Equipping Servant Leaders in Education: Dr. Karla Hagan Named Dean of DBU’s Bush College of Education

Stepping into the next chapter of her life, DBU alumna Dr. Karla Hagan takes on the role of Dallas Baptist University's new Dean of the Bush College of Education.

Dr. Hagan grew up in Arlington, Texas, surrounded by a Christ-centered family who have cherished DBU's commitment to creating servant leaders over the years. Her parents were graduates of Decatur Baptist College, which later became Dallas Baptist College as it gained university status in 1985, and later served on DBU's Board of Trustees and Women's Auxiliary Board. Dr. Hagan's sister even attended the University and is now a DBU alumna.

After graduating with her Bachelor's Degree in Education from Baylor University and studying abroad at Westminster College in Oxford, England, Dr. Hagan went on to teach English classes for 7th-12th grades. She then returned to school, earning her Master's Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of North Texas, followed by obtaining her Ed.D. K-12 Leadership degree from DBU.

Throughout her career, Dr. Hagan has served as an educator in various capacities, including teaching 9th and 11th grade English at Mansfield High School; teaching 9th-12th grade English at a college preparatory school called Fairhill School; and serving as the Elementary Children's Pastor at Bent Tree Bible Fellowship.

Alongside these positions, Dr. Hagan has made a great impact on advancing education through curriculum development. She has been part of the Faithweaver curriculum team for Group Publishing; the summer and winter curriculum team for Student Life Camps; and served as a curriculum writer for the Kidz Scrolls and project manager for the 6M Spiritual Formation Initiative at Pantego Bible Church (now called Central Bible Church).

Later, Dr. Hagan partnered with Grace Preparatory Academy, where her children attended school, teaching English before leading a micro school with her husband.

Dr. Hagan then transitioned to serving at DBU as an adjunct professor, while continuing to take on new opportunities with places like Childcare Associates, where she served as a consultant.

As she moved into new roles at DBU, Dr. Hagan served as the program director for the Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction Program; taught in the Undergraduate Initial Certification Field-Based Learning Program; and led both the Impact Program and DBU's Student Education Association. She thoroughly enjoyed serving in each area and shares how "it is a great gift to have served in these various capacities here at DBU over the years."

This past year, Dr. Hagan co-chaired DBU's 2025-2029 Strategic Plan Committee and served as Secretary and Vice President of DBU's Faculty Council.

After years of faithful service to the University and its students, Dr. Hagan is excited to begin her role as the new Dean of the Bush College of Education. She highlights how each student who moves through the college is not only preparing to be a teacher or professional in their field, but also a missionary equipped to serve across the metroplex and beyond. "I hope to continue on University Hill to spread His name far and wide as we train this next generation of educators," she shares.

DBU's Provost, Dr. Norma Hedin, reflects on Dr. Hagan's impact on DBU, saying, "Dr. Karla Hagan is a proven, collaborative leader in the College of Education and across campus. By guiding AAQEP accreditation and co-chairing our university strategic planning process, she has strengthened DBU and driven continuous improvements in program quality, partnerships, and student support. Her steadfast commitment to our Christ-centered mission uniquely equips her to lead the College of Education."

Today, Dr. Hagan and her husband, Ron, attend First Baptist Arlington, where they were married, and serve in the Foundations Sunday School class, teaching young couples as they begin their families. Ron and Karla have been married for 33 years and have three children: Maya, Ada, and Carson.

Through each opportunity she has been given, Dr. Hagan has seen the Lord's faithfulness. She hopes that with "bended knee, open hands, and fixed eyes," the College of Education will move forward in "ora et labora," continually praying and acting in service to the Lord.