Who We Are

Dr. Betty F. Nugent is a dedicated educator with over 40 years of experience in teaching, leadership, and curriculum development. She holds a Doctor of Education in Teacher Leadership from Walden University (where her dissertation focused on Teaching Mathematics in Multi-grade Classrooms), a Master of Arts in Educational Psychology from Andrews University, and a Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Sciences/Sociology from Southern Adventist University. Her collegiate journey began at Bethune-Cookman College, where she studied History and Pre-Law.

Throughout her career, Dr. Nugent has served in various teaching and leadership roles, including principal, teacher, instructional coach, and professor. She has taught in middle and high schools across Florida, served as an associate professor at Washington Adventist University, and continues to mentor future educators as an adjunct professor at Southern Adventist University. She also supports pre-professional healthcare students at AdventHealth University.

A passionate advocate for innovative teaching practices, Dr. Nugent specializes in project-based learning (PBL), brain-based instructional strategies, and hands-on applications. She believes every subject and curriculum standard can be taught using PBL. She has trained teachers in effective classroom management, cooperative learning, and the integration of manipulatives in math instruction.

Dr. Nugent especially enjoys helping teachers design and implement lessons that incorporate Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM) across the curriculum. If you want to make her happy, just ask her to help develop an Ozobot lesson for any subject!

As a researcher and published author, Dr. Nugent has presented at numerous educational conferences. She has also led community initiatives such as STEAM Camps and a Community Garden. Her passion for education has taken her across North America and Africa, where she continues to inspire and support students and teachers.

Guided by her faith, Dr. Nugent believes in the transformative power of Christian education. She embraces Solomon’s wisdom to “train up a child in the way he should go” and strives to prepare students not only for academic success but also for lives of service.

Beyond her professional life, Dr. Nugent cherishes her family. She was married to her best friend, Evert (deceased in 2023), for 41 years and is the proud mother of EAN (Jodi-Ann) and Joy (Leishon), as well as a devoted grandmother to Micaiah, Saraiah, and Seth.

She looks forward to reuniting with every student she has ever taught by the Sea of Glass for a grand nature lesson—time to be announced when Jesus breaks through the clouds.