
Author: Wendy Kilmer


ACU establishes $10 million endowment for DEI
The Board of Trustees of Abilene Christian University voted unanimously to establish a $10 million endowment to fund the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. The endowment is designed to support the ACU community through initiatives including student leadership scholarships, faculty recruiting and retention, and mentorship programs. “Our strategic plan challenges us to continue to … Continued

ACU Remembers: Dr. Bob Hunter
Dr. Robert D. “Bob” Hunter (’52) died Feb. 11, 2023, at age 94, concluding an energetic life spent in service to Abilene Christian University, Texas higher education, the Abilene community and the state of Texas. Visitation will be held April 28, 2023, from 5-7 p.m. in the McCaleb Conference Center of ACU’s Hunter Welcome Center … Continued

ACU to celebrate Black History Month with speakers, activities
During the month of February, Abilene Christian University has planned guest speakers, a silent disco, special Chapel speakers, discussion groups and a variety of other student activities in honor of Black History Month. Several ACU groups collaborated to plan and host the events, including the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; the Office of Multicultural … Continued

Academic structure changes lead to three new colleges
Abilene Christian University will launch three new colleges and some departments will find new homes in Fall 2023, all as part of restructuring to further the growing national reputation of ACU’s academic programs, capitalize on expansion in certain areas and group similar programs together for better collaboration. ACU’s current structure for residential programs includes: College … Continued

ACU graduates to walk the stage at new Moody Coliseum Friday
Abilene Christian University will recognize 430 graduates during December Commencement on Dec. 16 in Moody Coliseum. The 7:30 p.m. ceremony will include 228 bachelor’s degrees, 144 master’s degrees and 58 doctoral degrees. Dr. Brad East, assistant professor in the Department of Bible, Missions and Ministry and the 2022 Teacher of the Year, will give the … Continued

ACU receives $29 million gift for finance program
The late Dr. Bill and Janie Dukes have given, through their estate, more than $29 million to Abilene Christian University – the largest single academic gift in ACU’s history. Their generosity will establish the Dr. William P. and Janie B. Dukes Excellence in Finance Endowment, supporting prestigious finance student scholarships, preparing students to attend highly … Continued

ACU’s NEXT Lab construction permit application accepted for formal review by NRC
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission has docketed Abilene Christian University’s Nuclear Energy eXperimental Testing Lab construction permit application, placing it under formal regulatory review. The application is the first for a new research reactor in more than 30 years and the first-ever for an advanced university research reactor. “This is a significant achievement, and I … Continued

ACU launches bold five-year strategic plan
This fall Abilene Christian University launched a new strategic plan detailing bold goals and vision for the next five years, including a possible medical school, increased research investments, a $1 billion endowment, and continued growth in enrollment and diversity of students and faculty/staff. “As ACU emerges as a National University, we are in a strong … Continued

James Webb Telescope scientist to speak at ACU Oct. 13
Dr. Scott Acton, a 1984 graduate of Abilene Christian University who has spent nearly 24 years working on the James Webb Space Telescope, will speak on campus Thursday at 7 p.m. in the Boone Family Theatre. The event is free and open to the public. Acton, a wavefront sensing and controls scientist with Ball Aerospace, … Continued