Abilene Christian University’s newest residence hall, scheduled for completion in August, will be named Bullock Hall in honor of JoLynn (Calk ’59) and the late Joe Bullock, parents of ACU Board of Trustees chair April (Bullock ’89) Anthony.

Joe and JoLynn were both active teachers, mentors and leaders in their church, with Joe serving as a deacon and an elder for more than two decades. The Bullocks have been longtime friends of Abilene Christian, and are the parents of three graduates – Anthony, the late Joe Dell Bullock (’80), and Robert Bullock (’81) – along with their spouses Mark Anthony (’86), Emily (Mahon ’81) Bullock and Melanie (Evans ’82) Bullock, respectively. Joe and JoLynn also are co-namesakes of Bullock and Anthony Lobby in the Money Student Recreation and Wellness Center. 

“My parents knew that sending their children to ACU would provide them with not only an exceptional education but more importantly, an environment to foster their spiritual development and provide lifelong relationships,” Anthony said. “They made sacrifices to provide their children the opportunity to attend this university, and the naming of this residence hall honors that sacrifice and those of so many parents on behalf of their children.”

In addition, the two wings of the new hall are named for Anthony’s brothers and their wives. Bullock West Wing is named for Robert and Melanie Bullock, and Bullock East Wing is named for Joe Dell, who died in March 2021 of the effects of COVID-19, and Emily Bullock. 

“The generosity of the Bullock and Anthony families has made possible this beautiful facility to welcome new students to ACU,” said Dr. Phil Schubert (’91). “This residence hall is an extension of their faithful hospitality and commitment to Christian higher education.”

The four-story, 72,000-square-foot hall will feature 128 double rooms, eight single rooms, two apartments, nine study spaces and a lobby on each floor. Construction of the hall marks Phase 1 of ACU’s new Freshman Village, which will include the new residence hall and the renovation of Sewell Theatre into a Residence Hall Hub where students can gather and student organizations can meet. In later phases, the Freshman Village will include renovation and construction of other residence halls, and all freshman halls will be grouped along East North 16th Street.

— Wendy Kilmer

June 2, 2021