
Category: Academic News


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 named among America’s Top Online Colleges by Newsweek
Abilene Christian University has been named one of America’s Top Online Colleges for 2023. The award is presented by Newsweek and Statista Inc., the world-leading statistics portal and industry ranking provider. “With more than 40 unique online degree programs, ACU Online offers educational opportunities in a variety of disciplines to meet today’s learners where they … 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 Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry receives continuous grant funding
Abilene Christian University’s chemistry and biochemistry programs received a research grant from the Welch Foundation this year, marking more than 60 years of funding. This round is their highest award yet at $150,000 over the next three years. The Welch Foundation supports chemistry research in Texas, and members of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry … Continued

ACU students bring fun and fitness to Big Country children
In school, success is typically measured by grades, but during the noon hour every Wednesday, success is measured in giggles, yells and the overall excitement of a group of elementary students. From 12:10-12:40 p.m. every Wednesday, 40 home-schooled children ages 6 to 12 file into the Royce and Pam Money Recreation Center at Abilene Christian … 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

ACU biology professor discovers new species of rat in Ecuador
Dr. Tom Lee, Clark Stevens Professor of Biology at Abilene Christian University, discovered a new rat species, Thomasomys burneoi, 2,500 meters above sea level in the Andes Mountains of Ecuador, and news of the discovery has recently been published in a scientific journal. Thomasomys burneoi is a large rat species in the rich Andes Mountain … Continued