
Category: ACU News

NRC completes environmental assessment of ACU NEXT Lab
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) recently completed its environmental assessment of Abilene Christian University’s Nuclear Energy eXperimental Testing (NEXT) Lab, a significant milestone in its goal to build a Molten Salt Research Reactor (MSRR). NEXT Lab – in collaboration with Natura Resources – has set out to design, license and commission an MSRR to be … Continued
Cornyn visits ACU’s NEXT Lab, praises nuclear research
U.S. Sen. John Cornyn visited Abilene Christian University’s Nuclear Energy eXperimental Testing Laboratory (NEXT Lab) April 2 to learn more about ACU’s research into advanced molten salt reactors, sponsored by Natura Resources. Cornyn toured the new Dillard Science and Engineering Research Center where nuclear research is underway and where the reactor will be housed. He … Continued
ACU NEXT Lab receives third patent
Research at Abilene Christian University’s Nuclear Energy eXperimental Testing Laboratory (NEXT Lab) – sponsored by Natura Resources – has led to the approval of a third patent as the team works toward designing and building the first university-based Molten Salt Research Reactor. This month, the U.S. Patent and Trademark office will officially award ACU the … Continued
ACU’s net assets surpass $1 billion
Abilene Christian University’s net assets now total more than $1 billion, marking a new level of financial health and stability. The university reached the billion-dollar milestone in November, thanks in part to the generosity of donors during ACU’s Higher Ground campaign, as well as the outstanding performance of the university’s endowment, said Lori Herrick, chief … Continued
ACU Remembers: Terry Bowman
Longtime ACU staff member Terry Wayne Bowman, 59, died Feb. 15, 2024, in Abilene, Texas. He was born June 9, 1964, in Abilene. A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 24, at 2 p.m. at Hillcrest Church of Christ. Bowman worked for ACU for more than 30 years, initially as a plumber and for … Continued
Renovated Sikes Hall to reopen with new name
Abilene Christian University’s Sikes Hall, originally opened 1977, is undergoing renovation and is closed for the 2023-24 academic year. When it reopens in August 2024, it will sport a new look – and a new name. Its reopening will coincide with the permanent closure of Mabee Hall, and Sikes will be rechristened as Mabee Hall … Continued
ACU adds new trustees to governing board
Abilene Christian University added two new members to its Board of Trustees, effective Jan. 28. Kate (Petty ’91) Dalton graduated from ACU with a degree in accounting, and she worked in Texas and Connecticut as a CPA and a financial analyst before moving to part-time work with her own accounting business while raising two children … Continued
ACU partners with IDEA Public Schools
Abilene Christian University is partnering with IDEA Public Schools in a program designed to help K-12 students in their selection of and transition to college. “ACU and IDEA Public Schools are natural partners because of our mutual commitment to student success,” said Dr. Susan Lewis, ACU’s provost and vice president for academic affairs. IDEA is … Continued
Depiction of Einstein image returns to campus
The creative impact of award-winning sculptor-painter Jack Maxwell (’78) rolls on at Abilene Christian University, where his latest – a familiar depiction of gleeful cyclist Dr. Albert Einstein – is now portrayed in two of its major science buildings. “Life is like riding a bicycle,” once said Einstein, a theoretical scientist considered one of the … Continued