Abilene Christian University president Dr. Royce Money will retire May 31, 2010, and transition into a role as ACU’s chancellor. Money, the university’s 10th president, has been leading his alma mater since 1991, and announced his intentions to members of the Board of Trustees during their spring meeting, May 16.
In a message sent to faculty and staff, Money wrote, "We are excited about the future of ACU and believe its best years are still ahead. Our 21st Century Vision has been successfully launched - even in challenging times - and we are well on our way of becoming the premier university for the education of Christ-centered, global leaders."
During Money’s tenure, ACU awarded 15,643 degrees, its endowment increased from $55 million to a current $236 million, and the university received more than $300 million in operating, capital and endowment gifts.
Academic excellence has been a priority for Money’s administration, and ACU’s national reputation has grown substantially. In 2009, ACU continued its top-tier ranking in the U.S. News & World Report on "America's Best Colleges," and was ranked No. 1 for innovative leadership within the magazine’s 16-state west region. The university has been consistently listed as "America’s 100 Best College Buys," and has been nationally recognized for its commitment to service by earning a spot on the 2008 President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll.
The university's commitment to transforming the 21st century classroom has brought worldwide attention to the university through its innovative Mobile Learning Initiative. ACU's global presence has been enhanced with online degree programs and the expansion of a Study Abroad program to feature three permanent locations in England, Uruguay and Germany. Much has changed since Money began as president in 1991. ACU's diversity in its student body has increased significantly, nearly doubling over the last 18 years.
One of the things Money is most proud of is the people who make up the ACU community. "The real heart of this university is its talented and selfless people, each committed to a cause larger than any of us: partners with God in the inspiring work of transforming students into the likeness of Christ," Money said in his email to faculty and staff. "It is a high calling and one worthy of the best in our lives. Thank you for allowing us to serve alongside you."
New facilities and features developed during his administration include the Bob and Shirley Hunter Welcome Center, the Williams Performing Arts Center, the Diane and John Duncum Center for Conflict Resolution, A.B. Barret Hall, Wells Softball Field, Teague Special Events Center, Jacob’s Dream sculpture site, Faubus Fountain Lake, and the Lunsford Foundation Trail.
Money’s commitment to the enhancement of students’ living and learning environment has resulted in major renovations of facilities across campus, including the Learning Commons and Gaines B. Stanley Sr. Theological Reading in Brown Library, the Education Building, McGlothlin Campus Center, Edwards Hall for men and Sikes Hall for women, the World Famous Bean cafeteria, and Sanders Intramural Field.
The board will appoint a Presidential Search Committee to begin a national search. The committee will include representatives from the Board of Trustees, administration, faculty, staff, students and alumni. The Board plans to name the new president by spring 2010.
Money joined the ACU faculty in 1981 as an associate professor of marriage and family therapy. He moved to the Bible department in 1984 to help develop and direct the ministry program. He was named chair of the undergraduate Bible and ministry department in 1986, and he became chair of the graduate Bible and ministry department and ACU"s first director of the Doctor of Ministry program in 1987. Money then served as executive assistant to the president and in 1988 became vice president and provost. He became president of the university in 1991, succeeding Dr. William J. Teague.
Money married Pam Handy Jan. 23, 1965, in San Antonio. They have two married daughters who are also graduates of ACU, Alison Elliott and Jennifer Crisp, and five grandchildren.
If you are a member of the media who would like more information about this release, please contact ACU's Public Relations Office or call (325) 674-2692.
