Abilene Christian University has earned Research 2 (R2) status in the latest update from the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education – a milestone that reflects ACU’s intentional commitment to research growth and academic excellence.
The prestigious R2 designation places Abilene Christian among top research universities in the nation, recognizing high spending and doctorate production. Among 120 governing members of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities – a higher education association of Christian institutions around the world – ACU is one of only two to achieve R2 or R1 status.
“This recognition affirms our commitment to academic excellence, research, innovation, and empowering students and faculty to make a real-world impact,” said Dr. Phil Schubert, ACU president.
Strategic Growth
Achieving this status is a key element of the university’s strategic plan and the result of a broad institutional focus. ACU was first included in the Doctoral Universities grouping as a Research 3 university in 2022 and immediately had its sights set on moving up to R2.
“We set an aggressive goal to become R2 because we believe our mission calls us to examine carefully the challenges society and the world face and to provide solutions and hope,” said Dr. Robert Rhodes, senior vice president for academic affairs. “We want our students to gain these same skills, and we want our current and future faculty to have a passion for our mission and this work.”
ACU’s research expansion has been fueled by significant growth in the last decade:
- $8.18 million in research spending for 2022-23
- An average of 68 research doctorates awarded per year
- More than 800% increase in research and development expenditures from 2010-22, ranking ACU among the nation’s top 10 fastest-growing research programs, according to a report by the National Science Foundation
- Named among the Top 50 nationally for Undergraduate Teaching and Undergraduate Research by U.S. News & World Report
- Establishment of vice president for research position in Fall 2020
- Dr. Kay Tindle hired as vice president for research in Fall 2024
Excellence for the Future
With only 133 universities nationwide classified as R2 this past year and just 40 private institutions among them – including Villanova, TCU, Marquette and Wake Forest – ACU’s achievement places it in elite company and promises to enhance the student experience and faculty development.
“Our faculty – with students working right alongside them – are engaged in world-class research and finding solutions to relevant, pressing problems,” Tindle said. “R2 status allows us to attract even more renowned scholars and researchers who share our Christian mission, and it opens new doors to collaborative research opportunities that benefit both the university and the broader community.”
Learn more about ACU’s innovative research programs and student involvement.