ACSI Research Fellow Program

Association of Christian Schools International / Thought Leadership / ACSI Research Fellow Program
Program Overview

The Research Fellowship program at ACSI offers a unique opportunity for talented researchers to contribute to advancing the field of Christian education while addressing critical global challenges. By fostering collaboration, knowledge exchange, and innovative research, the program aims to make a significant impact on the world stage.

Program Aims:
  • Create a vibrant and inclusive international research community.
  • Foster collaboration, knowledge exchange, and innovative solutions to address both US and global challenges through research projects in Christian education.
 
Program Oversight:
  • The fellows will collaboratively work with ACSI’s research department and Thought Leadership and the Research Director will oversee the program.

 

ACSI Fellows Collaborate on Research to Advance Faith-Based Education

ACSI Fellows collaborate with the Thought Leadership team (Research Department) to develop research and Working Papers on important topics in education, spirituality, and culture, focusing on their impact within the realm of Christian education. Their work addresses current trends and challenges, offering valuable insights for advancing faith-based learning.

Research in Brief

RiB is a biannual publication by ACSI, aimed at sharing the latest research findings and insights on the Christian school sector. It is available exclusively to ACSI member school and is managed by ACSI Director of Research.

 

Current Fellows
Lynn Swaner

 

Lynn Swaner Ed.D.

President of Cardus USA – ACSI Senior Research Fellow
Dr. Lynn Swaner is the President, US at Cardus, a non-partisan think tank dedicated to clarifying and strengthening, through research and dialogue, the ways in which society’s institutions can work together for the common good. She also serves as a Senior Fellow for the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). Dr. Swaner is the editor or lead author of numerous books, including Future Ready: Innovative Missions and Models in Christian Education (Cardus & ACSI, 2022); Flourishing Together: A Christian Vision for Students, Educators, and Schools (Eerdmans, 2021); and MindShift: Catalyzing Change in Christian Education (ACSI, 2019). Dr. Swaner holds a doctorate in organizational leadership from Teachers College, Columbia University and a diploma in strategy and innovation from University of Oxford’s Saïd Business School. She previously served as a professor of education and a Christian school leader in New York.
Matthew Lee

 

Matthew Lee, Ph.D.

Clinical Assistant Professor of Economics at Kennesaw State University - ACSI Senior Research Fellow
Matthew Lee is Clinical Assistant Professor of Economics at Kennesaw State University. He previously served as the Director of Research at the Association of Christian Schools International, where he helped develop the Flourishing Faith Index. His peer-reviewed research on Christian education has appeared in the Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion, Journal of Religious and Health, International Journal of Educational Development, and the Journal of Religious Education. He is co-author of Future Ready (ACSI/Cardus 2022) and co-editor of Religious Liberty and Education (Rowman & Littlefield 2020). He earned his Ph.D. in education policy at the University of Arkansas.
Francis Ben

 

Francis Ben, Ph.D.

Associate Professor & Head of Postgraduate Coursework and Research at Tabor College Adelaide Australia – ACSI Global Research Fellow
Francis has more than 30 combined years of experience in secondary and tertiary education. He has an undergraduate qualification in Civil Engineering, and postgraduate qualifications in Physics and Education. At secondary schools in North Carolina, he taught mathematics and physics subjects. He also taught Physics, Research Methods, and Education-related subjects at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels in Australia, Singapore, Indonesia, and the Philippines. His research and publications include Physics Education, Educational Measurement, large-scale studies (e.g., PISA). He is currently Head of Postgraduate Programs and Research in the Education Faculty at Tabor College of Higher Education in South Australia.
Alison Heap Johnson

 

Alison Heape Johnson

PhD candidate at the University of Arkansas – ACSI Junior Research Fellow
Alison is a PhD candidate and Distinguished Doctoral Fellow at the University of Arkansas where she studies education policy, with research interests in school finance, school choice, and teacher/administrator pipelines. She previously taught in both public and Christian schools and has a bachelor’s degree in music education and a master’s degree in teaching English as a second language. She and her husband Blake reside in Arkansas with their newborn daughter and enjoy exploring the beauty of the Natural State and gathering with their church where Blake is a pastoral resident.
Become A Fellow
    Eligibility:
    • Understanding of Christian education.
    • Strong academic credentials (e.g., relevant degrees, publications, minimum a Ph.D. candidate in education programs for Junior Fellow and a Ph.D. or Ed.D. for Senior Fellow).
    • Demonstrated research excellence.
    • Experience in international research collaboration.
    • Excellent English communication skills.
    • Minimum five years experience of doing research.
     
    Nomination and selection process:
    • The selection of the fellows is done through ACSI’s internal nomination.
    Blog

    The Redemptive Power of Women in Leadership

    Mar 17, 2026, 10:17 by Dr. Althea Penn, PDS, ODP, NAC
    The refrain of “It’s a Man’s World” resurfaces each March, reminding us that even in a world shaped by male innovation, its true meaning is realized only through the presence and influence of women. This truth mirrors today’s educational landscape, where women form the backbone of the workforce yet remain underrepresented in top leadership roles. As we observe Women’s History Month, it is essential to honor not only the contributions women make to our schools but also the redemptive leadership they embody within God’s Kingdom. Women are not auxiliary figures; they are strategic partners in God’s work of creation, redemption, and restoration.

    The refrain of “It’s a Man’s World” resurfaces each March, reminding us that even in a world shaped by male innovation, its true meaning is realized only through the presence and influence of women. This truth mirrors today’s educational landscape, where women form the backbone of the workforce yet remain underrepresented in top leadership roles. As we observe Women’s History Month, it is essential to honor not only the contributions women make to our schools but also the redemptive leadership they embody within God’s Kingdom. Women are not auxiliary figures; they are strategic partners in God’s work of creation, redemption, and restoration.

    From the beginning, woman was created as an Ezer, a helper in the sense of a strong, essential ally. This spiritual midwifery is evident throughout Scripture in figures such as Lois and Eunice, who nurtured Timothy’s faith (2 Timothy 1:5). Christian school leaders who embrace the “Ezer‑strength” of women cultivate flourishing school communities where both students and staff thrive. Biblically grounded leadership is transformational at its core, aimed at the growth of followers, and modern research affirms that women naturally excel in these transformational practices.

    The McCormick Whole Leadership Framework® (2023) describes three interconnected domains (Leadership Essentials, Administrative Leadership, and Pedagogical Leadership) that resonate deeply with biblical examples of female leadership. Deborah demonstrated Strategic Wisdom during a national crisis (Judges 4). Lydia exercised Entrepreneurial Stewardship as a financial supporter of the early church (Acts 16). Esther modeled Courageous Advocacy by risking her life for her people (Esther 4:16). Priscilla embodied Collaborative Mentorship in her instruction of Apollos (Acts 18:26). Phoebe exemplified Servant Leadership through her ministry as a benefactor (Romans 16:1–2). Zipporah acted with Strategic Intervention to preserve God’s covenant (Exodus 4). These women demonstrate that leadership, at its best, is redemptive, relational, and responsive to God’s purposes.

    Esther particularly illustrates spiritually attuned leadership. Her sensitivity to timing [waiting for the precise moment to approach the king (Esther 5:1–8)] shows strategic pacing. Her respect for authority reveals wisdom, humility, and integrity. Her corporate call to fast (Esther 4:15–16) underscores the truth that spiritual battles require communal dependence on God. In that environment of unified prayer, Esther received divine strategy that exposed deception and saved a nation. Her example affirms that Christian leaders must blend technical skill and emotional intelligence with Spirit-led discernment.

    Modern female leaders continue this legacy. Mary McLeod Bethune stands as a model of Administrative Leadership, known for her systems thinking, strategic foresight, and ability to cultivate a mission-driven culture of excellence. Her influence reached the White House through her advisory role to President Franklin D. Roosevelt and her collaboration with First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. Anne Sullivan and Helen Keller illustrate Pedagogical Leadership at its finest. Sullivan’s differentiated, student-centered approach empowered Keller to overcome barriers and become a powerful global voice, demonstrating how intentional mentorship unlocks human potential. Leadership Essentials such as integrity, communication, accountability, problem solving, and adaptability form the foundation of effective Christian leadership. Ruth Haycock embodied these qualities through her commitment to biblical worldview integration, equipping educators to root every subject in scriptural truth.

    Spiritual formation in Christian schools requires leaders who combine fervent prayer with strategic instruction. ACSI Inspire® accreditation and the ACSI Flourishing Faith research highlight the central role of mentors who model vibrant faith. When leaders build redemptive cultures grounded in spiritual purpose, every student is seen, known, and loved.

    Professional Learning Communities, such as the ACSI Early Education Leader Network meetings, support this growth by promoting these redemptive leadership traits and skills within flourishing school cultures. For our learning communities to thrive, the voices of women must be included. A Christian school cannot fulfill its mission without the presence, wisdom, and leadership of God-fearing women. Their contributions are not optional; they are indispensable for creating innovative, redemptive, and flourishing stakeholders and communities.

     

    References

    Association of Christian Schools International. (2021). Flourishing school culture leader report. https://www.acsi.org/flourishing-school-culture-instrument
    Grant Thornton. (2025). Women in business 2025: Paths to parity. https://www.grantthornton.global/en/insights/articles/Women-in-business-2025/
    McCormick Center for Early Childhood Leadership. (2023). Whole leadership framework. National Louis University. https://www.mccormickinstitute.nl.edu/whole-leadership-framework
    McKinsey & Company. (2024). Women in the workplace 2024. https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/diversity-and-inclusion/women-in-the-workplace
    Sarna, N. M. (1991). The JPS Torah Commentary: Exodus. Jewish Publication Society.
    Swanier, L. (2023). Flourishing faith: Moving from research to practice. Association of Christian Schools International.