ACU remembers longtime biology professor

Dr. John C. Little, professor emeritus of biology at Abilene Christian University, passed away Oct. 7 in Abilene.

"John was a patient and effective instructor," said Dr. Jim Nichols, chair of the biology department at ACU. "He was knowledgeable and capable of helping students understand complicated material, and was an effective guide and mentor to many students, especially those interested in the health professions."

Little earned an associate's degree in education from Florida Christian College in 1956, a bachelor's degree in 1959 and master's degree in 1964 in biology from ACU, and a doctorate in anatomy from the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston in 1971.

While a student at ACU, Little served as editor-in-chief of the Prickly Pear, and was a member of the Alpha Chi and Kappa Delta Pi honor societies.

Before Little returned to teach at Abilene Christian, he taught general science in the Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District in Parr, Texas, from 1959–1961.

In 1961, Little began his long tenure with ACU, first as an assistant instructor of biology and later promoted to professor in 1979. Little became chair of the department in 1984. Little also authored numerous articles on reproductive endocrinology that appeared in state, national and international scientific journals.

For 12 years, Little served as the premedical adviser and chair of the Health Professions Advisory Committee at ACU. During that time, more than 200 ACU students under Little's direction were accepted into medical schools, and more than 90 into dental schools.

"He was a masterful teacher," said Dr. Perry Reeves, professor of chemistry and premedical adviser at ACU. "Students would say he was difficult, but he prepared them well for professional school."

Little was an active member and frequent committee chair of the state and national associations for the Advisers for the Health Professions, and served as project director of a study of medical school applicants in Texas.

He received many honors during his career, including ACU’s "Outstanding Professor Award" in 1985, "Outstanding Service Award" in 1990 by the Texas Association of Advisers for the Health Professions, as well as ACU's "Teacher of the Year" in 1995.

Little was also very involved in foreign mission work.

"John left a legacy of his commitment to mission work," said Reeves. "This legacy played out in all his children, with each of them serving a stint of weeks to years in the mission field. John not only preached it, but he lived it."

Little is survived by his wife, Ann, their four children, Alicia, Ellen, Jan and Andrew, and four grandchildren.

Visitation will be held 5-7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 10 at the Hamil Family Funeral Home on Buffalo Gap in Abilene. Graveside services are scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 11 at 11 a.m. in Cedar Hill Cemetery (E.N. 10th and Treadaway), with a Memorial Service to follow at 4 p.m. at Hillcrest Church of Christ in Abilene.

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) 674-2696.