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1910

In January of 1910,  R.L. Whiteside, who had become the president in the fall of 1909, began a Special Bible Study Week, inviting preachers from the area and from out of town to attend. This event was the precursor to the annual Bible Lectureship.

1911

President-elect James F. Cox announced on May 16 that the school would henceforth be known as Abilene Christian Training School because the name better suited the purposes of the school, but the chartered name -- Childers Classical Institute -- remained unchanged.

Two days before the beginning of the fall semester Cox's wife fell seriously ill, and he left for Midway to stay at her bedside. His brother, A.B. Cox, acted as an interim president for the semester. As she remained ill by the beginning of the spring semester, James Cox resigned as president.

The school suffered as a result and enrollment dropped to 65 students for the spring enrollment.

1912

A good businessman was needed and found in Jesse P. Sewell, who became the president in 1912. Sewell declined the offer of a salaried position as president, opting instead to run the school as though it were a personal business enterprise. Sewell certainly didn't get rich in the deal, but the college benefitted from approximately $60,000 donated to the school by the Sewells during his 12-year presidency.

Daisy McQuigg Sewell, his wife, came as his full partner. She served as an art and Bible teacher in addition to her duties as dean of women. "Those were the days," wrote Jean Martin in a 1943 Optimist article, "when your case could be appealed from the president of the college to a higher court―that of Dean of Women."

With Sewell's presidency came a new identity for the school. He announced in 1912 that the school would be a college. The name Abilene Christian College became more commonly used in printed materials. Lawrence Smith explained that the original deed to the Childers land required that the school be named after the colonel. Childers' heirs threatened to sue if the name was changed.

Sewell spent time recruiting a strong faculty and student body. In his first year, enrollment tripled.. Also, in the school's first catalog Sewell wrote that "No student can graduate from Abilene Christian College without a thorough course in the Bible" -- thus publicizing the school's Christian commitment.

The 1912 school year witnessed the creation of several organizations, including the forerunner of the Students’ Association. Students met the first week of school to elect two members from each class for a student council. Sewell said that the council was to "exist for the mutual assistance and criticism of the students."

1913

The Optimist was born. Today, the paper is a bi-weekly publication that has earned many awards over the years.

1914

Sewell's leadership brought the college out of debt. Four new brick buildings, an enlarged administration building, six frame structures and an increased enrollment of about 300 students during his final term enlarged the campus. Sewell's reign also resulted in accreditation as a junior college in 1914.

1917

The Prickly Pear was first introduced. Bellah Philpott served as its first editor.

A contract was taken out for the first men's dormitory, to be named Zellner Hall. In just two years, it had to be converted to women's housing.

1918

The first annual Bible Lectureship took place Jan. 7-11, 1918. A blizzard caused the last evening's service to be canceled, beginning a long tradition of challenging weather during Lectureship.

An excerpt from the 1918-19 catalog reads as follows:

ARE YOU WANTED?

It would be ideal if a school could be found in which there were no sports, dudes, idlers, shallow-brains, busybodies in everything except that for which they were sent to school. We are anxious to help, but if you are "going off to school" to see how much of "the old man's money" you can spend; or if you think you must slip out at night and see how many fool things you can learn; or if you think a little learning a dangerous thing, and are going to fight against getting any at all, or if your shoes are too highly polished to put under a school table, your hair too well combed to run your fingers through, your trousers too well pressed to sit any place except in the parlor; or if you have too many suits to stay in your room, please allow us to save you money, time, and embarrassment. A.C.C. has no place for you, and will not suffer the student body to study with you. Experience has taught us that we can do such students no good. We are not opposed to students looking neat, clean, and tidy. Taste and common sense are encouraged in dress.

(From No Ordinary University, Dr. John C. Stevens)

 1919

The Institute received accreditation as a senior college. A new administration building was completed with a large auditorium, library and study hall, two offices and 20 rooms.

The Wildcat mascot was adopted by nominations from the student body. The top two suggestions were Antelopes and Wildcats.

This was the first year for intercollegiate football. The first season consisted of four games -- two won and two lost. After the season was over, the student body began campaigning for funds to purchase land for a playing field. They raised $6,300 with which they purchased land and built Wildcat Park across the railroad west of the campus.