Meet Dr. Nugent

Betty F. Nugent, EdD, is an educator, author, and professional development specialist with more than 40 years of experience in education. Throughout her career, she has served as a classroom teacher, school administrator, instructional coach, university professor, and educational consultant. She currently serves as PBL & Special Projects Coordinator for the Florida Conference Office of Education, where she supports teachers and schools in project-based learning, innovative instructional practices, STEM education, technology integration, and special initiatives.

Dr. Nugent earned a Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Sciences/Sociology from Southern Adventist University, a Master of Arts in Educational Psychology from Andrews University, and a Doctor of Education in Teacher Leadership from Walden University.

Her work in higher education has included teaching at Washington Adventist University, Southern Adventist University, and AdventHealth University. She has designed and taught courses in education, Bible methods, and healthcare philosophy and has provided training for educators in the United States and internationally.

A passionate advocate for hands-on, student-centered learning, Dr. Nugent has led professional development in Project-Based Learning, Design Thinking, STEM education, robotics and coding, Bible Encounter, writing instruction, and technology integration. She especially enjoys helping teachers discover creative ways to connect curriculum, technology, authentic problem solving, and faith.

Dr. Nugent is also the founder and CEO of Above and Beyond Educational Encounters, LLC, an educational organization committed to exceptional teacher training and student learning through best practices, innovative technology, and hands-on application.

As an author, Dr. Nugent has written educational materials and STEM-focused children's books that encourage young learners to explore science through everyday experiences while incorporating meaningful spiritual connections. Her children's STEM series includes Solar Surges: A Backyard Solar Energy Adventure and After the Storm: The Power of Push and Pull.

Whether working with university students, classroom teachers, school leaders, or children, Dr. Nugent remains committed to creating learning experiences that inspire curiosity, creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and a lifelong love of learning.

When she is not teaching, writing, or dreaming up new educational and backyard adventures, Betty Faye draws daily inspiration from her family. She and her late husband are proud parents to four children—EAN, Jodi, Joy, and Leishon—and grandparents to three grandchildren—Micaiah, Sariah, and Seth—who fuel her love of discovery and remind her that some of life's best learning begins with wonder.