Online education is evolving to meet the changing needs of today’s learners, offering greater flexibility, career-focused learning, and meaningful support for students balancing work, family, and other commitments. At American College of Healthcare Sciences (ACHS), these priorities are at the heart of an online learning experience designed to prepare students for careers in integrative health.
In this interview, Dr. Lori Holdren, Dean of General Education at ACHS, shares her insights on student success, leadership, and the future of online wellness education. She discusses emerging trends in higher education, the value of lifelong learning, and how integrative health professionals can prepare for an evolving workforce.
Meet Dr. Lori Holdren
Can you share a little about your background and your role at ACHS?
I’ve spent more than 30 years in higher education, beginning as a mathematics professor before transitioning into curriculum design and academic leadership. Throughout my career, I’ve been passionate about helping students succeed by creating meaningful learning experiences.
Today, as Dean of General Education at ACHS, I oversee General Education faculty, lead curriculum design and continuous improvement, collaborate with subject-matter experts to ensure academic quality, and develop engaging learning experiences that prepare students for careers in integrative health and wellness. I also work closely with colleagues across the college to support student success and innovation in online education.
What first inspired your interest in education and integrative wellness?
My passion for education began as a graduate teaching assistant in mathematics, where I discovered how rewarding it was to help students overcome challenges and build confidence. That passion grew from teaching individual courses into designing learning experiences that make complex ideas accessible, encourage critical thinking, and support student success.
When I joined ACHS, I taught mathematics as the college expanded its bachelor’s degree offerings, and I was soon invited to serve as Dean of General Education due to my experience in curriculum development, accreditation, and academic leadership. While integrative health was new to me professionally, I had experienced its value personally through evidence-informed approaches that supported the health and performance of my agility dogs. Combining that interest with the opportunity to create innovative learning experiences for adult students made ACHS a natural fit.
What continues to keep you passionate about supporting students and higher education today?
The most rewarding part of my work is seeing what our students accomplish after graduation. Our graduates make meaningful contributions through education, clinical practice, entrepreneurship, advocacy, and wellness leadership.
Knowing that something we helped them learn contributes to that impact is incredibly fulfilling. I also appreciate ACHS’s commitment to evidence-informed practice and enjoy seeing graduates bring thoughtful, research-informed approaches to the clients and communities they serve.
The ACHS Student Experience
What makes the ACHS student experience unique?
One of the defining features of the ACHS experience is that online learning is intentionally designed to be engaging, practical, and connected to students’ future careers. Rather than simply memorizing information, students complete authentic projects and hands-on learning activities that allow them to apply what they’re learning in meaningful ways.
Equally important is ACHS’s student-centered culture. Faculty and staff work collaboratively to help students succeed, recognizing that many learners are balancing careers, families, military service, and other responsibilities while pursuing their education.
What do today’s students seem to be looking for most from higher education, and how does ACHS support those priorities?
Today’s students are seeking education that is flexible, meaningful, and connected to their personal and professional goals. They want more than knowledge—they want practical skills, confidence, and the ability to apply what they’ve learned to make an impact in their careers and communities.
At ACHS, flexibility is intentionally built into the learning experience to support students with diverse responsibilities. Beyond flexible scheduling, students benefit from a supportive academic community where faculty provide guidance and feedback, and resources like Student Services, Peer Mentors, tutoring, library support, and wellness services help students stay engaged and succeed.
What role does community play in student success at ACHS?
Community is an essential part of the online learning experience at ACHS.
Although students learn remotely, they are never learning alone. Through Welcome Week activities, Student Success Seminars, career webinars, discussion boards, Zoom sessions, and other interactive events, students build relationships with faculty, classmates, and staff that foster collaboration, belonging, and long-term professional connections.
Industry Insights & Educational Trends
How is higher education evolving alongside changes in healthcare and workforce needs?
Higher education is changing rapidly as healthcare, technology, and workforce expectations continue to evolve. Advances in artificial intelligence are transforming both how students learn and how healthcare professionals access, evaluate, and apply information.
As a result, educational programs must prepare graduates with more than disciplinary knowledge. Today’s professionals need strong critical thinking, communication, research literacy, and the ability to use emerging technologies responsibly. In healthcare, especially, lifelong learning is essential as new evidence, technologies, and best practices continue to shape the profession.
What trends are shaping the future of online learning and wellness education, and what skills are becoming increasingly important for graduates entering today’s workforce?
Higher education is increasingly focused on authentic, applied learning experiences that help students solve real-world problems and understand how coursework connects to their future careers. At the same time, emerging technologies like artificial intelligence are creating new opportunities to support learning, while wellness education continues to emphasize evidence-informed practice and research literacy.
Beyond technical expertise, employers are seeking graduates who can communicate effectively, think critically, collaborate, and adapt to change. Skills like evaluating new evidence, solving problems, and continuing to learn throughout a career are becoming essential for success in healthcare and wellness professions.
How is ACHS adapting to changing student expectations and industry demands?
ACHS continually evaluates and updates its curriculum to ensure programs remain relevant to both student needs and the evolving integrative health profession.
Faculty collaborate with subject-matter experts, employers, alumni, and industry leaders to strengthen curriculum and create authentic learning experiences. Students develop practical skills while building research literacy, professional communication, and the confidence needed to contribute meaningfully to their professions and communities after graduation.
What opportunities do you see emerging within integrative health and wellness education?
Integrative health offers a tremendous opportunity as healthcare continues to shift toward prevention, healthy aging, mental wellness, and personalized care. There is growing demand for professionals who can integrate evidence-informed complementary approaches, collaborate with conventional healthcare providers, and empower individuals to make informed decisions that support lifelong health and well-being.
Advice for Students & Future Professionals
What advice would you give someone considering online education or a career in integrative wellness?
Stay curious. I encourage prospective students to remain open to learning, challenge their own assumptions, and embrace opportunities to grow. While online education requires self-discipline, it also provides tremendous flexibility and opportunities to connect with professionals from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
Education doesn’t end at graduation. The most successful wellness professionals continue asking questions, evaluating new evidence, and seeking new ways to better serve their communities throughout their careers.
What can students do today to strengthen their career readiness and professional confidence?
Career readiness develops through experience. I encourage students to actively participate in discussions, attend webinars, seek feedback, ask questions, and look for opportunities to apply what they’re learning outside the classroom.
Professional confidence grows over time through practice, reflection, and continuous learning. Developing strong communication, research, and critical thinking skills provides a foundation that will benefit graduates throughout their careers, regardless of where those careers lead.
Looking Ahead
What excites you most about the future of ACHS?
The college’s commitment to continuous improvement excites me the most. As higher education and healthcare continue to evolve, ACHS remains focused on strengthening curriculum, embracing new technologies, expanding student support, and ensuring academic programs remain aligned with the needs of both students and the professions they serve.
What opportunities will shape the next generation of wellness professionals?
The greatest opportunities will belong to professionals who remain lifelong learners. As healthcare increasingly emphasizes prevention, healthy aging, mental well-being, and personalized care, wellness professionals who combine compassion with strong communication and critical thinking skills will be uniquely positioned to educate, collaborate, and empower individuals to make informed health decisions.
Those who successfully bridge traditional wellness approaches with emerging scientific evidence and technology will help shape the future of integrative healthcare.
Quick Wellness Round
What wellness practice do you personally prioritize?
I prioritize staying physically active and making healthy food choices. After undergoing meniscus and spinal fusion surgeries, I’ve become especially committed to maintaining strength and mobility. I work with a personal trainer each week, focusing on core-strengthening exercises that help me stay healthy and continue enjoying the activities I love.
Is there a philosophy, book, or mentor that has influenced your leadership style?
I credit two major influences. The first was the dedicated 4-H leaders who mentored me as a young person, teaching the importance of service, responsibility, and helping others grow. The second has been the many academic leaders I have worked alongside throughout my career.
Together, those experiences shaped my belief that leadership is about supporting others, fostering collaboration, and creating opportunities for people to succeed.
What’s something students may be surprised to learn about you?
Many students don’t realize I have been involved in dog agility for more than 30 years. I actively compete with my own dogs, judge American Kennel Club agility competitions across the United States, and have volunteered as a 4-H dog project leader for more than three decades.
Explore Online Learning at ACHS
Whether you’re beginning your educational journey or looking to advance your career, ACHS offers flexible online programs designed to help you achieve your goals while balancing work, family, and life.
With evidence-informed curriculum, supportive faculty, hands-on learning experiences, and a vibrant online community, ACHS prepares students to become confident leaders in integrative health and wellness.
Ready to take the next step?
