Dr. Paige Bergin has been shaping classrooms, supporting educators, and investing in students for over two decades. She is currently an instructional coach for Union Public Schools in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and an adjunct professor for Southern Nazarene University (SNU). Her educational and professional journey reflects a deep commitment to learning and leadership. Her path to earning her Doctor of Education in Administration and Leadership (DEAL) from SNU began early, rooted in a love of education and a lifelong commitment to personal and professional growth.
A native Tulsan and graduate of Nathan Hale High School in the Tulsa Public Schools district, Bergin has been surrounded by learning throughout her life. She loves spending time with her husband, Brandon, and their two sons, Isaac and Matthew. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, watching basketball, and exploring new ideas. Learning has always brought her joy, and her natural curiosity has led her to an advanced degree that has positively impacted her career and her life.
Her career has evolved over more than 20 years of service in education. Before becoming an instructional coach, she taught in the classroom, building strong relationships with students and honing her teaching skills. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Oklahoma State University before pursuing her master’s degree in Educational Administration and Curriculum Studies at the University of Oklahoma. She earned several accolades, including National Board Certification and the Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching for the state of Oklahoma. She has also received several grants, awards, and scholarships that recognize her talent and dedication to education.
Even with these accomplishments, one dream remained. Bergin had always wanted to pursue a doctoral degree. “Pursuing my doctoral degree has been a lifelong dream of mine,” she shared. “When I was connected with the people at SNU, I felt that this program was exactly what I was looking for and at the perfect time in my career. It also gave me the opportunity to show my children that it is never too late to pursue your dreams.”
Her words perfectly express the heart behind her decision to return to school. She wanted to grow, to stretch herself, and to model perseverance for her two sons. As a working educator and parent, she needed a program that understood the demands of full-time work and would allow her to balance her career, studies, and family life.
All of the pieces came together when she discovered SNU’s Doctorate of Education in Administration and Leadership program. She immediately recognized that the program design matched her goals and lifestyle. What stood out most to Bergin was the embedded dissertation, a feature that allowed students to conduct research throughout the program rather than wait until the end. Her decision became even clearer after meeting the faculty.
“I chose SNU because of the embedded dissertation,” she explained. “The support and encouragement from the professors were like nothing I had ever imagined, and it is what sustained me when I second-guessed myself. The structure of each course allowed me to work at my own pace and within my schedule, which honored me as a student, working professional, and a mom. A large majority of the coursework was either directly related or closely related to our dissertation, thus making the work meaningful.”
The level of support provided by the DEAL program faculty shaped her entire experience. Throughout her coursework and research, she found an environment where professors understood the realities of pursuing a doctoral degree while working and raising a family. They met students where they were. Dr. Bergin explains that the “caliber of the professors, the embedded dissertation, and the support from the entire program” made a tremendous difference.
She also noted that the program encouraged her to develop her professional skills and strengthen her spiritual life. The combination of bringing faith and purpose together created a learning journey that felt both personal and practical.
The DEAL program helped Bergin develop her leadership skills and gain new insight into how schools and systems operate, as well as how educators can support learners and fellow educators. In her role as an instructional coach, she works closely with teachers to help them hone their skills and grow in their effectiveness as educators. Her doctoral work strengthened the tools and skills she uses daily.
She also teaches as an adjunct professor for SNU. Here, she can extend her impact by investing in the next generation of educators. This connection between study and practice has made her coursework even more meaningful.
Having completed her doctoral degree, Dr. Bergin feels well prepared for the future. She said, “I feel empowered and know that I will have access to opportunities down the road that would not have previously been possible.” She exudes confidence and excitement about what the future holds. This degree has provided her with a foundation for leadership and opened doors to future opportunities as both a leader and an educator.
Looking back at her time in the DEAL program, Bergin feels grateful for what she has gained and for the faculty who supported her throughout her studies. “I am blessed beyond measure by the support and encouragement I received along my doctoral journey,” she shared. “Thank you to the DEAL program professors and faculty for creating such a wonderful program.”
Dr. Bergin’s story is one of perseverance, growth, and dedication. She pursued her doctoral degree while balancing family life and full-time work in education, all while modeling the importance of lifelong learning for her children, students, and colleagues. Her achievements highlight what can happen when faith and purpose meet, and when learners are supported by faculty who genuinely care.
Her journey shows that it is never too late to pursue a dream and that education can open doors for those who follow where curiosity leads. Today, Dr. Paige Bergin stands as a proud graduate of SNU’s Doctorate of Education in Administration and Leadership program, ready to continue influencing education in Oklahoma and beyond.