ACU Dallas Applied Research Center

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About the ARC

The mission of the ACU Dallas Applied Research Center (ARC) is to equip students and faculty to engage in meaningful and quality research in service to local and global communities that examines real-world challenges and informs the development of innovative solutions. To this end, the ARC: 

  • Provides student and faculty training and resources that enhance research knowledge and skills;
  • Provides seed funding for faculty research and facilitates faculty pursuit of external research funding;
  • Provides student research fellowship opportunities; 
  • Provides opportunities to feature student and faculty research through an annual conference, annual research excellence awards, and publications;
  • Cultivates opportunities for student-faculty research collaborations;  
  • Facilitates opportunities for multidisciplinary research efforts among faculty; and
  • Facilitates research partnerships with community-based organizations.

The work of the ARC can be viewed through the biblical story of Noah’s Ark. Noah’s Ark was a vessel of salvation, preserving life and ushering in a new era of hope and renewal (Genesis 6:14-22). Similarly, “The ARC” can symbolize a space where knowledge, ideas, and solutions are safeguarded and cultivated for the betterment of humanity, ensuring progress and resilience in an ever-changing world. We welcome you to join us on this journey of advancing knowledge toward transformative discoveries while honoring our faith, purpose, and sense of collective belonging.

In the Spotlight

ACU Dallas faculty, staff and students:  We would love to spotlight your research and other scholarship activities. This includes recent publications and conference presentations, research projects underway, appointments to professional association committees/boards, and external grants awarded. You can forward all spotlight submissions to arc@acu.edu.

Jackie Bluitt

Undergraduate Student Retention Study Grant Recipient

The ACU Dallas Office of the Provost and the ARC have awarded Dr. Jaqueline Bluitt with the Undergraduate Student Retention Study grant. Dr. Bluitt, along with Drs. Laura Carroll and Duy Tran, will engage in a research project that involves: 1) conducting a comprehensive literature review and meta-analysis on first-time adult learners in distance higher education and 2) conducting data analysis to examine the impact of a multi-pronged intervention aimed at reducing first-time, first-year undergraduate student attrition.

Julie Johnson Archer and Emmy Ammirati

Upcoming Presenters at the International Writing Centers Association Conference

Julie Johnson Archer and Emmy Ammirati’s presentation abstract titled “Online Student Preferences for Human Versus AI Feedback: One Online Writing Center’s Path Forward” was accepted to the International Writing Centers Association Annual Conference. The conference will be held October 29–31, 2026.

Drs. Beard, Lumpe, and Cobbler

Recent Presenters at the CCCU Doctoral Education Conference

Drs. Chris Beard, Andrew Lumpe, and Chris Cobbler presented at the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU) Doctoral Education Conference held on Sept 17-19, 2026 at George Fox University in Newberg, OR. Dr. Beard presented his research on the WriteSight academic technology he developed; Dr. Lumpe led a breakout session on the use of AI in research; and Dr. Cobbler delivered a plenary address on flourishing.

Tapestry: Journal of Research in Education

Tapestry: Journal of Research in Education is an open-access, academic journal dedicated to publishing empirical research, literature reviews, and evaluations of practices and policies that support efforts of PK-12 and postsecondary education. This peer-reviewed journal serves as a forum for researchers and practitioners to sustain a critical engagement with research in education. For additional information about the aims and scope of the journal, the call for manuscripts, and to access published articles by issue, check out the Tapestry Journal website.