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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
Halbert National golf course

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

abigail countess portrait

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

Service learning at ACU challenges students to make a global difference

Service learning – a hallmark of the Abilene Christian University experience – is one of the many reasons U.S. News & World Report has again recognized ACU among the nation’s best in its 2026 rankings. For the seventh consecutive year, ACU earned top marks in the “Programs That Enhance Student Experience” category, including ranking #11 … Continued

Academic News

Dr. Jason Morris headshot (thumbnail)

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

Janet Donaldson

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

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

Alumni News

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

Larry Autrey

ACU Names New Trustees

Abilene Christian University recently added three new members to its Board of Trustees, the university’s governing body. Larry G. Autrey (’18 MBA) retired as executive chairman of Whitley Penn, a large regional public accounting firm he led for 25 years, growing it from a single market firm to the 34th largest firm in the country … 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

Campus News

Students, faculty, staff walk into New Light Baptist Church

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

picture of the city of washington, north carolina

ACU Announces Partnership with the City of Washington, North Carolina

Dallas, Texas– Abilene Christian University (ACU) and the City of Washington, North Carolina,  are excited to announce a new, transformative partnership designed to create educational opportunities for municipal employees. The mission of this partnership is to forge academic opportunities for city employees to strengthen their knowledge and professional skills to better serve their community.   ACU … Continued

The College of Learning and Development’s Signature Pedagogy

At Abilene Christian University, the College of Learning and Development is dedicated to preparing leaders who can bring about meaningful change in districts and organizations. Our work is rooted in the belief that leadership is more than acquiring knowledge and skills; it is about formation and development. The College of Learning and Development’s Signature Pedagogy … Continued

Rachel Slaymaker smiling in headshot.

Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Rachel Slaymaker

For Dr. Rachel Slaymaker, social work is more than a profession; it is a mission-driven calling rooted in her Christian faith and nearly two decades of practice and academic experience. As the Program Director for Abilene Christian University’s Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW), Dr. Slaymaker has dedicated her career to meeting individuals in … Continued