southern Early Childhood Association. Her research interests include developmentally appropriate practice, lifespan development, and constructivist-based teaching practices.

Curriculum & Instruction Assistant Department Chair

Rebecca Wiehe, Ph.D.
Kent State University

Dr. Rebecca Wiehe lives in Cleveland, Ohio, with her husband and three children. She has been a Spanish teacher for 22 years, having taught every level from preschool through university students. In 2012, she was named Ohio's World Language Teacher of the Year. Her undergraduate degrees are in Spanish and Spanish education from Miami University, Ohio. She has a master’s degree in Spanish from the University of Cincinnati, and her doctorate is in curriculum and instruction from Kent State University. She has worked extensively with both student teachers and veteran teachers as they continue their professional development.

Curriculum & Instruction Faculty

Mamzelle V.S. Adolphine, Ph.D.

Dr. Mamzelle V. S. Adolphine received her Ph.D. from Capella University in 2008. She is a New York University Honors Scholar and a Returned Peace Corps volunteer who served in Mauritania, West Africa. She has worked both as a teacher and a trainer at the elementary school level. She joined American College of Education's faculty in 2010 as a professor in the department of Curriculum and Instruction. She has served on her community’s board Education committee and now serves as the facilitator for her community’s block association. Additionally, she facilitates ASTDEdge Restructuring Schools group. She enjoys hiking and cycling.

Karen E. Austin, Ed.D.

Dr. Karen E. Austin currently serves as an assistant principal with Chicago Public Schools, and professor at American College of Education. Dr. Austin’s research interests include: the effects of positive behavioral support, and teacher and leadership effectiveness on student achievement. Dr. Austin is most proud of her work focusing on appropriate practices for students with disabilities. In her spare time she enjoys serving the community through her sorority, traveling the world, and spending time with her family. Dr. Austin received her doctorate in Education from Argosy-Chicago, her master's degree from National-Louis University, and her bachelor's degree from Chicago State University.

Sherry Ayala, Ed.D.

Dr. Sherry Ayala has over 16 years of experience in education serving initially in the classroom as a primary teacher, as well as at the middle school level. She has also worked at the district level on various aspects of curriculum and professional development. And now, has transitioned to higher education to assist teachers in building their capacity as educational innovators. Her education consists of a bachelor’s degree in elementary education form Arizona State University; a master’s from Northern Arizona University in educational technology, and returning to Arizona State for her doctorate in educational administration and supervision. She is excited to be part of the ACE faculty team. She looks forward to building professional relationships with colleagues and guiding teachers in their educational journey.

Francoise Bachelder, Ph.D.

Dr. Francoise Bachelder earned her PhD in Curriculum and Instruction from Purdue University and her Master's degree in French from San Diego State University. She is originally from Montpellier, France where she received a Master's degree in Cultural Anthropology. She taught in California, in Indiana and in Ohio. She is interested in research on Diversity in Multicultural Education. She loves reading in French and in English and writes novels and poetry.

Sarah Becerra, Ph.D.

Dr. Sarah Becerra holds a Ph.D. from Texas Woman’s University, and she is a licensed Marriage and Family therapist. She has taught college-level courses since 2004, primarily online. Areas of teaching interest are research methods, theory, multiculturalism, engagement, assessment, counseling, and human development. In addition to teaching, she works in the clinical mental health field providing consults, assessments, and referrals for clients.

Ellen Brewer, Ed.D

Dr. Ellen Brewer received her Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education (with a major in English Language Arts and Speech Communication) from the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. Upon graduation, she entered graduate school and worked at UA as a graduate teaching assistant in the Education and English departments. She completed her master's in Secondary English Education, and then earned certification in educational leadership and library information services from Jacksonville State University in Jacksonville, Alabama. She earned her doctorate in curriculum and instruction/curriculum development from Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Dr. Brewer taught English at many levels, including grades 5-12, college composition and literature courses, and secondary education courses in ELA teaching methodologies. She has worked at numerous schools, including the Dekalb County school system in northeast Alabama, Gadsden State Community College, Snead State Community College, Georgia Highlands College, and Shorter University. She also taught high school English for the last 8 years in Rome, Georgia, but currently works as the literacy coach in grades 9-12. She completed 60 hours of reading training as part of the Alabama Reading Initiative, and was selected in 1992 and 1995 as a teacher-fellow with the National Writing Project. Dr. Brewer currently serves on the JSU Writing Project Advisory Board. She currently lives in Rome, Georgia, with her husband Jamie, her chow/lab mix Bella, and her cat, Gracie. Her hobbies include cooking, singing soprano, and spending time with her family.

Bridgette Davis, Ph.D.

Dr. Bridgette Davis is a native of southern Mississippi and an experienced world traveler. She earned a Ph.D. in Secondary Education with an emphasis in literacy and science. As a former 7th and 8th grade science teacher, Dr. Davis developed a passion for preparing teachers to reach middle and high school students. Her passion is demonstrated by her commitment to high expectations with purposeful literacy integration to meet the needs of culturally diverse students, while at the same time making meaningful instructional connections to real-life applications. Her research interests include adolescent literacy and STEM integration into content areas across the secondary school curriculum, developing low-cost tools to teach science, e-learning, authentic assessments, and classroom climate.

Dennis Debay, Ph.D.

Dr. Dennis Debay is a former high school Mathematics and Computer Science teacher and coming from a family of educators, his central, long-standing beliefs for research and teaching include creating rich learning environments for both teachers and students. He has worked to support teaching in integrating technology into classrooms, supported teachers in implementing reform-based teaching practices, helped urban, underrepresented students use technology as a tool to help further understanding of social justice and sustainability issues in their neighborhoods and has assisted in redesigning courses in the mathematics department at the University of Massachusetts – Boston, The Lynch School of Education at Boston College and Manhattanville College.

Rita Deyoe, Ph.D.

Dr. Deyoe-Chiullán taught at universities and a private bilingual school in Colombia, South America. Then, in the U.S., she taught graduate education courses for teachers and administrators for sixteen years. More recently, she taught bilingual/regular elementary/ middle school, followed by a few years as a bilingual specialist in an alternative teacher certification program. Since retiring from the Texas public schools, she teaches part-time at universities. Her scholarly efforts focus on bilingual/ESL teacher preparation, primarily as chapters in monographs for educators. Recently, she has been editing a peer-reviewed online journal, Texas English Language Teaching (TexELT) for the TexTESOL V Executive Board she serves as Publications Coordinator.

Felicia Durden, Ed.D.

Dr. Felicia Durden is an accomplished Educator with over twelve years’ experience in Education. She holds her Doctorate of Education degree in Educational Leadership, Master's Degree in Curriculum & Instruction and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English Literature. Dr. Durden has taught grades K-12 and currently serves as Assistant Director of Reading and Writing in a large Urban School District in Arizona. She has taught English Composition at the College level as an adjunct instructor for over 5 years. Dr. Durden has a passion for assisting student growth in reading and writing.

Vicki Finn, Ph.D.

Dr. Vicki Finn has been an active participant within the public education arena since graduating with a BS in Education, and entering the classroom in 1997. She earned her Master’s in Educational Administration from the University of Texas at Arlington, and then continued her pursuit of educational knowledge by attending the University of Texas at Dallas where she earned her Ph.D. in Public Affairs. During her stint within public education, she has served in general education, special education, campus and central administration. Her areas of research include alternative teacher certification programs, traditional degree programs, and special education.

Luster Fowler, Ph.D.

Dr. Luster Fowler is an experienced and accomplished higher education and healthcare management professional with knowledge of instructional technology, institutional and programmatic accreditation, education research, adult education, and implementation management. Well versed in fiscal management, including P&L and grant related funding. Demonstrated talent for providing leadership and vision in the planning, direction, and administration of successful courses and programs. Proven commitment to developing strategic processes, implementing resource management, and exercising judgment to meet deadlines designed to achieve overarching organizational goals.

Gail Gessert, Ph.D.

Dr. Gail Gessert earned a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from the University of Arizona with Major in Learning; Minor emphasizing Neuropsychology and Cognates in Research & Statistics and Computer Applications. Dr. Gessert has taught at various levels throughout her career including elementary school and for universities. She has taught doctoral candidates online for the past decade while building the company EDUindex which promotes relevant curriculum in the classroom. Her research interests, in addition to relevancy in Education, include adolescent risk taking behaviors from the perspective of egocentrism as an underlying philosophical underpinning. She has been a business executive in Marketing and Advertising concurrent to her passion for Education throughout the years as well as owns and operates her Arabian Horse Business in Southern Arizona.

Deborah Gilbert, Ed.D.

Deborah Gilbert was a South Carolina State Department of Education Curriculum Specialist for many years. She is a National Board Certified Teacher in ELA and has developed many workshops and seminars involving professional learning communities, curriculum mapping and unwrapping standards, teacher as leader, program evaluation, and using data to drive school decisions. Dr. Gilbert has taught middle school and high school English and Spanish, college business communications, online leadership, curriculum, and doctoral education courses for several schools. She holds an Ed.D. in Education Leadership from Nova Southeastern, an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Technology from the University of Phoenix, and a bachelor's degree in Spanish literature from SUNY Oswego. In addition to serving on the faculty at American College of Education, she is exploring the use of virtual schools for K-12.

Crystal Gomillion, Ph.D.

Dr. Crystall Gomillion earned her Master's and Ph.D. in Science Education at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, NC. She is originally from Omaha, NE where she received her Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education with an emphasis in Biology. Before teaching in higher education, Dr. Gomillion was a middle school science teacher and is certified in elementary grades and middle school natural science. Dr. Gomillion's research endeavors focus primarily on Multicultural Science Education. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, and doing crafts.

Lesha Dawn Hickman, Ph.D.

Dr. Lesha Dawn Hickman received a B.S. in Special Education from Tennessee Technological University in 1989. She immediately started teaching school and later completed her Masters of Educational Leadership/Administration from Trevecca Nazarene University in 2001. After a three-year break, she enrolled in an on-line doctoral program and received her Ph.D. in Education from Capella University in 2007. She spent her summers at one the greatest places on earth, Camp Discovery in Gainesboro, Tennessee. She has been the director of this camp for special needs adults and children for over 7 years. Camp Discovery provides recreational activities and joy to people of all ages and all disability types. She currently lives in Nashville, Tennessee with her wiener dog. In her spare time she enjoys reading, sports, cooking and home improvement. However, the time she most cherishes is spent in her RV on the beach watching the sun set.

Keith Higa, Ph.D.

Dr. Keith Higa worked as a junior high reading teacher and elementary gifted teacher. He holds a bachelor's degree in elementary education, a master's degree in library media, and a Ph.D. in curriculum and social foundations. Dr. Higa's research interests include the oral history of Okinawan women's Post-World War II experiences, the social construction of at-risk students, and teen fathers' educational experiences.

Amy Horn, Ed.D.

Dr. Amy Horn majored in Elementary Education during her undergraduate studies and received her Bachelors of Science in Education degree from Illinois State University. She went on to pursue her Masters of Science in Education degree at Northern Illinois University, majoring in Reading. She returned to NIU and earned her Doctor of Education degree, with a specialization in Curriculum Leadership. Currently, she is the College and Career Readiness Coordinator for Kishwaukee Education Consortium in Malta, Illinois. She gets to work with our staff, our community partners, and our students to ensure that we are preparing them to be responsible citizens and life-long learners upon graduation from high school. Prior to her current position, she taught language arts and reading classes in both public middle schools and community colleges for 12 years. Additionally, for the past seven years she has taught a variety of online courses for different universities and colleges, including courses in the fields of Teacher Education, Educational Leadership, Literacy Education, and Composition. Her students’ success in her courses, as well as in their programs, is always a top priority of hers. She continues to enjoy growing and learning with her students in this exciting and constantly evolving world of online education.

Chih-Hsin Hsu, Ed.D.

Dr. Chih-Hsin Hsu earned her doctorate in Teacher and Bilingual Education from Texas A&M University at Kingsville with academic achievement honors. She has nine years of diverse teaching experience in high school and university settings, and certifications of technology-embedded instruction and teaching effectiveness. Dr. Hsu commits to ESL/ bilingual education and teacher preparation; she has been teaching related courses in both face-to-face and online formats. Her research interests include ESL/bilingual education, teacher education, sociolinguistics, and intercultural communication. As for professional development, Dr. Hsu has presented 13 ESL and bilingual education related studies at local, regional, and national conferences in the past three years. At her leisure time, she plays tennis and enjoys outdoor activities.

Therese Kanai, Ph.D.

Dr. Therese Kanai has been involved in the field of education for over twenty years. Upon graduation from the University of Hawaii in Manoa, she moved to Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, and was a substitute teacher. It was then that she decided that working with children was her passion. She attended University of Hawaii-Hilo, earning her secondary teaching certification in mathematics, and then received her master's in Education from Heritage College. She earned a Ph.D. in Education from Walden University. Most recently, she has taken 18 graduate units in communications.

Katrina Landa, Ed.D.

Dr. Katrina Landa is a core faculty member at American College of Education. She taught at the elementary and high school levels, and she also supervised adult education programs in her former school district. Presently, she is an adjunct instructor for her local community college and is a director of their dual enrollment program. She received her master’s in early childhood education and ESOL from the University of Miami, and her doctorate in special education (with a minor in educational leadership) from Florida International University. She loves to read, travel, and spend time with her husband and their daughters, who are 6 years old and 7 months old, respectively.

David Mapp, Jr., Ed.D.

Dr. David Mapp, Jr. has been a social studies instructor in Pinellas County, Florida, for nearly 15 years. Along with K-12 social science certification, Dr. Mapp, colloquially called "Dr. M," holds a doctorate in instructional leadership and is certified in educational leadership. As a 2008 Teacher of the Year Award recipient in the category of Creativity and Innovation, he presents at conferences on technology and PowerPoint use in the classroom. Though Dr. M was born in the U.S., his parents have roots in the Caribbean island of St. Croix. As such, he is also an advocate for ESOL students.

Marsha Moore, Ph.D.

Dr. Marsha Moore, core faculty/MAT and T2T program coordinator, has worked in the field of education for 20 years. She holds an undergraduate degree in early childhood education from Georgia State University, a master’s degree in child development, and a doctorate degree in child development and education from Texas Woman's University. She is passionate about working with teachers. Her research interests include constructivist teacher training/staff development, child guidance, play, and diversity. She has four young children ages 4, 6, 8, and 10. They are a source of insight and enjoyment for both her and her husband. She has grown so much as a teacher and as a human thanks to them. She also enjoys running and Mental Floss magazine.

Ann Mowery, Ed.D.

Dr. Ann Mowery has had 7 years private and public elementary and middle school teaching in Arizona and Oklahoma. Two years elementary principal in Oklahoma – small city, upper socioeconomic. Eight years elementary principal in Texas Interim Middle School Principal - Delaware. Eight years’ experience as curriculum supervisor and director of curriculum and staff development in Oklahoma, and 11 years curriculum supervisor and director of instruction in Delaware.

Joel Munoz, Ed.D.

Dr. Joél Muñoz currently serves as a middle school assistant principal and an online professor. His experiences include teaching Spanish, English as a New Language, and Language Arts from kindergarten to the university level. Dr. Muñoz earned an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from Oakland City University, a M.Ed. in Curriculum, Instruction, and Supervision from Indiana Wesleyan University, and a B.A. in Spanish Education with a minor in English from Purdue University. His areas of research are Language Education, Heritage Language Education, Educational Leadership, Brain and Learning, Online Learning, and Curriculum & Instruction. He served as a committee member at the Indiana Department of Education which created the very first Heritage Language State Standards.

Joyce Myers, Ed.D.

Dr. Joyce Myers currently teaches university courses in early childhood and elementary education at several schools. She is a graduate of the University of North Texas with an Ed.D. in Early Childhood Education. Additionally, she studied at Mercer University, Dallas Baptist University, and the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. She's served as an elementary school principal, as well as a classroom teacher and children's minister. Dr. Myers is the author of an instructor's manual for a textbook in early childhood education. She and her family have lived in countries outside the U.S. for over 10 years.

Sean Nank, Ph.D.

Dr. Sean Nank earned a Ph.D. while studying at the University of California Riverside. He holds a K-12 professional clear single subject mathematics credential. He received the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). He has published two books titled "Testing over Teaching: Mathematics Education in the 21st Century" and "The Making of a Presidential Mathematics and Science Educator." He has worked with the United States Department of Education, National Science Foundation, California Department of Education, and California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. He was appointed to represent the USA at ICME-12 in Korea as the mathematics assessment expert.

Lisa Portugal, Ph.D.

Dr. Lisa Marie Portugal holds a PhD in Leadership for Higher Education, MAEd in Secondary Education, and BFA in Media Arts. She is a Personal and Professional Life Coach, a peer-reviewed author, an online university professor, a PhD dissertation chair, and a Faculty Supervisor to teacher candidates. She instructs undergraduate, graduate, Ed.D. and Ph.D. coursework in the College of Education. She is published in academic journals such as Academic Leadership the Online Journal, Advancing Women in Leadership Online Journal, Distance Learning Administration (OJDLA), and Higher Education Perspectives. She is a Peer Reviewer for the Journal of Instructional Research (JIR). Her expertise includes student engagement and success, Adult Learning Theory, nontraditional and at-risk learners, faculty retention, hiring practices, best practices in online learning, and emerging technology in course design and instruction.

Dora Renaud

Dora Renaud currently serves as an administrator in Dallas Independent School District. She completed her bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies with a minor in professional education and a specialization in bilingual education at Texas Woman’s University. She completed her Master of Science in Reading from Texas A&M Commerce, and a doctorate in education administration from University of Texas, Austin, in the Cooperative Superintendency Program. She has worked as a bilingual teacher, reading specialist, and coordinator of curriculum, and has been an adjunct professor with University of Texas, Arlington, providing instruction to teachers of Dallas ISD in all areas of literacy. She has extensive experience in curriculum frameworks such as International Baccalaureate, Personalized Learning and Dual Language. Her philosophy of education is "Learning is the prize,” which means that motivation should be intrinsic and educators must encourage students to view learning as the main goal. She has a strong passion for learning new languages. She currently serves as a professor in Curriculum and Instruction for American College of Education.

Denita B. Scott, Ed.D.

Denita B. Scott, Ed.D. has been in the field of education for many years. She is currently assistant superintendent of student learning and programs. Previously, she was an NCLB coordinator, assistant principal for an elementary and middle school, a reading coach, a Title I / reading recovery teacher, and a classroom teacher. Dr. Scott has earned three degrees in education: a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from Governors State University in University Park, Illinois, and a doctorate in educational leadership from Roosevelt University in Chicago.

Dr. Scott has a strong passion for improvement of student achievement, and is a catalyst for change. Specifically, she created the Curriculum Planning Council, which brings all stakeholders together to make decisions about curriculum, instruction, and assessment. In addition, she was instrumental in bringing a new middle school social studies textbook with online access to the students.

Dr. Scott served as an adjunct professor at Chicago State University in Chicago. She was a presenter for the Illinois Principals Association and the Superintendents’ Commission for the Study of Demographics and Diversity Conference. In addition, she is a member of the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD), The Thornton Township Teaching and Learning Program (TTTLP), the Illinois Principals Association (IPA), International Literacy Association (ILA), Illinois Reading Council (IRC), South Suburban Reading Council (SSRC), and the Data for School Innovation Advisory Board (DSI).

Mary Strong, Ed.D.

Dr. Mary W. Strong received a doctorate from West Virginia University in Curriculum and Instruction (Reading). She holds a M.A. in Reading Supervision from West Virginia University and a B.Ed. from Duquesne University in Elementary Education. Before joining the faculty at the American College of Education, she taught at Iowa State University in the Curriculum and Instruction Department and at Widener University in the Reading Department. She coauthored a book on the topic of literacy coaching and has published over 20 other articles on literacy instruction and leadership in state, national and international journals. She is presently a board member of the Language Experience Special Interest Group in the International Reading Association and has served on the editorial review board of the Journal of Adolescent and Adult Literacy. Her previous public school positions include: classroom teaching at the elementary level, reading specialist at the middle school level, and elementary school principal.

Vicki Strunk, Ed.D.

Dr. Vicki Strunk earned her Ed.D. in Leadership Education from Spalding University. Her dissertation was a critical appraisal of the utility of rubrics in collegiate writing courses. She has over 20 years of experience teaching English, ethics, public speaking, sociology, logic, and critical thinking amongst other courses. Her leadership roles have included Writing Assessment Coordinator, Online Liaison, Department Chair, Interim Director, and Academic Dean. Dr. Strunk’s scholarship/publications include the state of educational delivery along with the ethical implications involved in teaching traditional, nontraditional, and ultra-nontraditional students; academicians and machine ethics; and Neo-Platonism within Victorian literature. Her research interests include learning analytics, MOOCs, and data mining.

Patricia Tobin, Ph.D.

Dr. Patricia V. Tobin earned her Ph.D. in Education; specializing in Post-Secondary and Adult Education from Capella University. She also holds a Master’s degree in Art from California State University of Fullerton and a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from California State University of Long Beach. Before joining American College of Education she taught in the Arizona public school system both on-ground and online for over ten years. In addition to holding an Arizona teaching certificate in grades 7-12 with a full Sheltered English Immersion endorsement and a K-12 Art endorsement, she has taught teacher education, sociology and fine art courses at the post-secondary level for eight years. Her research interests include career exploration after the doctorate as well as research regarding online learners and student success.

Carl Valdez, Ph.D.

Dr. Carl Valdez is trained as educator and educational psychologist. He views teaching and learning from a social and cultural perspective. He views motivation, learning, and cognition based on social and cultural interactions. He has 17 years of experience as an educational psychologist. Her focus has been in culturally relevant pedagogy, classroom practices, and bilingual education. Her research interest comes from considering how cultural backgrounds impact culturally diverse populations.

Gordon Vessels, Ed.D.

Dr. Gordon Vessels joined ACE in 2010 and has taught graduate courses since 2005. He has public school teaching experience and was a teaching and research assistant at UGA and ISU. He completed programs in education, sociology, school psychology, and leadership. His dissertation was on nonbiased assessment, and thesis was on creativity. He worked for 20+ years as a school psychologist in mostly urban schools. He authored/directed multi-school U.S. DOE grant projects and created many data collection instruments. He published Character and Community Development in 1998. He has unusual knowledge of social and moral development and building character and community.

Pamela Woods, Ed.D.

Dr. Pamela A. Woods an educator for over fifteen years, teaches college Education courses and has taught traditional K-12, adult education, and 6-12 online school teaching Fine and Commercial Arts, Photography, Marketing, and Business. Dr. Woods attended Wayne State University where she earned her Ed. D. in Curriculum and Instruction with areas of emphasis in Art Education and Career and Technical Education, and a M.A. in Art Education. She also earned Certifications as an Educational Specialist in Art Education, in Infant Mental Health, and Gerontology from the Department of Social Work. She is certified in University Teaching from the Instructional Technology department at WSU. She earned her Masters of Science in Business Administration from Madonna University and her BFA from Michigan State University. Previously, Dr. Woods worked in the newspaper, marketing, and design industry as an artist, creative and marketing director in Detroit. Dr. Woods also writes on educational topics and enjoys oil painting.

Department of Educational Leadership Interim Chair

Dr. Jerry Ausburn, Ed.D.

Dr. Ausburn is currently serving as the Assistant Dean at American College of Education. In addition to teaching, he will be working on a variety of projects, including future course development and state approvals for new ACE programs.

He earned his doctorate in educational administration from Texas A&M University, working under the legendary Dr. John Hoyle in the department of Educational Administration and Human Resource Development. Dr. Ausburn also attended Stephen F. Austin State University where he earned a master’s degree in educational leadership and a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology.

He has extensive experience in higher education working for American College of Education under the direction of Dr. Lana Sloan in the collaborative development of program proposals, and new doctoral and master’s courses. Dr. Ausburn brings 24 years of experience from diverse P-12 public school settings, most recently serving as an assistant superintendent in Texas directing curriculum and instruction, state and federal programs, student services, assessment and accountability, professional development, new teacher orientation, substitute teacher training, and media relations.

Master of Arts in Teaching and Transition to Teaching Program Coordinator

Marsha Moore, Ph.D.

English as a Second Language and Bilingual Education Program Coordinator

Katrina Landa, Ed.D.

Department of Educational Leadership Assistant Chair

Sharon Spears, Ed.D.
Argosy University Chicago

Dr. Sharon Spears is the Assistant Department Chair for the Educational Leadership department. Dr. Spears has also served as Professor and Associate Director of Internships with ACE. Prior to joining the college, Dr. Spears has held roles as an administrator, teacher and mentor with Chicago Public Schools. Her educational interests include the impact of distance learning on teacher training and leadership, diversity in teaching and learning as well as urban education. Dr. Spears received her Doctorate in Education with a concentration in instructional leadership from Argosy – Chicago, Master of Education from Lewis University, and Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Southern Illinois University.

Department of Educational Leadership Associate Director of Internships

Traci Coomer, M.Ed.
The University of Texas at Arlington

Traci Coomer is the Associate Director of Internships for the Educational Leadership department, and joined American College of Education in 2009 as internship faculty. She is responsible for the coordination and curricular development of the educational leadership internship experience at ACE. She received her M. Ed. In Educational Leadership from the University of Texas at Arlington in 2006 and maintains current principal certification in the state of Texas. She is currently completing her doctoral candidacy at the University of North Texas for a Ph.D. in Higher Education with expected completion in mid-2015. Her research interests include online education, higher education policy and student development. She enjoys reading for pleasure whenever possible and spending time with her husband and three daughters.

Educational Leadership Faculty

Mark Anderson, Ed.D.

Dr. Mark Anderson is an adult education practitioner with experience beginning in the Air Force and technical instruction for aircrew communications, curriculum-development, assessment, and leadership. An experienced professional with over 20 years of experience and expertise in the planning, design, implementation, and sustainability of system-wide programs, e.g. analytics, regulatory compliance, and organizational effectiveness. Experiences include start up, rapid-change, multi-site operations, Lean, Six Sigma, and other catalyst programs. Proven successes for initiatives greater than 25% of market cap. Recently accepting administrative roles in higher education as: adjunct graduate and doctoral faculty; DBA chair; dissertation chair, director of institutional effectiveness, associate VP for curriculum, assessment & research, IRB chair; and now the Vice President for Lean Higher Education at National American University, serving as a senior university leader responsible for all aspects of Lean. Mark earned an Ed.D. from Nova Southeastern University, a MS in Organization Management from the University of La Verne, a BA, and an AAS degree from the Community College of the Air Force.

Catherine Beck, Ed.D.

Dr. Catherine Beck is an accomplished education administrator and published author with 23 years’ experience as principal in a dual language elementary and a higher education environment. Has led the dual language school in the successful implementation of second language acquisition instructional professional development. Overseen learning initiatives in high schools to maximize students passing accelerated or advanced level tests to gain admission into various college programs. Has taught GED and ESL classes to adult learners at Colorado Mountain College. Currently teach online at Concordia University Online Doctoral Program. Solid work history with a successful track record of improving student placement and college test scores. Strong leadership and learning improvement skills.

David Belding, Ed.D.

Dr. David Belding earned his Bachelor of Music Education with a minor in percussion from Texas Christian University in 1987. He earned his Master of Education and his Doctorate in Education majoring in Educational Leadership from Tarleton State University. His dissertation, “A Comparative Study of a Traditional and Non-Traditional Principal Preparation Program,” shows his interest in non-traditional delivery methods. Dr. Belding presented the results of his research at the University Council for Educational Administration in October, 2007. He has worked in Texas public schools for 27 years with four different school districts. He has served as a band director, middle school assistant principal, elementary principal, high school principal, central office administrator, and currently as Superintendent of Schools for Millsap I.S.D. During his career, Dr. Belding has been active with educational transformation efforts. He served on the Board of Directors for TxASCD and TSNAP. He was selected by the Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA) for participation in the Future Ready Superintendent Leadership Institute in 2012. He was named by TASA as a regional transformation contact and is working with the Texas High Performing Schools Consortium. Dr. Belding led the efforts to form a consortium of 10 districts to engage in school transformation as outlined in the TASA document entitled, "Creating a New Vision for Public Schools in Texas: A Work in Progress for Future Conversation and Development." Dr. Belding has been featured as an honoree by Parker County Today Magazine as the recipient of the Roger Grizzard Teaching Award and as one of the “100 Parker County People to Meet.” He has been married to Angela for 27 years. They have three children and a daughter in law with a grandchild on the way in April, 2015.

Peggy Blood, Ph.D.

Dr. Peggy Blood has taught since 1968. She was hired by American College of Education in 2008. Her teaching interests and experience are in the areas of program evaluation, multicultural education, research ethics, curriculum and instruction, and organizational leadership and strategy. She has written and presented on at-risk students and e-learning education on comparative, international, and development education topics with emphasis in higher education. Most of all Dr. Blood loves to travel and work in her garden. Dr. Blood holds a Ph.D. in administration education; 30 credits post-graduate study, a master's in education, and a master's in fine arts. Her experiences have involved the development of new programs, credentials, and certificates.

Stephanie Burch-Bynum, Ph.D.

Dr. Stephanie Burch-Bynum has experience in the recruitment, admission, and retention of students; budget control and implementation; marketing and community outreach in higher education. She has recruited faculty to staff classes. She has acted as a liaison for students, faculty, and administration. She has given presentations at conferences and is a published author. Her doctorate of philosophy degree is in educational policy studies from the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana. She has held administrative and teaching positions in higher education. Her mission is to increase access to higher education and to increase educational opportunities for all.

Joyce Cooper, Ed.D.

Dr. Joyce Cooper received her doctorate in Educational Leadership and Organizational Change. She received her master degree in Curriculum and Instruction and master degree in Education. She is a recipient of the Principal of the Year award from The Council for Exceptional Children in 2010 and 2012. She enjoys international travel and has visited Tokyo, Japan sponsored by the Fulbright Teacher Program and Brazil.

Angela Dallas, Ed.D.

Dr. Angela Dallas has a desire to be a life-long learner. Her academic preparation began with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Early Childhood Education from Concordia College, a Masters of Education Degree in Educational Leadership & Supervision from University of West Alabama, an Educational Specialist Degree in Curriculum & Instruction from, a Doctorate of Education Degree in Instructional Leadership both from Argosy University, post graduate studies Education Leadership Superintendence tract at Arkansas State University and ESOL at Henderson State University. She has obtained 14 years of professional leadership experience, as an Administrator; Angela has also developed, implemented, and maintained professional learning communities, developed undergraduate and graduate level courses as well as 9 years of collegiate teaching experience in the bachelor, master’s and doctoral areas. Dr. Dallas is Co-author of Parent Handbook on getting Children Ready for Learning and Parental Involvement Handbook: Schools and Parents working together to improve Learning, editor of a drama novel, presented at National and International Conferences. She is also the co-author of three papers/articles published in December 2009, January 2010, and March 2010 of the Journal of Teaching and Learning and the Journal of Critical Issues in Education, Yearly family activity calendar to strengthen family literacy.

Audrey Donaldson, Ed.D.

Dr. Audrey Donaldson has 35 years of service in the field of public education. She currently is employed as an adjunct professor for American College of Education, and as an educational consultant. As the former chief officer for Chicago Public School’s Office of Teacher Recertification and Professional Standards, she was responsible for overseeing the implementation of the Illinois state teacher recertification guidelines for Chicago’s 28,000 teachers. Prior to this position, she served as an assistant superintendent for elementary education, a teacher, assistant principal, elementary school principal, and a high school principal. As a consultant, she's conducted an independent evaluation of the tutorial programs offered in the U.S. Virgin Islands, and has worked in several school districts across the country. Academically, her qualifications include an undergraduate degree in English language arts from Loyola University, a master’s degree in educational administration and supervision, and a doctorate in educational leadership. She has also completed post-doctoral coursework at Western Illinois University to fulfill the requirements for her superintendent’s endorsement. She is married and is the mother of two sons. She is actively involved in the church, and holds membership in a wide range of professional organizations. In her spare time, she enjoys reality television, movies, and the theater. Her ideal weekend includes a trip to New York to catch the most recent Broadway shows.

Nita Ellis, Ed.D.

Dr. Nita Ellis is currently a school administrator with extensive, varied, and successful administrative experience. She has proven, effective, and creative leadership with a record of accomplishments due to a unique ability to build a team dedication to a common goal, objective, and vision.

David Franklin, Ed.D.

Dr. David Franklin has worked in primary and secondary schools across California. He has taught education courses at the undergraduate, Master's and Doctorate levels. He was awarded an Educator of the Year award from the California League of Schools and has been an active conference presenter across the state. He started his career in education as a music teacher and has released three albums of rock music.

Doug Funk, Ed.D.

Dr. Doug Funk, or Steven Douglas "Doug" Funk, received a bachelor's degree from Texas Tech University, a master's degree from Tarleton State University, and was part of the dual degree program at Texas Christian University that incorporates an MBA with an Ed.D. He works at Aledo High School in Aledo, Texas, and has a song that will soon be released on iTunes.

Beverly J. Greene, Ed.D.

Dr. Beverly J. Greene currently serves as principal of a Headstart-8th grade elementary school in a large urban school district. Previous professional experiences include reading specialist, and assistant principal and curriculum coordinator. As instructional leader, Dr. Greene has provided professional development on topics including data-driven, standards-based instruction, and assessments and effective literacy practices that build instructional capacity in school faculty and staff. Dr. Greene has earned an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership, a M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction, and a Bachelor of Arts in Communications. She is passionate about teaching, learning and literacy.

Theresa Greene, Ed.D.

Dr. Theresa Greene has over 17 years of experience teaching at the college level in Doctorate, Masters and Bachelor programs. Currently, she instructs college courses in the area of early childhood development and teacher education. In addition, she works as an independent consultant to train instructors and provide teacher workshops for Elementary and Secondary schools. She has experience in the area of childhood and school age programs with the US Air Force for 10 years, as well as, experience with the legislature in Sacramento to bring bills pertaining to children to the Senate. In her travels with the US Air Force, she had the opportunity to visit the Reggio Emilia Schools on two separate occasions as well as attend workshops in Reggio, Italy. Her doctorate degree is in Education and Organizational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University and her Masters and Bachelor’s degrees are from California State University Sacramento in Child development and Education Administration and Policy, respectively. She worked with a Legislative group in Sacramento on bills pertaining to children and education with State Assemblymen and Senators. She has recently moved from Florida to Ventura, California and enjoy traveling, reading, and scuba diving.

Brenda Hargrove, Ed.D.

Dr. Brenda Hargrove has been an educator and lifelong learner for 22 years. She obtained all of her college degrees–bachelor's, masters and doctorate–while working mostly full-time and being a mother! Since her first travel experience in high school to Mexico and her upbringing in the south during the Civil Rights movement, she has been an advocate for cultural understanding and tolerance in the public schools. She traveled to Belize during a summer study, and completed two Fulbright Grant experiences in Argentina and Mexico.

Michelle Howard-Schwind, Ph.D.

Dr. Michelle Howard-Schwind earned her Ph.D. in educational administration from the University of North Texas. She served five years as a middle school principal, and five years as an assistant principal. Dr. Howard-Schwind taught ESL, speech, theatre, and the arts for nine years. Dr. Howard-Schwind currently serves as a director of organizational improvement in Texas. In her life outside of education, she attempts to corral a cub scout, a ballerina, and a mechanical engineer.

Joanne Hughes, Ph.D.

Dr. Joanne Hughes has 21st century school of distinction intel, scholastic administrator principal of the Year Dallas Association of School Librarians Texas Mentor School Texas Education Agency Principal of the Year Dallas Independent School District Special Education Department Principal of the Year Dallas Independent School District Character Counts School Award Dallas Coalition on Character and Values Special Emphasis Award in Character Education United States Department of Education Blue Ribbon School United States Department of Education.

Elizabeth Johnson, Ed.D.

Dr. Elizabeth A. Johnson is an experienced educational leader with over a decade of experience in a K-12 setting. She completed her BS at Indiana University Southeast in Secondary Education, mathematics. She obtained her M.Ed. and her Ed.D. online through Jones International University, in Curriculum & Instruction, and Educational Leadership, respectively. She collaborates with the Ohio Department of Education Network of Regional Leaders, the District Leadership Team, Building Leadership Team, and Teacher Based Teams. She is currently working on education articles as well as making presentations in both Ohio and Kentucky. She has extensive experience with curriculum development, and data analysis. In her free time, she enjoys time with family, Zumba three times a week, and walking her dogs.

Patricia Krumnow, Ed.D.

Dr. Patricia Krumnow earned her bachelor's degree in secondary science and began teaching middle school in 1999. Since then, she has earned three more degrees, all in education, culminating with her doctorate in educational leadership. She has been married for ten years, and has two daughters ages eight and four.

John Kuykendall, Ph.D.

Dr. John A. Kuykendall is an Associate Professor of Higher Education. Kuykendall’s research examines college access for diverse populations; student retention and engagement in a range of activities and experiences in higher education, including intercollegiate athletics; the pre-college experiences of high school students who want to enter science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields; and the persistence of diverse graduate students toward doctoral degree attainment. He has published articles in the American Educational Research Journal and other peer-reviewed academic journals, as well as several book chapters. His bachelor’s degree in Biology is from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, master’s degree in Educational Leadership is from Christian Brothers University, and Ph.D. in Higher Education is from Indiana University.

Deborah Lee, Ed.D.

Dr. Deborah Lee has served in education for almost 30 years. She was a high school teacher for 13 years, and a high school administrator for nine years. She has been a director of the Upward Bound Program for seven years. She has been teaching with American College of Education for about four years. She has a passion for helping students, and she loves working at ACE.

Debra Mertz, DM

Dr. Debra Mertz is extremely passionate about education and is considered to be a life-long learner. She loves learning and it shows by her various 12 degrees in higher education from Business and Technology to Fire and Emergency Services and Criminal Justice. She has taught courses on ground and online and is considered to be a SME in online and distance education. She currently serves as VPAA and has served as Associate Provost, Academic Dean, and Chair over online and distance education programs and loves the changes in technology and delivery modalities. Her new learning commitment is serving as a Peer Reviewer for the Higher Learning Commission. Dr. Mertz has now joined ACE teaching in the Business and Technology Divisions. In her spare time she loves to fly, visit her sons and grandsons, rappel, and volunteer in the US Air Force CAP and SAR.

Shenequa Miller, Ed.D.

Dr. Shenequa C. Miller earned a Ed.D. in Leadership and Management from Capella University, an M.Ed. in Administration from Lamar University, and an M.S. in Counseling and a B.A.A.S. from Dallas Baptist University. She has over 21 years of experience in the field of education as a graduate professor, vertical lead for online counseling and education graduate programs, campus administrator, lead school counselor, and special education teacher. Certifications include Principal (Pre-K – 12), School Counselor (Pre-K – 12), and Special Education Teacher (Pre-K – 12). Hobbies include participating in 5k runs, working in her flowerbeds, and spending time with her husband of 23 years and their four children.

Marsha Phelps, Ed.D.

Dr. Marsha Phelps brings to American College of Education an Ed.D. from Northern Illinois University, with focus in HRD/workforce development, and an MBA from the University of Chicago, with concentrations in urban education, marketing, and finance. Blending her industry and educational experiences, Dr. Phelps served as vice president of academic affairs for a city college of Chicago, and as full-time consultant/coordinator for the Illinois State Board of Education, training teachers in the preparation of curriculum for 21st century secondary career programs. She is certified and experienced teaching grades K-12, and possesses endorsements in secondary English, cooperative education, and business, marketing & entrepreneurship. Still, she has learned more from her fifth-graders than from all of her other institutions combined!

Camille Quarterman, Ph.D.

Dr. Camilla Quarterman received her A.A. degree from Lake City Community College and transferred to Florida State University. With a great determination and self-discipline, she received her B.S. degree in criminology in 3.5 years. Because she wanted to help students before they were involved with the legal system, she enrolled in Armstrong Atlantic State University to complete her teacher certification. She began her teaching career in 1955. She went on to earn an M.Ed. and a doctorate degree. She was on the dean’s list from 1993-2005.

Karen Ratliff, Ed.D.

Dr. Karen Ratliff in her position as a National Faculty member at ACE, currently teaches various courses in the Educational Leadership department. She is a Capstone Committee Member and Internship Supervisor in the Educational Leadership department. She has contributed to the decrease in EL 503 course dropout rate from 16% to 7% and assisted professors in teaching the course, due to large enrollment. She also support the Department Chair and peers with developing the 2012 EL Program Outcomes, aligned with the ISLLC-2008 and NPBEA-2002 objectives. Additionally, she revise coursework and objectives for the EL 570 course.

Ursula Ricketts, Ed.D.

Dr. Ursula Ricketts has over 20 years’ experience in the field of Education. The experience includes educator, school counselor, school administrator, and non-profit administrator. Dr. Ricketts has a B.S. in Education, M.A. in Counseling Psychology, M.B.A, and Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction. Dr. Ricketts has a passion for teaching and learning and the insurance of access and equity for all learners.

Karen Rooks-Dotson, Ed.D.

Dr. Karen Rooks-Dotson received her Ed.D. from Nova Southeastern University, M.A.,Ed. from Governors State University, and University Park, Illinois. She received her bachelor's degree from Chicago State University in Chicago, Illinois. She served as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, and administrator for Chicago Public Schools for 34 years. Dr. Rooks-Dotson is a published author, and is experienced in the areas of Applied Dissertation Models and Identifying Students Using School-Based Problem-Solving. She has traveled to five continents, about 40 countries, and 16 territories. She is a former 501(c) CEO who worked with teenage youth to help them develop educationally, emotionally, and socially.

Matt Silverman, Ed.D.

Dr. Matt Silverman is skilled in curriculum alignment, technology, staff development, test analysis, budgeting, staffing, grant writing, strategic planning, and implementation of best practices in instructional methodology, curriculum development, and communication with students, parents and the community. He currently holds a Type 75 - Leadership & Administration, Superintendent Endorsement, ESL Endorsement and Type 3 & 9 - Music, K-12.

William Smith, Ed.D.

Dr. William Smith has been a classroom teacher at the elementary, middle school, and high school level, and has numerous experiences in serving the needs of adult learners. He has been a leader in building-level, district-level, and state and national-level school reform. During his educational career, he has been fortunate to be a practitioner as a building principal of a large comprehensive high school; a district-level superintendent of a K-12 school district; and a theorist as the leader of an intermediate school district’s efforts to reform secondary education in one of the highest achieving counties in Michigan. His experiences include successful federal grant writing, leadership in professional education organizations, and professional development for all levels of educators. His passion for the learning process continues to fuel his drive to support others on their quest to be more impactful in the educational setting.

Felicia Steagall, Ed.D.

Dr. Felicia Steagall is a motivated, enthusiastic educator with 5+ years’ experience who endeavors to foster a cohesive student learning atmosphere for all students. An educator who has provided social and instructional intervention strategies for students a risk of failure. Also, a change agent in a high poverty, low performing school. Also, an educator who creates a curriculum that is rooted in a knowledge base ideology which draws from a variety of sources including current research and literature, national and state professional association standards, federal and state governmental guidelines, and the field of practice.

Carol Theodorou, Ed.D.

Dr. Carol Theodorou received her bachelor's from Georiga State University, and her master's and doctorate degrees in administration, continuing and higher education from the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana. She has a superintendent's endorsement, a Type 75 certificate, and a 7-12 Teaching certificate. She has moved up the administration ladder from dean/activities director to assistant principal to principal. She was a consultant with International Education Enterprises, recruiting international students for five community colleges throughout the U.S. She has conducted leadership workshops in both public and private organizations, and has been honored by the State of Illinois Directors of Activities for her years of service.

Kimberly Truslow, Ed.D.

Dr. Kimberly Truslow received an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas. She has served as middle school science and math teacher, math instructional specialist, middle school assistant principal, middle school principal, full-time college professor, and elementary school principal. Her current role is as elementary principal. Dr. Truslow's research interests include women in leadership and conflict management. Dr. Truslow resides in Little Rock, Arkansas, with her husband and one son. Teaching at the college level provides Dr. Truslow with synergism in the work of educating all students as she gleans new knowledge from her students from around the world.

Deborah VanOurkerk, Ed.D.

Dr. Deborah VanOurkerk is a veteran educator of over thirty years teaching experience with an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and Change. Her dissertation topic of Literacy Acquisition in At-risk Students has given her invaluable literacy expertise. She has experience teaching grades K-12 and am the Science Department Chair at her middle school. In addition to her multiple subject teaching credential, she has a Science and a Math subject matter authorization. She is a GATE certified teacher and she serves her campus as the district GATE representative. In addition, she is a member of the Curriculum Advisory Committee that analyzes and promotes appropriate K-12 curriculum. She has an administrative credential and served as summer school principal for six years prior to the program’s discontinuance. She is married with two grown children. Her daughter and her husband have a girl and a boy and live close by. Her son is studying to become a firefighter. Her husband does freelance videography and video editing. They live in Southern California and enjoy traveling, hiking, biking, and tennis year round.

Kristine Vowels, Ed.D.

Dr. Kristine Vowels earned a doctorate degree in supervision, curriculum, and instruction from Texas A&M-Commerce. Additionally, she has a master’s degree in educational administration with a Valid Texas Principal certification, as well as a degree in health and physical education from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas. She also holds a Valid Texas Teaching certificate in both fields of instruction. Most recently she was the expert witness for the Texas Civil Rights project, which defended a case of a gay student who was bullied by her coaches. The TCRP won the judgment with the courts, citing her opinion as the deciding factor. This has recently led to a precedent in Texas. She is an extreme sports enthusiast.

Justin Weindorf, Ed.D.

Dr. Justin Weindorf has been teaching with ACE for the past four years and she has been able to teach all of the educational leader’s courses. She has also taught several curriculum and instruction courses, as well as serving as an internship supervisor.

David Weischadle, Ed.D.

Dr. David Weischadle is a professor of Education (emeritus) at Montclair State University in New Jersey. His professional experience and academic preparation ranged from pre-school to graduate education, from schools to community-based groups. His doctoral degree is in curriculum and instruction, which has allowed him the opportunity to teach, research, and consult in schools, colleges, state and federal governmental agencies, and other organizations and institutions. He has extensive experience in post-secondary education, elementary and secondary education, special education, at-risk children and youth programs, and early childhood education. Dr. Weischadle is also experienced in healthcare, social agencies, and community education. He has also served as a faculty fellow at Princeton University and as an adjunct professor at a number of other institutions.

Elaine Wilson, Ed.D.

Dr. Elaine Montgomery Wilson attended Alabama A&M University where she received her B.S. in Early Childhood. She was given a vision that revealed the purpose for her life and it was an understanding that all children could learn if given the right tools and the dedicated professionals. Therefore, Dr. Wilson decided to become the vessel of change. She continued to perfect her educational learning through the Master’s program in Education Administration at the University of Cincinnati. In 2005 was accepted as a graduate student in the University of Cincinnati Urban Educational Leadership doctoral program and graduated in 2008 where she received an Educational Doctoral degree. Dr. Wilson has served in an urban elementary school for 27 years. She was a third grade teacher for eleven years and presently serving as the principal at the Phoenix Community Learning Center in Cincinnati, Ohio. As she reflected on her position of being a principal for the last 17 years, Dr. Wilson is humbled to serve the children that will guide us into tomorrow. Dr. Wilson believes that as an urban educational leader it is important that one possesses integrity, a sense of ethics, trust, and can build relationships with actions that value those that one leads. In fall 2010, Dr. Wilson was honored to present a presentation for Dr. Thomas Sergiovanni entitled: Heart, Head, Hands, and Moral Authority at the Council of Professors of Instructional Supervision.

Julius Wynn, Ed.D.

Dr. Julius Wynn has 25 years of experience in public education in Pinellas County Florida. He has been married for 26 years to his wife, Tonya. He has a son and two daughters; two are still in college and one has completed both her bachelor's and master’s degrees.

Department of Digital Learning and Teaching Chair

Tiffany Hamlett, Ph.D.
Texas Woman's University

Dr. Tiffany Hamlett, Chair for Curriculum and Instruction department for the American College of Education. She has a Ph. D. in child development from Texas Woman’s University. She has worked in higher education for eight years in the various educational fields. Her background includes early childhood education, curriculum development, and research methods. In addition she serves as a reviewer for Social Development and the Southern Early Childhood Association. Her research interests include Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Lifespan Development and constructivist based teaching practices.

Department of Digital Learning and Teaching Program Coordinator

Jacqueline Cahill, Ph.D.
Northcentral University

Dr. Jacqueline Cahill is the program coordinator for Digital Learning and Technology and has an incredible passion for education in the 21st century. She earned her Ph.D in e-learning and education technology, her master's in curriculum and instruction, and her bachelor's in special education. Dr. Cahill is in her 16th year as an educator, and she currently focuses on contracts in instruction, curriculum development, leadership, subject-matter-expert, research, publications, presentations, and instructional design. You are welcome to view more about her professionally on LinkedIn.

Digital Learning and Teaching Faculty

Tim Florian, Ed.D.

Dr. Tim Florian has earned an Ed.D. from Walden University in Teacher Leadership, an M.A. in Secondary Education from University of Phoenix, as well as a B.S. in Economics from Northern Arizona University. He has been teaching for over 20 years in a variety of settings. From Business Education on the Navajo Reservation, ESL in Xin Jin, China, to social studies in Parker, Colorado, Tim's variety gives him a unique perspective on teaching and learning. Tim’s area of research is in the integration of technology in education and has been a featured presenter in several technology conferences in Colorado. He has been an instructor at American College of Education since 2014.

Brian Grimshaw, Ed.D.

Dr. Brian Grimshaw is an intrinsically motivated, lifelong learner who is goal oriented with exceptional self-motivation, organization, time management, and technology skills. He has experience teaching all grades K-12 as well as bachelor and master level learners in the subjects of education, information technologies, visual arts, art history, and computer programming. He also serves as an education consultant.

Terrance Harrington, Ph.D.

Dr. Terrance Harrington has attained his B.S., M.A. and Ph.D. degrees with emphasis in business and education. He has piloted courses for students with various learning disabilities and has worked on the development of an interactive math tutorial for the University of Alabama. He has served as an instructor, a Cold Fusion programmer, a course developer, a technical supervisor and as a systems administrator. He has published an article on faculty uses of and attitudes toward learning management systems and published a dissertation on model faculty engagements with an online technology. He loves to cook, read, and hike and is in the process of learning both Japanese and Korean languages.

Susan Hart, Ph.D.

Dr. Susan Hart is skills in the area of instructional design from analysis through implementation and project management. She has designed instruction for and taught in corporate education, higher education, and secondary public schools. Her involvement in the global implementation of large, comprehensive, curricula is a professional high point. Dr. Hart has also researched, published, and presented on the integration of technology into schools and curricula. She has earned a Doctor of Philosophy in Instructional Technology from Wayne State University, a Masters of Healthcare Administration from Brigham Young University, and Bachelors of Arts degrees in English and History from Michigan State University.

Paul Lucas, Ph.D.

Dr. Paul Lucas holds a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from The University of Dayton, an Ed.S. degree from Wright State University in Curriculum and Staff Development an M.S.Ed. in Reading Education from Bowling Green State University. For his undergraduate work, Dr. Lucas completed his double major in English and drama at Bowling Green State University. Dr. Lucas has taught Research Methods, Reading Education and Learning Theory at the colligate level. He has also taught secondary English and speech. Dr. Lucas has published for Instructor Magazine, Ohio English Journal, Leadership and Organization Development Journal, Mark Twain Journal and has presented his research regarding training mythology at the American Aeronautics and Astronautics Annual Conference, San Diego, California. Dr. Lucas holds licenses for Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, Supervisor, High School Principal, Elementary Principal, Personnel Administration, Educational Research and Instructional Services. Most recently, Dr. Lucas served as the Director of Instructional Technology in the largest district in Ohio. While serving in this position, he was nominated for CIO of the Year by Teaching and Learning magazine.

Rebekah McPherson, Ph.D.

Dr. Rebekah McPherson holds a Doctor of Philosophy degree from The University of North Texas in curriculum and instruction with a minor in educational computing, along with a master's degree in computer education and cognitive systems with an emphasis in instructional systems technology. Her undergraduate B.A.F. in graphic design is from Baylor University. She is a state of Texas certified Master Technology Teacher, and also holds standard Texas teaching certificates in technology applications and technology education, along with an endorsement for English as a Second Language. Dr. McPherson has six years of teaching experience at the middle school and high school levels, and two years of university experience.

Angie Parker, Ph.D.

Dr. Angie Parker background began with a Master’s degree in Educational Technology from Arizona State University. Upon receipt of that degree, she started conducting research on successful online retention strategies for students and methodologies to inspire and motivate faculty. That research led to her Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction. She has served as a Dean of Academic Affairs, and also Dean of Education. In 2009, she was awarded the Fulbright Senior Scholar Award to research distance education in the five major universities on the Eastern Cape of South Africa. The final paper was presented to the South African Department of Education in Cape Town and also at several conferences in the United States. Continued research on those very important topics will always be a part of her interests in education. She has had the honor of working with doctoral students in education. She has not only served on committees but has also chaired doctoral committees. Topics for research on dissertations has been in education and focused on aspects of online learning.

Jennifer Summerville, Ph.D.

Dr. Jennifer Summerville currently serves as the Associate Dean, Distance Learning for a large community college in the Dallas area. She is the primary learning officer over the areas of online learning and technology-centered learning. Her team provides learning technology support for faculty, staff and students with enrollments approaching 26,000 students. She is also an Adjunct Professor of Educational Technology and Instructional Design for the American College of Education, which are fully online programs. Previously, Jennifer was the Manager of Learning Technologies for a multi-billion dollar, multi-national company specializing in call center/customer service support. Prior to returning to the corporate world, she was an Associate Professor of Instructional Design at University of North Carolina at Wilmington, teaching graduate-level courses in the Masters of Instructional Technology program. From 1997 until the summer of 2003, Dr. Summerville taught undergraduate and graduate-level courses for the department of Instructional Design and Technology at Emporia State University in Emporia, KS. She is an award-winning instructor, has published three textbooks as well as numerous journal articles and has presented at local, national and international conferences. Dr. Summerville specializes in Instructional Design, Instructional Media Design and Web-based/Distance Learning Design and Development. Her research interests include interests learner-centered and policy issues in online and distance education, cognitive and personality issues in the design and development of instruction in both corporate and educational environments.

Barbara Yalof, Ed.D.

Dr. Barbara Yalof holds a doctorate in educational technology and e-learning from Northcentral University. She has taught and co-led courses and workshops involving the use of technology for teachers and is interested in how to harness technology and Web tools for active learning. She has many years of experience as an art teacher, and as a commissioned and exhibiting artist. She has produced digital graphics and illustrations. She is Academic Administrative and Technology Support Specialist at Harcum College near Philadelphia, PA, and adjunct faculty at American College of Education's Master's Degree program in Digital Learning and Teaching.

Chair of Doctoral and Specialist Programs

Crystal Neumann, DBA
University of Phoenix

Dr. Crystal Neumann, is the chair of doctoral and specialist programs at ACE. She previously worked in the marketing and market research fields before she transitioned to higher education to work with and motivate adult learners. Dr. Neumann holds a doctoral degree in business administration from the University of Phoenix. She previously taught marketing and public relations in Germany, and worked as an administrator and instructor within higher education. She has been published in several journals, and has presented at several national and international conferences. Her research interests are in leadership, marketing, and higher education. She enjoys being a part of every learner’s journey and seeing their growth throughout the program.

Doctor of Education and Education Specialist Program Faculty

Imani Akin, Ed.D

Dr. Akin is a faculty member who teaches and supports doctoral students in the Ed.D. and Ed.S program, and has taught in higher education for over five years. She supports educators and schools districts nation-wide by developing and facilitating professional development workshops as a faculty member for ASCD. She maintains a current teaching license in Illinois and Indiana, and has served in elementary and high schools of charter, parochial, and public schools within urban and suburban school districts, supporting exceptional learners as a case manager and department head of special education. Dr. Akin values collaboration, and currently chairs the High Quality Online Teaching and Learning Committee of AACTE. Dr. Akin earned a doctoral degree in educational leadership from the University of Phoenix, an M.S. in special education from Chicago State University, an elementary education teacher license from Governor State University, and a B.A. in communications from DePaul University. In addition to collaboration, her research interests include leadership, special education, teacher education, and teaching and learning. Dr. Akin presents her research at national and international conferences and publishes in academic journals.

Jerry Ausburn, Ed.D.

Dr. Ausburn is currently serving as the Assistant Dean at American College of Education. In addition to teaching, he will be working on a variety of projects, including future course development and state approvals for new ACE programs. He earned his doctorate in educational administration from Texas A&M University, working under the legendary Dr. John Hoyle in the department of Educational Administration and Human Resource Development. Dr. Ausburn also attended Stephen F. Austin State University where he earned a master’s degree in educational leadership and a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology. He has extensive experience in higher education working for American College of Education under the direction of Dr. Lana Sloan in the collaborative development of program proposals, and new doctoral and master’s courses. Dr. Ausburn brings 24 years of experience from diverse P-12 public school settings, most recently serving as an assistant superintendent in Texas directing curriculum and instruction, state and federal programs, student services, assessment and accountability, professional development, new teacher orientation, substitute teacher training, and media relations.

Jason Caudill, Ph.D.

Dr. Jason Caudill holds a PhD in Instructional Technology and has an extensive history of scholarship publishing and presenting on topics of online education and technology management. He has been at ACE since 2011 and has been teaching online and on-ground in Business disciplines since 2003.

Don Demoulin, Ed.D.

Dr. Don Demoulin has experience in education from 1975 to 1986 as an elementary school teacher, elementary school principal, and district superintendent. Since 1987, he has been a professor in higher education currently serving ACE as core faculty and an education and business consultant(www.dmoandassociates.com). During his higher education tenure, he has published more than 150 articles, books, and technical manuscripts, and has made over 250 research presentations across the United States and in 11 countries. He has received numerous honors and recognitions for his research involving early childhood self-concept development, for his research in the use of personalization to enhance reading skills, for his distance-learning/technology training, online curriculum development, for his leadership development training and for his national seminars on violence prevention strategies for schools.

Maryann Lamer, Ph.D.

Dr. Maryann Lamer has been involved in the field of education for more than 14 years teaching adult learners. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communication from the University of Tulsa, a Masters in Journalism from the University of Oklahoma, a Master’s in Business from Southern Nazarene University and a Ph.D. in Education from Oklahoma State University. Her research interests lie in occupational education, adult learning strategies and student retention.

Kim Ochs, Ph.D.

Dr. Kim Ochs works with students in the Ed.D. and Ed.S. programs in Leadership. Since 2013 she has written and taught courses in research methods, grants writing, management of financial resources, strategic planning, and global perspectives. She has a Ph.D from the University of Oxford, and bachelor's and master's degrees from Boston College.

Sandra Quiatkowski, Ph.D.

Dr. Sandra Quiatkowski, Director of Library earned her Ph.D. from Loughborough University. She has more than 20 years of experience in libraries and education, working in K-12, university and healthcare settings. Her first professional positions were in academic libraries. She taught ESL for several years overseas, and started several libraries at a K-12 school while holding the position of Director of Libraries. She worked as Library Director at a medical complex containing four hospitals with more than 1,000 beds. In addition, she started a medical school library from scratch during her tenure there and also taught at the medical school. While overseas, she lectured at numerous symposiums and conferences. She joined American College of Education in 2011 as Library Director.

Health and Wellness Education Faculty

Gretchen Hutchinson, MSN

Gretchen Hutchinson is an adjunct instructor at the American College of Education (ACE). She has been working in nursing and health care educational programs since 2010. Mrs. Hutchinson has a great love for both education and nursing. Mrs. Hutchinson has been a Registered Nurse for the past 23 years with experience in nursing administration, hospice, home health care, emergency room and quality assurance. Besides working at ACE, she is the Director of Nursing at the local hospital. Ms. Hutchinson is a member of Sigma Theta Tau/Omicron Delta Chapter, American Nurses Association and NADONNA. Mrs. Hutchinson completed her BSN in 2006 and her MSN/Ed in 2010; both through online education programs. Mrs. Hutchinson is married with five sons, two daughters-in-law and one precious granddaughter. She enjoys gardening, fishing, and boating, reading and spending time with her family.

David Reed, MSN

David Reed was born and raised in Philadelphia, PA, a city most famous for the Philadelphia Eagles, Philly cheesesteak sandwiches, and the soft pretzel. After spending the majority of his years up north, he decided he had enough of the snow and relocated to sunny Florida. He obtained a Bachelor of Science in Business Management while in the military. After completing his military enlistment, he decided to shift gears and obtain an AAS in Nursing. He continued his educational pursuits by obtaining his MSN in Informatics from Walden University. He entered the healthcare profession working in the operating room while in the United States Air Force. While working in a hospital located in Philadelphia, he was introduced to the field of Informatics and became fascinated with the impact technology was making in healthcare. He relocated to Florida and accepted a position as a nursing informatics coordinator for the hospital. His responsibilities included project management, EHR implementations, training support, planning and development of educational programs, and management of educational process for Computerized Physician Order Entry (CPOE). He also served as a consultant for several consulting firms involving EHR implementation projects focusing on nursing workflow processes. In his spare time, he referees basketball at the college and high school levels. He also enjoys fishing the waters of Florida and traveling throughout the country with his wife.

Friday 20 November 2015

American College of Education

OUR HISTORY AND MISSION

The Mission

A history grounded in innovation

Ownership

Committed to providing high quality, affordable online programs

COLLEGE ADMINISTRATION

LEADING THE WAY IN HIGHER EDUCATION

WHAT OUR EMPLOYEES SAY

Career advancement

Applicable coursework

Programs that fit your life

FACULTY

Curriculum & Instruction Department Chair

Tiffany Hamlett, Ph.D.Texas Woman's University

Curriculum & Instruction Assistant Department Chair

Rebecca Wiehe, Ph.D.Kent State University

Curriculum & Instruction Faculty

Mamzelle V.S. Adolphine, Ph.D.

Karen E. Austin, Ed.D.

Sherry Ayala, Ed.D.

Francoise Bachelder, Ph.D.

Sarah Becerra, Ph.D.

Ellen Brewer, Ed.D

Bridgette Davis, Ph.D.

Dennis Debay, Ph.D.

Rita Deyoe, Ph.D.

Felicia Durden, Ed.D.

Vicki Finn, Ph.D.

Luster Fowler, Ph.D.

Gail Gessert, Ph.D.

Deborah Gilbert, Ed.D.

Crystal Gomillion, Ph.D.

Lesha Dawn Hickman, Ph.D.

Keith Higa, Ph.D.

Amy Horn, Ed.D.

Chih-Hsin Hsu, Ed.D.

Therese Kanai, Ph.D.

Katrina Landa, Ed.D.

David Mapp, Jr., Ed.D.

Marsha Moore, Ph.D.

Ann Mowery, Ed.D.

Joel Munoz, Ed.D.

Joyce Myers, Ed.D.

Sean Nank, Ph.D.

Lisa Portugal, Ph.D.

Dora Renaud

Denita B. Scott, Ed.D.

Mary Strong, Ed.D.

Vicki Strunk, Ed.D.

Patricia Tobin, Ph.D.

Carl Valdez, Ph.D.

Gordon Vessels, Ed.D.

Pamela Woods, Ed.D.

Department of Educational Leadership Interim Chair

Dr. Jerry Ausburn, Ed.D.

Master of Arts in Teaching and Transition to Teaching Program Coordinator

Marsha Moore, Ph.D.

English as a Second Language and Bilingual Education Program Coordinator

Katrina Landa, Ed.D.

Department of Educational Leadership Assistant Chair

Sharon Spears, Ed.D.Argosy University Chicago

Department of Educational Leadership Associate Director of Internships

Traci Coomer, M.Ed.The University of Texas at Arlington

Educational Leadership Faculty

Mark Anderson, Ed.D.

Catherine Beck, Ed.D.

David Belding, Ed.D.

Peggy Blood, Ph.D.

Stephanie Burch-Bynum, Ph.D.

Joyce Cooper, Ed.D.

Angela Dallas, Ed.D.

Audrey Donaldson, Ed.D.

Nita Ellis, Ed.D.

David Franklin, Ed.D.

Doug Funk, Ed.D.

Beverly J. Greene, Ed.D.

Theresa Greene, Ed.D.

Brenda Hargrove, Ed.D.

Tiffany Hamlett, Ph.D.
Texas Woman's University

Rebecca Wiehe, Ph.D.
Kent State University

Sharon Spears, Ed.D.
Argosy University Chicago

Traci Coomer, M.Ed.
The University of Texas at Arlington

Tiffany Hamlett, Ph.D.
Texas Woman's University

Jacqueline Cahill, Ph.D.
Northcentral University

Crystal Neumann, DBA
University of Phoenix