Features
Students in business consulting class make global impact in Costa Rica
Graduate overcomes childhood challenges, takes leadership roles at ACU
Hermela Aregay, social work graduate originally from Eritrea, embodies resilience, perseverance and a passion for others. Hermela and her family moved from the East African country of Eritrea to Dallas when she was eight years old, presenting the obstacles of learning a new culture. Along with this challenge, in her teenage years, she was diagnosed … Continued
Determined first-generation student finds faith, community amid adversity
Matias Montanes, a first-generation international student from Spain, will graduate from Abilene Christian University this weekend, taking with him much more than a diploma. A tennis scholarship brought Matias to Abilene, Texas – a place he knew nothing about. Despite minimal knowledge of the English language, he traveled to the U.S. with a passion for … Continued
ACU Admissions launches new podcast
The Abilene Christian University Admissions office launched a new podcast – “Welcome to ACU: Stories from Wildcats Around the World” – to help introduce prospective students to the university. The first episode was released Nov. 1. ACU students Allysa Wiley, sophomore psychology major from Spring, and Ben Mercer, junior social work major from Harker Heights, … Continued
Academic News
ACU announces new dean for College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Dr. Rachael Milligan has been named the new dean of the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences at Abilene Christian University. Milligan joins ACU from Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee, where she has served in various leadership roles, including assistant dean for innovative programs and partnerships in the College of Education and executive director … Continued
NRC completes environmental assessment of ACU NEXT Lab
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) recently completed its environmental assessment of Abilene Christian University’s Nuclear Energy eXperimental Testing (NEXT) Lab, a significant milestone in its goal to build a Molten Salt Research Reactor (MSRR). NEXT Lab – in collaboration with Natura Resources – has set out to design, license and commission an MSRR to be … Continued
NEXT Lab director gains access, insight into U.S. Nuclear Navy operations
Abilene Christian University is breaking new ground with its Nuclear Energy eXperimental Testing Laboratory, or NEXT Lab, creating exciting opportunities for students and faculty. A key example is Dr. Rusty Towell’s recent invitation to the U.S. Navy’s Distinguished Visitor Program, allowing a behind-the-scenes look at the world’s most experienced operator of nuclear reactors. As part … Continued
Alumni News
ACU adds new trustees to governing board
Abilene Christian University added two new members to its Board of Trustees, effective Jan. 28. Kate (Petty ’91) Dalton graduated from ACU with a degree in accounting, and she worked in Texas and Connecticut as a CPA and a financial analyst before moving to part-time work with her own accounting business while raising two children … Continued
ACU Remembers: Don W. Hood
Don Wade Hood (’55), former Abilene Christian University track and field head coach whose athletes won national championships, set world records and achieved Olympic success, died Feb. 9, 2024, in Abilene, Texas, at age 90. Visitation with the family is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 15, from 6-8 p.m. at Elliott Hamil Funeral Home (5701 U.S. … Continued
ACU Remembers: Barbara Bates
Longtime benefactor and former Abilene Christian University trustee Barbara Jo Allan “Barbie” Bates (’61) died Jan. 6, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas, at age 85. A Celebration of Life service will be held Jan. 27 at 1 p.m. at Sunset Memorial Park and Funeral Home, followed by a reception. She was born Dec. 19, 1938, … Continued
Campus News
FilmFest celebrates 20th anniversary with record-setting event
FilmFest returned to the Paramount Theatre April 19 to celebrate its 20th year promoting student filmmaking. This was a record year for FilmFest with 40 submitted scripts and 27 submitted films leading to the Gala premiere of 16 narrative, documentary and animated films. During the evening, students received awards for excellence in filmmaking in 15 … Continued
ACU professor to benefit from annual Kirk Goodwin Run
Dr. Cindy Roper, professor of communication at Abilene Christian University, will be the beneficiary of this year’s Kirk Goodwin Run, a nonprofit event sponsored by ACU’s Galaxy fraternity. The run, which annually raises funds to assist people facing ongoing medical expenses, will take place May 4 at 7 p.m. at the Hunter Welcome Center. In … Continued
ACU’s net assets surpass $1 billion
Abilene Christian University’s net assets now total more than $1 billion, marking a new level of financial health and stability. The university reached the billion-dollar milestone in November, thanks in part to the generosity of donors during ACU’s Higher Ground campaign, as well as the outstanding performance of the university’s endowment, said Lori Herrick, chief … Continued
ACU Online
Tips for Acing The Interview
Finishing your degree is a great accomplishment. Finding a job afterward can be the tricky part. According to a report by the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce, 72% of jobs require postsecondary education or training, and 42% of jobs require a bachelor’s degree. As such, you can certainly expect to have your … Continued
Why Become a Marriage and Family Therapist?
Therapy is one of the most sought after services within the past few years. More than 40 million Americans received mental health treatment, including 15.8% who have reported taking prescription medication and 9.5% who received counseling or therapy from a mental health professional in 2019. Throughout the years, the importance of therapy has left many … Continued
Faculty Spotlight: Drew Davis
Known for her smiling demeanor and love for children, Drew Davis, adjunct professor in the online Child and Family Services program, is someone who wants to make a difference in big and small ways. Whether she’s teaching undergraduate students the significance of child development, driving her kids to preschool, or serving as a child life … Continued