
ACE Faculty
World-class education taught by world-class faculty.
Our Faculty Values
Our faculty are dedicated professionals in their fields. They believe in the power of education to transform lives, and they bring that passion to work at American College of Education (ACE) every day.
The faculty leadership at ACE is guided by a mission to deliver high-quality, affordable and accessible online programs grounded in evidence-based content and relevant application. This mission prepares graduates to serve, lead and achieve personal and professional goals in diverse, evolving communities.
Our Faculty Leadership
The leadership at ACE is composed of experienced educators and professionals committed to advancing accessible, affordable and high-quality online education. Their student-focused strategies help prepare graduates for impactful careers in education, business, healthcare and nursing.
Chief Academic Officer and Provost
Jodi Feikema, Ph.D.

Dr. Jodi Feikema joined American College of Education in January of 2023 as Chief Academic Officer and Provost, responsible for creating and executing ACE’s academic strategies and operations, including faculty operations, curriculum, and the student learning experience.
Prior to her appointment at ACE, Dr. Feikema served as Senior Vice President, Learning Products and Services, where she was responsible for providing academic services to several universities, as well as creating and delivering innovative learning products aimed at improving student success metrics. With over 15 years of higher education experience, she has served in a multitude of roles, as both faculty and administration, having extensive experience in prior learning assessment, program review and learning outcomes assessment, curriculum development, higher education accreditation and regulations, academic operations, learning products, faculty operations and training, and innovation in higher education.
Dr. Feikema earned her Ph.D. in Organizational Development and Leadership from the University of the Rockies, where her research focused on the quality and effectiveness of degree programs at four-year universities. She has a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership from St. Ambrose University and a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Iowa State University.
Assistant Provosts
Scott Bailey, Ed.D.

Dr. Scott Bailey joined American College of Education in January of 2018, where he currently serves as Assistant Provost, Education Professions, responsible for the administration of all education-related programs in the college. Prior to his appointment to this position, he served as a department chair, coordinator, and faculty member for ACE.
Before joining ACE, Dr. Bailey served as a tenured associate professor at Stephen F. Austin State University, during which time he also worked extensively as a school improvement consultant and principal trainer in Texas. He also has experience as a district administrator, a principal, and an assistant principal at the middle and high school levels, as well as eight years of high school teaching experience. As a first-generation college student himself, his public-school work focused on helping students who were disadvantaged, primarily due to poverty.
Dr. Bailey earned his M.Ed. and Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from Stephen F. Austin State University, where his research focused on equity and leadership in public schools. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and History from Baylor University.
Luster Fowler, Ph.D.

Dr. Luster Fowler joined American College of Education in July of 2021 and currently serves as the Assistant Provost of Healthcare Professions. In this role, he provides leadership, advocacy, coordination, and strategy for all healthcare and nursing programs at the college.
Prior to joining ACE, Dr. Fowler served as an Associate Professor and Dean for a School of Health Sciences as well as a School of Applied Sciences and Engineering Technology, where he provided oversight to multiple academic programs in the healthcare, nursing, public service, and STEM-related professions. Prior to transitioning to higher education, Dr. Fowler served as a hospital administrator, where he provided oversight to multiple departments providing direct care to patients.
Dr. Fowler earned his Ph.D. in Educational Leadership, Administration, and Foundations from Indiana State University, where his research focused on the interprofessional education of healthcare practitioners in higher education as well as acute care hospital settings. He also earned an MBA from Indiana Wesleyan University with a concentration in Healthcare Administration.
Eric Klein, Ph.D.

Dr. Eric Klein joined American College of Education in March of 2023 and is currently the Assistant Provost of Doctoral Research and Student Success. As Assistant Provost, Dr. Klein provides leadership, advocacy, coordination, and recommendations for academic and non-academic initiatives supporting student success and retention. In this role, he is also responsible for the strategic and visionary leadership of the operations, programs, policies, initiatives, and activities of the Doctoral Research Department.
Dr. Klein has over 15 years of experience in higher education and has held several increasingly responsible leadership positions throughout his career. Prior to joining ACE, he served as Associate Vice Chancellor of Educational Support Services for the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District (GCCCD) in California. In this role, he was responsible for providing districtwide leadership and support for academics, student services, research, strategic planning, accreditation, and enrollment management. Dr. Klein began his career at Lehigh University, where he was the recipient of the Alfred Noble Robinson Award in 2010, which is awarded annually to one member of the University in recognition of outstanding performance in service and unusual achievement.
Dr. Klein earned his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU), where his doctoral research focused on sport psychology and peak performance. Dr. Klein also holds a master’s degree in General-Theoretical Psychology from FDU, as well as a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from The College of New Jersey.
Crystal Neumann, DBA

Dr. Crystal Neumann joined American College of Education in September of 2014 and currently serves as the Assistant Provost for Business Professions, responsible for the administration of all business-related programs in the college. Prior to her appointment to this position, she served as the Doctoral Program Coordinator, Chair for Specialist and Doctoral Programs, and Chair for the Department of Leadership & Administration.
Dr. Neumann has over 15 years of experience in higher education. Prior to joining ACE, Dr. Neumann served as a Campus College Chair at University of Phoenix’s Indianapolis Campus. She also has professional experience in marketing, market research, and within the public and nonprofit sectors. In addition to working in a consulting role, she taught marketing and public relations in Germany.
Dr. Neumann received her Doctorate in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix, her master’s in Adult Education & Training from the University of Phoenix, and her MBA from American InterContinental University. Her accolades include being selected as an honoree of Reverend Jesse L. Jackson’s Rainbow PUSH Excel 2017, induction into the Indiana Latino Leadership Circle in 2020, and recipient of the Global Impression Award in 2023.
Department Chairs
Byron Barton, Ph.D.

Dr. Byron Barton joined ACE in May of 2017 as the Healthcare Department Chair, where he is responsible for the administrative, curricular, and operational aspects of ACE’s healthcare programs, including the Master of Public Health, Master of Healthcare Administration, Bachelor of Healthcare Administration, and Master of Education in Health and Wellness Education.
Before joining ACE, Dr. Barton was the Dean of Premedical Education and Associate Professor of Histology at Xavier University School of Medicine, Aruba. As Dean, Dr. Barton facilitated the transition from a subject-based to an integrated pre-medical curriculum and helped coordinate the pre-med programs at Xavier’s international partner schools. As a professor, he taught subjects such as histology, cell biology, and medical genetics to premed and medical students.
Dr. Barton earned a Ph.D. in biology from the University of Vermont, where he studied insect flight muscle using a classical and molecular genetics approach. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from Butler University.
Jason Cohen, Ed.D.

Dr. Jason Cohen joined American College of Education in July of 2021 and currently serves as the Department Chair for Leadership and Curriculum Studies. In this role, he oversees faculty recruitment, selection, mentoring, and evaluation; leads program development and growth initiatives; and plays a key role in student enrollment, retention, and satisfaction. Dr. Cohen holds full administrative responsibility for departmental programs, including accreditation and reporting, while also contributing to institutional committees and cross-departmental collaboration to enhance program effectiveness and student support.
Before his current role, Dr. Cohen served as a program coordinator and faculty member at ACE. He brings over 23 years of experience in higher education, having held positions such as Program Manager, Assistant Faculty, Project Director, and Program Coordinator at institutions including Nova Southeastern University, Broward College, and Palm Beach State College.
Dr. Cohen earned his Ed.D. in Higher Education Leadership & Innovation from Wilmington University. He also holds a master’s degree in Leadership and a bachelor’s degree in Business and Professional Management from Nova Southeastern University.
Amber Daub, Ed.D.

Dr. Amber P. Daub currently serves as Chair of Instruction at the American College of Education. With over two decades of experience in K–12 and higher education, she has built a career focused on educational and instructional leadership, curriculum development, and educator preparation.
Prior to her current role, Dr. Daub served as Dean of the School of Education at East Texas Baptist University (ETBU) in Marshall, TX, where she led initiatives to enhance teacher preparation and academic excellence.
Before her time in higher education leadership, Dr. Daub held several key roles in Hallsville Independent School District, including Executive Director of Curriculum & Instruction, Secondary Curriculum Director, and Principal of Hallsville Junior High. Her earlier career includes experience as an assistant principal and classroom teacher across elementary and middle school levels.
She has also served as an adjunct professor at Stephen F. Austin State University and ETBU. Dr. Daub is a recognized thought leader in education, having presented at state and national conferences such as the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals and the Texas Association of Curriculum Directors. Her accolades include being named Texas Middle School Principal of the Year and TASSP Region 7 Principal of the Year in 2011.
Dr. Daub earned her Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership with a cognate in the Superintendency from Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi in 2007. She also holds a Master of Science in Educational Administration from the same institution and a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies with specializations in Elementary Education, English, and Reading from Stephen F. Austin State University.
Lisa Hawthorne, Ph.D.

Dr. Lisa Hawthorne joined American College of Education in April of 2019 and currently serves as the Department Chair for Nursing. As an accomplished leader in nursing education and accreditation compliance, she provides leadership to faculty and students at all levels of nursing education programs. Prior to her appointment to this position, she served as core faculty and instructional faculty for the nursing department at ACE.
Prior to her current appointment at ACE, Dr. Hawthorne served as chief nurse administrator / regional dean of nursing within one of the largest, national academic-practice partnership institutions, and as director of nursing with Louisiana State University. Additionally, she has served in multiple nursing leadership roles with other public and private colleges and universities. She has over 25 years’ experience in nursing education and community health nursing practice. Dr. Hawthorne is appointed as the Louisiana Action Coalition State Co-Lead to advance health equity in the state, as well as serves on multiple national and state nursing organization boards, task forces, and committees.
Dr. Hawthorne earned her Ph.D. in Nursing from the University of San Diego, Master’s in the Science of Nursing and Baccalaureate in the Science of Nursing from the University of Phoenix – San Diego, CA and Associate of Applied Science in Nursing from Arizona Western College – Yuma, AZ. Additionally, Dr. Hawthorne holds certifications as a Public Health Nurse, through the California Board of Registered Nurses, is a Certified Nurse Educator, through the National League for Nursing, and holds Registered Nursing licenses in the states of Texas (multi-state), California, and Massachusetts. She is a fellow of the Academy of Associate Degree Nursing.
Elisha Lewis, Ph.D.

Dr. Elisha M. Lewis is an accomplished educator and academic leader with over two decades of experience in education. She currently serves as Chair of the Department of Teaching and Learning at ACE, where she provides visionary leadership in curriculum development, faculty engagement, and program assessment.
Dr. Lewis holds a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Administration, a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction, and a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education. Prior to joining ACE, she served as Chair of the Department of Education at West Virginia State University, where she was instrumental in advancing teacher preparation programs, expanding university-school partnerships, and maintaining the department’s accreditation.
A passionate advocate for student success, Dr. Lewis specializes in online learning, instructional design, and educational leadership. She is a published author and active contributor to national conversations on teacher development, innovative instructional practices, and educational access for all. Dr. Lewis also is a proud member of Kappa Delta Pi National Honor Society and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.
Cathy McKay, Ed.D.

Dr. Cathy McKay joined the American College of Education in July of 2016 and currently serves as the Department Chair for Professional Educational Studies. In this role, she oversees all programs within this department as well as faculty recruitment, selection, mentoring, and evaluation. Program development, revisions, and continuous improvement for faculty and student success are also part of the functioning of the department.
Prior to coming to ACE, Dr. McKay has over 20 years of experience in the K-12 environment teaching math and science to middle and high school students, as well as being a co-principal. At the local community college, Dr. McKay supported the tutoring center and then began teaching. She was at the community college for approximately 10 years, developing, implementing, and supporting programs that focused on student success, retention, and graduation.
Dr. McKay earned her Ed.D. in Teacher Leadership and M.S. in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment at Walden University. She also earned her M.Ed. Educational Technology and Certificate of Cognitive Science at ACE. She earned her education credentials from the University of Indianapolis, and her Bachelor of Arts degree is in Psychology and Biology from Indiana University, Bloomington.
Sara Reichard, Ed.D., Ed.S.

Dr. Sara Reichard serves as the Director of Doctoral Research at the American College of Education with over two decades of experience in nursing, K-12 education, and higher education academic leadership. Dr. Reichard is a certified nurse educator with extensive clinical experience across critical care, school nursing, and international community health. In K-12 education, she founded a specialized school for gifted learners and oversaw academic and enrichment programming across multiple campuses.
In higher education, Dr. Reichard has developed courses, coordinated programs, and led faculty professional development. She has taught undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral courses in nursing, health and wellness, and education. At ACE, she led departmental initiatives and coordinated the launch of the DAISY Award Program and the Alpha Beta Phi chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing. Dr. Reichard is an ACE SPARKS award and ACE Celebrity award recipient. She has presented nationally on nursing education, online teaching strategies, and faculty development.
Dr. Reichard earned an Ed.D. in Leadership, an Ed.S. in Teaching and Learning, an MLitt in Family Life Education, and an MSN in Nursing Education. With a passion for mentoring doctoral candidates and building a healthy organizational culture, Dr. Reichard supports interprofessional collaboration and innovation in graduate-level research.
Faculty Roles at ACE
Core Faculty
Full-time faculty responsible for teaching courses and maintaining academic quality. They deliver engaging online instruction, foster student interactions and provide detailed feedback on assessments, ensuring a supportive learning environment.
Dissertation Faculty
Full-time faculty dedicated to supporting doctoral students by serving on and chairing dissertation committees. They provide critical feedback, ensure academic rigor and assist students in navigating the dissertation process from proposal to final defense.
Instructional Faculty
Full-time faculty who teach courses and contribute to department operations through activities such as course development and revision, mentoring other faculty, serving on committees and conducting faculty observation.
Adjunct Faculty
Part-time faculty employed on a term-by-term basis to teach ACE courses. They bring their subject matter expertise to ACE’s online courses, where they engage with students, provide timely feedback and assess student work to support learning outcomes.
Coordinator
Full-time faculty who teach courses and coordinate department functions such as dissertation oversight, internship facilitation, student teaching supervision and other department-specific responsibilities.
Administrative Faculty
Full-time faculty who serve in academic leadership roles and are primarily focused on administrative responsibilities. They supervise faculty, resolve student issues, lead curriculum review and development processes and ensure programs align with institutional goals and accreditation standards.
Hear What Our Students Think of Our Instructors
Instructor: Kyle Doty
Course in M.Ed. in Integrated Curriculum
“One of the key factors that positively impacted my learning in this course was my professor’s kindness and thoughtful feedback on assignments. Their approachable nature made it easy to ask questions and seek clarification, which fostered a supportive learning environment. The detailed feedback I received on each assignment was both constructive and encouraging, guiding me on how to improve and helping me see my progress more clearly. This personalized attention made the course more interesting and engaging, as I felt that my efforts were truly being recognized, and it motivated me to put in my best work.”
Instructor: Tanyetta White
Course in M.Ed. in Adult Education & Training
“This instructor’s teaching approach significantly and positively impacted my learning experience. She provided clear instructions and graded assignments promptly, which helped me stay organized and make consistent progress. Her thoughtful and encouraging feedback on the discussion board motivated deeper reflection and active participation. She fostered an engaging and inclusive classroom environment where her lessons were both captivating and well-structured, ensuring the material felt manageable without feeling overwhelming.”
Instructor: Dena AuCoin
Course in Ed.D. in Curriculum & Instruction
“I would like to take a moment to reflect on the constructive feedback I received from my professor. The insights provided were invaluable and have greatly contributed to my academic development. My professor exhibited a profound understanding of the subject matter, and her observations were both thoughtful and encouraging.
The detailed comments highlighted areas where I excelled, as well as aspects that require further refinement. This balanced approach not only boosted my confidence but also offered a clear roadmap for improvement. My professor’s commitment to fostering a supportive learning environment was evident throughout our interactions, and her dedication to student success is commendable.
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Instructor: Joe Clark
Course in M.Ed. in Educational Leadership
“I have never had an educator motivate me as much as Professor Clark did in this course. His weekly videos were engaging and helpful. I wanted to watch each week and anticipated learning something new and receiving verbal motivation on the course assignment. Additionally, Professor Clark clearly took time to read and give feedback on each student’s assignment. Every comment was personal and so uplifting. Some weeks I felt like the work wasn’t my best and I was encouraged by the thoughtful and kind comments given. In a high-stress profession, doubting yourself and your ability to handle the mental load can be easy. Professor Clark truly made me re-think my previous hesitation with this career path just from his encouraging words on assignments. I am thankful to have had a professor who was so uplifting and empowering in this program.”
Instructor: Imani Akin
Course in Ed.D. Shared Research
“The course was incredibly engaging, with weekly topics and assignments that were both thought-provoking and interactive. The instructor’s feedback was consistently constructive and highly applicable, making it easy to see areas for improvement and growth. The supplemental materials provided were extremely helpful, enriching the learning experience and adding valuable context. The thoughtful and well-crafted comments on assignments and discussions added depth to the topics, while the tasteful integration of feedback with grades made evaluations both clear and encouraging. Overall, this course was a positive and enriching experience!”
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Why would you recommend working at ACE?
of all faculty believe that ACE operates with strong values
Hear From Current ACE Academic Staff:
An employee in Teaching and Learning
Great staff, supportive department heads and opportunity for advancement.
An employee in Teaching and Learning
The department leadership makes adjunct faculty feel included. The courses are well-written and up to date. The expectations for work commitments and deadlines are clear.
An employee in Professional Educational Studies
Because of its curriculum and caliber of the staff.
of full-time faculty believe that we do things efficiently and well at ACE
High Quality Online Education You Can Afford
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