ACU Dallas Annual Review

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The ACU Dallas Annual Review is the story of ACU’s dynamic mission and how it’s advancing into new frontiers online. Our leadership and staff support this mission from our campus in Addison, Texas—while faculty and students across the country and globe connect in a vibrant, virtual Christ-centered community. All of this provides a transformative experience for our students, rooted in excellence in learning and a unique emphasis on vocational formation. 

As you read these stories, we hope you are proud of the lives being touched and transformed, the quality of the academic programs and the substantial research being generated through the Dallas campus. We hope you come to know the outstanding faculty and staff who lead and serve ACU Dallas and the passion for students that permeates everything they do. And most importantly, we hope you are inspired by the work we are doing together, boldly and faithfully pursuing the mission of God in higher education.

Accelerating Careers, Advancing Futures

 

 

Our Stories

Shecarra

Student Spotlight: Dr. Shecarra Cook

It was a presentation that changed the trajectory of Shecarra Cook’s life. She didn’t know it at the time, though. It was 2012; and Shecarra was in San Antonio, Texas for a nurse practitioner conference with some of her nursing colleagues and friends. She’d just started as a nurse at Baylor Scott & White Family … Continued

Photo of Ben Ries

Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Ben Ries

“To be formed vocationally and live in our vocational identity is primarily a task of learning how to pay better attention,” said Dr. Ben Ries, associate dean for vocational formation at ACU Online. Vocational formation is about paying attention—but sometimes it seems like the entire world is conspiring to distract and prevent anybody from paying … Continued

Lashae

Student Spotlight: LaShae Grottis

LaShae Grottis has always been an overachiever. Whether graduating high school valedictorian, moving cross-country to attend Dartmouth College as a first-generation college student, serving as the first director of ACU’s Office of Multicultural Affairs, or pursuing her doctorate with two teenagers at home—LaShae has never done things halfway. Learn how this trailblazing ACU Online student … Continued

David

Student Spotlight: David Ha

Faith has always been an integral part in David Ha’s life. After a decade of working in ministry, Ha wanted to expand his counseling craft and committed himself to becoming better equipped to walk beside families in crisis. After enrolling in ACU Online’s Master of Marriage and Family Therapy program, he not only got the … Continued

Jerica

Student Spotlight: Jerica Nickerson-Guidry

Pursuing higher education was never a question for alumna Dr. Jerica Nickerson-Guidry, but a matter of determining which level of degree would support her professional goals. After encouragement from a mentor to earn her Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership from ACU Online, Nickerson-Guidry was able to advance her career opportunities while enriching the servant-minded … Continued

Kimberly Fancher

Student Spotlight: Kimberly Fancher

Meet Kimberly Fancher From small-town living to bigger-than-the-sky dreams, Kimberly Fancher constantly strives to live out her purpose as a believer and take on whatever stage of life the Lord is calling her to next. That’s why after getting married, having kids, writing a book, and cultivating a successful career in sales, she asked herself, … Continued

Pam

Student Spotlight: Pam Buller

“You will be the momma to many.” This was what ACU Online student, Pam Buller, heard whispered from the Lord as she prayed nearly 10 years ago before her move to Liberia in West Africa. For years, she and her husband felt a calling to follow God into the unknown to serve in global missions. … Continued

Dr. Jennifer Butcher

Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Jennifer Butcher

In 2017, ACU proudly welcomed one of Texas’ most esteemed leaders to our School of Educational Leadership: Dr. Jennifer Butcher. A key player in the Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership program, Jennifer brings a strong background to ACU. She earned both her Master of Education in Educational Administration and Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership from … Continued

Dr. Jeff Frey

ACU Names New Vice President of Innovation and Business Development

Dr. Jeff Frey has been named vice president of innovation and business development at the Dallas campus of Abilene Christian University. As vice president, Frey will be responsible for developing a new business unit that forms innovative partnerships with businesses creating direct employment pathways for ACU students. This initiative will accurately match people with professions … Continued

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