Features
ACU Awards Honorary Doctorate to Entertainer Amy Grant
A defining ACU experience: Study Abroad in action
When Langley Smith boarded her flight to Uruguay to study abroad, she expected a semester of travel and new scenery. What she didn’t anticipate was how deeply the experience would reshape her sense of identity, community and calling. Smith’s first study abroad experience was to ACU’s hub location in Montevideo, Uruguay, in Fall 2023. Later, … Continued
Abilene Christian Intercollegiate to debut in October 2026 at Halbert National
Officials from Abilene Christian University Athletics, Golf Channel and HNS Sports Group announced on Wednesday a multi-year partnership to host a new collegiate golf tournament, the Abilene Christian Intercollegiate. The competition will be held annually at Halbert National in Granbury, Texas. The inaugural event will take place October 19-21, 2026. The three-day tournament will feature … Continued
Students find special community in ACU’s Honors College
When senior Abigail Countess arrived on the Abilene Christian University campus four years ago, she didn’t yet know where to find her classrooms or how to navigate college life. But she did know one thing: she wanted community. She found it in the Honors College, surrounded by classmates who shared her curiosity, drive and faith … Continued
Academic News
Research, Creativity on Display at ACU Research Festival
More than 140 students from Abilene Christian University and other nearby schools presented a variety of research findings and creative projects April 7 at ACU’s 18th annual Undergraduate Research, Creativity and Innovation Festival. A related event – the Excellence in Oratory Forum – took place the night before the festival, showcasing students’ public speaking skills. … Continued
ACU Dean Awarded Fulbright Scholar Grant to Taiwan
Dr. Jason Morris, dean of the Honors College and director of Lynay at Abilene Christian University, has been awarded a prestigious Fulbright International Education Administrators (IEA) grant to Taiwan. This marks Morris’s third Fulbright award, highlighting his continued commitment to global engagement and academic excellence. The Fulbright IEA Program supports U.S. higher education administrators in … Continued
ACU Names New VP for Research, Library Dean
Abilene Christian University recently announced two new hirings in academic leadership positions: vice president for research and dean of library services and educational technology. Dr. Janet Donaldson began work in January as ACU’s vice president for research, and Dr. Lee Anne Paris has been appointed dean of library services and educational technology, effective Aug. 1, … Continued
Alumni News
ACU Presents Alumni Awards to Dude Perfect Editor, Medical School CEO
Abilene Christian University presented its two highest alumni honors at the annual Alumni Day Luncheon, Sunday, March 29, to John Warner, M.D., CEO of The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and executive vice president at Ohio State, and to Tim Holt, vice president of post production for Dude Perfect. Tim Holt, Young Alumnus of … Continued
ACU Awards Honorary Doctorate to Entertainer Amy Grant
Abilene Christian University presented six-time Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter Amy Grant with an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree March 28 at the university’s annual President’s Circle Dinner. Grant also performed at the event, which honors ACU’s most generous donors. The honorary degree recognizes her extraordinary contributions to contemporary Christian music and her enduring … Continued
ACU launches inaugural Founder Awards honoring business, entrepreneurial leadership
The Griggs Center for Entrepreneurship and Philanthropy at Abilene Christian University announced the launch of the inaugural ACU Founder Awards, a new annual tradition recognizing exceptional alumni founders and alumni-led businesses. Nominations are now open. “The ACU Founder Awards will spotlight the fastest-growing businesses, as well as emerging companies and founders from among ACU alumni,” … Continued
Campus News
Speakers, Events Planned for ACU’s Black History Month
During the month of February, Abilene Christian University will celebrate Black History Month with guest speakers, social events, a local bus tour and other student and faculty activities. Several ACU groups collaborated to plan and host the events, including the Office of Intercultural Engagement and Belonging, the Black Student Union, the Adams Center for Teaching … Continued
ACU to host collaborative U.S.-China art exhibition, dialogue
Abilene Christian University and The Grace Museum will host visiting Chinese artists and dignitaries from Jan. 15-17 for collaborative exhibitions, a public dialogue and a live painting experience, all part of an intercultural project conceived by Robert Green (’79), department chair and professor of art and design at ACU. The show in ACU’s Shore Gallery, … Continued
Lilly Endowment awards $1 million to support efforts of ACU Graduate School of Theology
Abilene Christian University has received a grant of $1 million from Lilly Endowment Inc. to support the expansion and sustainability of the Ministry Residency Program in the Graduate School of Theology. Lilly Endowment made the grant through its Pathways for Tomorrow Initiative, which is intended to help theological schools across the United States and Canada … Continued
ACU Online
ACU’s New Partnership with Region 3 ESC
Abilene Christian University is honored to announce a new partnership with the Region 3 Education Service Center (ESC). This partnership will continue to support ACU’s commitment to enabling communities and students to further their education and careers through higher education. Region 3 ESC provides professional development and innovative learning solutions to schools, equipping students with … Continued
Student Spotlight: Jesus Vargas
After more than three decades in law enforcement, Jesse Vargas has seen just about everything a career in public safety can offer. From working in narcotics task forces to serving as a chief of police, his 31-year career has been defined by service, sacrifice and an unwavering commitment to protecting his community. Today, he’s a … Continued
Student Spotlight: Nick Dill
For Nick Dill, sports have always been more than just passion. Sports have shaped his life, career and now, his future. Whether it was playing or watching sports, Nick always felt a strong connection to the game. Nick grew up immersed in athletics. He went on to attend Northwestern Oklahoma State University, where he earned … Continued