A Legacy of Transformation

Dr. Dunne’s impact extends beyond the walls of CVCU. Over the past two decades, she has founded more than 30 homeschool academies across the United States, partnering with local churches to provide educational alternatives that align with Christian values. “We have partnered with parents and the local church to establish these institutions,” she says. “Our goal now is to have one in every county across the United States, 3,144 in total over the next decade.”

This vision is encapsulated in the Academic Rescue Mission (ARM), which encompasses educational demographics from preschool through college. ARM focuses on mentor-driven, locally governed, parent-directed education systems that provide individualized, Socratic education for the next generation.

Embracing the Future

Looking ahead, Dr. Dunne is not resting on her laurels. The upcoming launch of Veritas Christian Community College in 2025 marks a significant expansion of CVCU’s mission. This community college is dedicated to 8th to 12th-grade homeschooling students, allowing them to gain dual enrollment credit while in high school and graduate with most or all of their college degree completed.

“Looking toward 2025 in education, we see a crossroads for private educational institutions,” Dr. Dunne observes. “In 2024, one private college a month was closing, often because of bad choices in faculty hiring or extraordinarily overpriced academic programs. In 2025, that number jumped to one closure per week. That could sound disheartening, but in reality, 2025 is a year of hope and promise for entrepreneurs and education.”

She continues, “The ecosystem is ripe with opportunities, especially for those who are willing to think through the lens of the youngest generation. They are debt-averse. They are depressed and anxious. They need mentors and role models to speak into their lives. A screen does not have that same capacity for apprenticeship, membership, discipleship. They need our time and attention in order to become the best version of themselves.”

A Personal Commitment

Beyond her professional achievements, Dr. Dunne’s personal life reflects the values she espouses. Married for 35 years, she and her husband Adrian have raised two intelligent and compassionate children, both of whom were homeschooled. “Although these are great accolades, I count my greatest successes as being married 35 years and having raised two amazing children who are now intelligent, compassionate adults,” she shares.

Her dedication to personal growth and leadership development is reflected in her curated selection of books, podcasts, and resources. Dr. Dunne emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, stating, “There are a number of books, podcasts, and resources that I would recommend to aspiring leaders.” However, she underscores that knowledge alone isn’t sufficient. “Books aren’t enough. We need to be surrounded by leaders and mentors who will call us up to greatness.”

The Heart of a Leader

At the core of Dr. Dunne’s leadership philosophy is the concept of hope. ““Hope is the thing with feathers that perches on the soul.” It’s a fitting metaphor for her mission—lifting students from anxiety to agency, from debt to freedom, from disengagement to discovery.

The success of Chula Vista Christian University and Veritas Christian Community College serves as a beacon for what is possible when education is reimagined. It is a testament to the power of visionary leadership and the transformative impact of a faith-based, mentorship-driven educational model.

In the words of Dr. Dunne, “Through the right education system, we can discover our design and find meaning in life.” As her work continues to inspire and transform, it is clear that the future of education is in capable hands.