Ever since she fell in love with reading as a child, Cynthia Dollins, EdD has cultivated a life-long pursuit toward literacy studies with the aim of increasing every student’s access to books. Dollins, who has earned multiple degrees in education, has devoted her career to transforming lives through literature. At Azusa Pacific University, she equips graduate students with the tools to spread God’s love by appreciating the voices of those who share their stories.
Originally from Alhambra, Calif., Dollins spent a majority of her childhood getting lost in books she read from the library. “My mom instilled an appreciation for reading, so early on I felt called to help people discover the power of words,” she said. “Everyone deserves to witness the beauty of what words can do. Books open the mind to a world of new perspectives.”
Dollins began teaching elementary school after earning a BA in Liberal Studies from Cal Poly Pomona. “I immediately loved my students, and even though I thought I was finished with my own education, God led me to keep learning more in order to provide the most I possibly could to each student,” she said. Dollins earned three teaching credentials, an MA in Education, and an MS in Educational Administration. While she was the principal of an elementary school, Dollins’ superintendent asked when she would be getting her doctorate. “I guess now,” Dollins said. She went to Pepperdine for an EdD in Leadership, Administration, and Policy.
Dollins is driven to advocate for literacy in all her endeavors. She fondly looks back on her days as a principal when she initiated “literacy nights” for students and parents to get together and engage in reading and writing in different languages to uplift multiculturalism. Her passion for expanding students’ possibilities led Dollins to write a book, The ABC’s of Literacy: Preparing Our Children for Lifelong Learning. As a guide for parents and early childhood educators, Dollins’ book covers the best methods for selecting books that are enjoyable and enriching for children.
In 2019, Dollins applied for an adjunct professor position at APU, seeking a role that would allow her to embrace her faith through her vocation, and was offered a full time role. “God truly called me to APU, and I listened attentively. I’m grateful I can incorporate faith in my profession, showing students how they can do the same thing,” she said. Dollins teaches graduate students in the School of Education, instructing courses in curriculum development, classroom management, and philosophy of education. She emphasizes the importance of modeling Christian principles through one’s actions. “If we select the right books to read with children, even secular stories can reveal Christ-like character. Most importantly, we share God’s love by showing it in who we are.”
When asked what she hopes students carry throughout their careers, Dollins expressed the vitality of developing strong connections. “Jesus was the best teacher, and he connected with the people he taught. So I hope educators build strong relationships with the students who enter their classrooms,” Dollins said. She encourages students to embody Christian practices by illustrating love, care, and concern to every student they meet. “One big way educators can share love is by learning their students’ stories and sharing their own. We must understand people in order to love them well.”
Dollins’ God-given love for storytelling has taken her across many journeys throughout her career, all rooted in sharing the power of words with students. While Dollins has been impacted by many stories across time and place, her own story of advocating for literacy in schools has touched the lives of countless students. By answering God’s call, Dollins models what it means to be a difference maker.