Features
Students in business consulting class make global impact in Costa Rica
Graduate overcomes childhood challenges, takes leadership roles at ACU
Hermela Aregay, social work graduate originally from Eritrea, embodies resilience, perseverance and a passion for others. Hermela and her family moved from the East African country of Eritrea to Dallas when she was eight years old, presenting the obstacles of learning a new culture. Along with this challenge, in her teenage years, she was diagnosed … Continued
Determined first-generation student finds faith, community amid adversity
Matias Montanes, a first-generation international student from Spain, will graduate from Abilene Christian University this weekend, taking with him much more than a diploma. A tennis scholarship brought Matias to Abilene, Texas – a place he knew nothing about. Despite minimal knowledge of the English language, he traveled to the U.S. with a passion for … Continued
ACU Admissions launches new podcast
The Abilene Christian University Admissions office launched a new podcast – “Welcome to ACU: Stories from Wildcats Around the World” – to help introduce prospective students to the university. The first episode was released Nov. 1. ACU students Allysa Wiley, sophomore psychology major from Spring, and Ben Mercer, junior social work major from Harker Heights, … Continued
Academic News
NRC completes environmental assessment of ACU NEXT Lab
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) recently completed its environmental assessment of Abilene Christian University’s Nuclear Energy eXperimental Testing (NEXT) Lab, a significant milestone in its goal to build a Molten Salt Research Reactor (MSRR). NEXT Lab – in collaboration with Natura Resources – has set out to design, license and commission an MSRR to be … Continued
NEXT Lab director gains access, insight into U.S. Nuclear Navy operations
Abilene Christian University is breaking new ground with its Nuclear Energy eXperimental Testing Laboratory, or NEXT Lab, creating exciting opportunities for students and faculty. A key example is Dr. Rusty Towell’s recent invitation to the U.S. Navy’s Distinguished Visitor Program, allowing a behind-the-scenes look at the world’s most experienced operator of nuclear reactors. As part … Continued
Cornyn visits ACU’s NEXT Lab, praises nuclear research
U.S. Sen. John Cornyn visited Abilene Christian University’s Nuclear Energy eXperimental Testing Laboratory (NEXT Lab) April 2 to learn more about ACU’s research into advanced molten salt reactors, sponsored by Natura Resources. Cornyn toured the new Dillard Science and Engineering Research Center where nuclear research is underway and where the reactor will be housed. He … Continued
Alumni News
ACU adds new trustees to governing board
Abilene Christian University added two new members to its Board of Trustees, effective Jan. 28. Kate (Petty ’91) Dalton graduated from ACU with a degree in accounting, and she worked in Texas and Connecticut as a CPA and a financial analyst before moving to part-time work with her own accounting business while raising two children … Continued
ACU Remembers: Don W. Hood
Don Wade Hood (’55), former Abilene Christian University track and field head coach whose athletes won national championships, set world records and achieved Olympic success, died Feb. 9, 2024, in Abilene, Texas, at age 90. Visitation with the family is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 15, from 6-8 p.m. at Elliott Hamil Funeral Home (5701 U.S. … Continued
ACU Remembers: Barbara Bates
Longtime benefactor and former Abilene Christian University trustee Barbara Jo Allan “Barbie” Bates (’61) died Jan. 6, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas, at age 85. A Celebration of Life service will be held Jan. 27 at 1 p.m. at Sunset Memorial Park and Funeral Home, followed by a reception. She was born Dec. 19, 1938, … Continued
Campus News
ACU’s net assets surpass $1 billion
Abilene Christian University’s net assets now total more than $1 billion, marking a new level of financial health and stability. The university reached the billion-dollar milestone in November, thanks in part to the generosity of donors during ACU’s Higher Ground campaign, as well as the outstanding performance of the university’s endowment, said Lori Herrick, chief … Continued
Renovated Sikes Hall to reopen with new name
Abilene Christian University’s Sikes Hall, originally opened 1977, is undergoing renovation and is closed for the 2023-24 academic year. When it reopens in August 2024, it will sport a new look – and a new name. Its reopening will coincide with the permanent closure of Mabee Hall, and Sikes will be rechristened as Mabee Hall … Continued
ACU to honor Black History Month with guest speakers, campus activities
During the month of February, Abilene Christian University will celebrate Black History Month with guest speakers, a silent disco, special Chapel programs, discussion groups and other student activities. Several ACU groups collaborated to plan and host the events, including the Office of Intercultural Engagement and Belonging; the Black Student Union; the Student Government Association; the … Continued
ACU Online
Why Become a Marriage and Family Therapist?
Therapy is one of the most sought after services within the past few years. More than 55.8 million Americans received mental health treatment in 2022, including 15.8% who have reported taking prescription medication and 9.5% who received counseling or therapy from a mental health professional in 2019. Throughout the years, the importance of therapy has … Continued
Faculty Spotlight: Drew Davis
Known for her smiling demeanor and love for children, Drew Davis, adjunct professor in the online Child and Family Services program, is someone who wants to make a difference in big and small ways. Whether she’s teaching undergraduate students the significance of child development, driving her kids to preschool, or serving as a child life … Continued
Student Spotlight: Bashelia Ward
Radiating as a passionate educator and advocate for knowledge and research, Bashelia Ward, a student in the Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Organizational Leadership program, aims to bridge her visions for restorative educational practices with her love for fostering equitable opportunities within marginalized communities across schools and districts. As a mom, researcher, and doctoral student … Continued