WAXAHACHIE, Texas (Sept. 08, 2026) – This fall, Nelson University welcomes the inaugural cohort of students into its new Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program, marking a significant milestone in the university’s commitment to preparing faith-informed leaders for today’s evolving business landscape.

Designed for experienced professionals, executives, entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, and educators, the doctoral program equips students to address organizational challenges through advanced research, strategic thinking, and ethical leadership.

As industries continue to evolve, organizations need leaders who can navigate complexity, evaluate evidence, and make sound decisions. Nelson University’s D.B.A. provides a pathway for professionals to deepen their expertise and expand their influence while remaining active in their careers.

“If you are an experienced Christian business leader who feels called to something more, challenged to deepen the integration of faith and work, and ready to elevate your professional voice, then a D.B.A. at Nelson University is the next step in your personal and professional growth,” Business Department Chair and D.B.A. Program Coordinator Dr. Melody Gray Block said.

What Is a Doctor of Business Administration?

A Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.) is a terminal degree that emphasizes the application of research to real-world business and organizational challenges. 

Designed for working professionals, Nelson University’s 60-credit online D.B.A. program helps scholar-practitioners bridge the gap between academic inquiry and professional practice through meaningful research in their areas of expertise. Through a biblical worldview, students explore how ethical leadership, stewardship, and servant leadership can influence organizations and the communities they serve.

“At Nelson, we believe doctoral education should sharpen judgment as well as build skills. Our D.B.A. equips professionals to work through complex, high-stakes decisions with rigor and clarity, guided by a distinctly Christian worldview. Through applied research and rigorous inquiry, students learn to evaluate evidence, address consequential organizational problems, and contribute meaningfully to business practice,” Provost and Vice President for Academics Dr. Kimberly Trewern said.

What Can You Do with a D.B.A. Degree?

A Doctor of Business Administration can help experienced professionals strengthen their expertise, expand their influence, and pursue advanced leadership opportunities across a variety of sectors. 

A D.B.A. creates opportunities for professionals to:

• Advance into executive leadership roles such as CEO, COO, chief strategy officer, or vice president
• Lead organizational change initiatives and strategic planning efforts
• Apply research and data analysis to solve complex business challenges
• Consult with businesses, nonprofits, ministries, and government organizations
• Teach in higher education or provide executive training and professional development
• Launch or grow entrepreneurial ventures with a deeper understanding of leadership, strategy, and organizational performance
• Contribute thought leadership and applied research within their industry

The degree is particularly valuable for professionals who want to combine extensive leadership experience with doctoral-level research and problem-solving skills.

Why Nelson Is Launching the D.B.A. Now

The launch of the D.B.A. reflects growing demand for doctoral-level business education that combines academic rigor with practical application.

Today’s organizations need leaders who can assess emerging trends, solve complex challenges, and guide teams through change with wisdom and discernment. The D.B.A. was developed to help meet that need by preparing professionals to contribute meaningful solutions within their fields and organizations.

Nelson University’s College of Business has long focused on preparing students to lead with both character and competence. The D.B.A. extends that mission to the doctoral level, creating opportunities for experienced professionals to advance their expertise while contributing valuable research to their industries and communities.

“Under the leadership of Dr. Melody Gray Block, the program brings together academic excellence, practical experience, and spiritual discernment. Dr. Gray Block brings the perspective of a successful business owner who is deeply committed to prayer and to seeking the Lord’s wisdom in her leadership and decision-making. Our faculty also bring substantial business experience and expertise, along with a commitment to integrating faith with business scholarship, practice, and leadership,” Dr. Trewern said.

Looking Ahead to the First Cohort

The Doctor of Business Administration represents an important new chapter for Nelson University and its College of Business. The start of the inaugural cohort marks the beginning of a community of scholar-practitioners committed to advancing knowledge, strengthening organizations, and serving others through informed Christian leadership.

Robert Miller, CEO and President of North Texas Assemblies of God Stewardship, is a member of the inaugural D.B.A. cohort and is eager for what he will learn throughout the program.

He shared, “As the D.B.A. program was formed and launched, I was sent the information about the program and the list of classes. As I was looking at the courses and the titles of the courses, there were several that I thought, ‘man, I really need that.’ Talking about: Kingdom Stewardship, Kingdom Economics, Innovation and Change, How to be Resilient in the Marketplace, and Current Challenges in Business. Several of the courses had something to do with faith or kingdom in the course title. And really, that’s what I do… Everything that I am going to be learning I can apply to the organization that I am leading.”

Ready to learn more about Nelson University’s Doctor of Business Administration program? Visit the Doctor of Business Administration page on our website or request information here.

---

About Nelson University 

Nelson University is a private Christian institution located in Waxahachie, Texas, just 30 minutes south of the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex. Established in 1927, the university offers more than 100 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs on campus and online. With a mission to integrate faith and learning, Nelson equips students to pursue their God‑given callings within a Spirit‑empowered community. For additional details, Request Information or call 1‑888‑937‑7248.