Category: Academic News
Lilly Endowment awards $1 million to support efforts of ACU Graduate School of Theology
Abilene Christian University has received a grant of $1 million from Lilly Endowment Inc. to support the expansion and sustainability of the Ministry Residency Program in the Graduate School of Theology. Lilly Endowment made the grant through its Pathways for Tomorrow Initiative, which is intended to help theological schools across the United States and Canada … Continued
U.S. News honors ACU’s student experience for seventh year in a row
For the seventh consecutive year, the student experience at Abilene Christian University is one of the nation’s best, according to the 2026 U.S. News & World Report rankings released today. The university excelled in the categories of Study Abroad, Learning Communities, Service Learning and First-Year Experiences. According to U.S. News & World Report’s methodology, the … Continued
ACU enrollment tops 7,000, hits record for 8th year in a row
More than 7,200 students enrolled at Abilene Christian University this fall, marking the university’s largest-ever student body and an eighth consecutive year of record enrollment. The student total of 7,274 reflects an increase of 787 students or 12% over last year, 37% over the past five years and 60% over the past 10 years. A … Continued
DOE taps ACU, Natura to receive critical nuclear reactor fuel
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced a plan to provide high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) to Abilene Christian University and its partner, Natura Resources, for their cutting-edge nuclear research. This crucial fuel allocation will support the university’s Nuclear Energy eXperimental Testing (NEXT) Lab in the development of a next-generation molten salt reactor. ACU’s research … Continued
ACU launches new Master of Science in kinesiology program
Abilene Christian University announces the launch of its new Master of Science in kinesiology, a dynamic, Christ-centered graduate program designed to prepare students for high-demand careers in exercise science, human performance, physical therapy and athletic leadership. The 30-hour program includes hybrid learning options, flexible entry points and two hands-on internship experiences built for emerging professionals … Continued
ACU Dallas Launches Applied Research Center to Foster Transformative, Faith-Inspired Research
Abilene Christian University (ACU) proudly announces the launch of the Applied Research Center (ARC), a new initiative that empowers students and faculty to engage in meaningful, high-quality research that addresses real-world challenges and generates innovative, community-driven solutions. Rooted in ACU’s commitment to faith and scholarship, the ARC serves as both a resource hub and a … Continued
Texas legislature funds water desalination through Texas Tech, ACU, Natura Resources partnership
A recent appropriation from the Texas Legislature, signed by Gov. Greg Abbott, focuses on water desalination and directs research funding to Texas Tech University to help accelerate their research partnership with Abilene Christian University and its molten salt reactor project, sponsored by Natura Resources. In January, ACU entered into a memorandum of understanding with Texas … Continued
ACU confers more than 800 degrees at May Commencement, honors Olympian with Outlive Your Life Award
ACU awarded 810 degrees May 9, 10 in three Commencement ceremonies at Moody Coliseum. The Friday, May 9, ceremony at 7 p.m. awarded 216 master’s and 34 doctoral degrees. On Saturday, May 10, 560 bachelor’s degrees were presented in two ceremonies – 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Undergraduate degree candidates from the College of Arts, … Continued
ACU hires director for new nuclear engineering graduate program
Abilene Christian University has hired Dr. Mark DeHart from Idaho National Laboratory to lead a new graduate program in nuclear science and engineering, including the university’s first Ph.D. degree offering. The Ph.D. in nuclear science and engineering will be the first graduate program in ACU’s Onstead College of Science and Engineering. The process to develop … Continued