About Destiny Leadership University

 At Destiny Leadership University, leadership development is a progression. Our programs are designed to guide leaders from foundational formation to advanced deployment across the 7 Mountains of culture. 

Destiny Leadership University’s doctoral formation ecosystem is a two-track program designed to recognize, form, deploy, and credential seasoned leaders at the academic and vocational level.

A 25-week hybrid program delivering academic transcript evaluation, vocational assessment, Seven Mountains leadership formation, an original doctoral project, a 90-day business model execution requirement, and a formal public doctoral defense at the DLU Think Tank. Degrees are conferred through a credentialed “Partner University” pending DLU’S national accreditation.

A companion hybrid curriculum running concurrently through the 25 weeks – required for candidates with transcript deficits, elective for all others Organized into four institutes with a SAHAM AI integration thread. Every candidate – regardless of enrollment designation – completes the Vision Model Canvas (Tim Clark Business Model You™ methodology) and presents a 90-Day Doctoral Launching Plan at the doctoral defense.

Format: 25-Week Hybrid (Online + In-Person)

Cohort Schedule: Rolling Cohort Enrollment  

Degree Pathways: 

D.Min.  / Ph.D. – 7 Mountain Humanitarian

Ph.D. – Christian Counseling

Ph.D. – Community Education

Defense / Graduation: Dr. Daniel E. Haupt, Ed.D, D.Min, MBA

Contact: drhaupt@destinycommunitycenter.org 

720-610-5782  

mydlu.org

Formation Institutes

The DLU Formation Institutes provide specialized learning experiences that support the doctoral residency journey. Each institute addresses a critical dimension of leadership development—from personal formation and governance to communication and economic sustainability—ensuring that leaders are equipped not only to envision impact, but to build and sustain it.

I. Archival Formation (Weeks 1–5)

Lead: Dr. Nina Talley | Co-Lecturer: Dr. Daniel E. Haupt, EdD, PhD, D.Min

This institute establishes the foundation for doctoral formation by helping leaders uncover, organize, and interpret the experiences, influences, and insights that have shaped their calling. Through structured reflection and documentation, participants develop the narrative framework that informs their future work and leadership impact.

II. Leadership & Governance (Weeks 6–10)

Lead: Dr. Paul Thornton | Co-Lecturer: Dr. Daniel E. Haupt, EdD, PhD, D.Min

This institute equips leaders with the principles, structures, and decision-making frameworks necessary for effective leadership and organizational stewardship. Participants explore governance, accountability, strategic leadership, and the systems required to sustain mission-driven initiatives over time.

III. Communication & Writer Formation (Weeks 11–17)

Lead: Dr. Obioma Martin | Co-Lecturer: Dr. Daniel E. Haupt, EdD, PhD, D.Min

This institute develops the communication and writing competencies necessary for influence, scholarship, and leadership. Participants refine their voice, strengthen their ability to articulate vision, and learn to communicate ideas with clarity, credibility, and purpose across diverse audiences.

IV. Economic & Capital Development

Weeks 8–16 | Lead: Dr. Barbara Wright, PhD | Co-Lecturer: Dr. Daniel E. Haupt, EdD, PhD, D.Min

Formation IV equips doctoral residents with the complete capital readiness, organizational sustainability, and funding architecture needed to deploy their vision with financial legitimacy and long-term viability. Led by Dr. Barbara Wright — nationally recognized systems strategist, multimillion-dollar grant winner, and founder of Certified Dream Builder, Inc. — this Institute applies the 8 Streams of Organizational Income framework, PESTLE economic reality analysis, and the 7 Organizational Constraints theory to each resident's organization and 7 Mountains sphere.

Residents learn to write and submit fundable grant applications using the CDB All-In-One Logic Model and GrantProMax AI grant writing technology. Every resident leaves Formation IV with a submission-ready grant proposal, a sustainability plan, and a capital readiness portfolio presented at their Think Tank doctoral defense.

D.Min. – Doctor of Ministry 

Pastoral Leadership & Ministerial Excellence

For faith community builders and ministry leaders whose pastoral leadership is creating measurable community transformation. This credential legitimizes access to denominational leadership, faith-based grant funding, and institutional ministry partnerships. DLU's D.Min. pathway integrates governance formation, organizational sustainability, and doctoral research into a formation experience built for active ministry operatives.

Ph.D. – 7 Mountain Humanitarian Studies

Cultural Leadership & Societal Transformation

For leaders operating at the intersection of faith and cultural transformation across all seven mountains of influence. This credential positions leaders as recognized scholars and cultural architects whose doctoral research contributes publishable knowledge to the fields of societal leadership and kingdom cultural deployment.

Ph.D. – Christian Counseling

Soul Care, Mental Health Ministry & Therapeutic Leadership   

For soul care leaders, mental health ministry practitioners, and therapeutic leadership professionals building sustainable counseling systems within faith and community contexts. This credential opens access to clinical partnerships, grant funding, and institutional recognition for counseling-based community impact.

Ph.D. – Community, Education

Leadership, Workforce Development & Social Impact   

For workforce development directors, educational reformers, and community impact leaders building systems that expand access, opportunity, and human development. This credential directly supports federal and foundation grant eligibility for education, workforce, and social impact funding at scale.

Degrees conferred through accredited Partner University pending DLU national accreditation. DLU issues the official transcript, SHAPED™ Formational Distinction Certificate, and Program Completion at every defense. 

Cohorts begin once enrollment capacity is reached. Students will receive program start details and schedules prior to launch.

Doctoral Leadership University is guided by a distinguished faculty of scholars, practitioners, and cultural leaders who have built, led, and transformed organizations across the seven mountains of influence. More than academics, our faculty bring real-world experience, research expertise, and a commitment to developing leaders who create lasting impact in their communities and industries.

Explore the faculty who mentor, guide, and equip our candidates throughout their doctoral journey.

 Our admissions process is designed to identify motivated individuals who are eager to grow academically, professionally, and personally. We take a holistic approach, considering each applicant’s achievements, character, and potential to contribute to our community. From the initial inquiry to final enrollment, our team is committed to providing clear guidance and support every step of the way.