Karen Wilkerson, director of the Upward Bound program at Abilene Christian University, died Oct. 23, 2018, at age 47 following an illness. Memorial arrangements are pending. Before joining ACU’s staff in 2002 as an advisor in the university’s Talent Search program, she worked in the Upward Bound program at McLennan Community College. She … Continued
Former longtime Hardin-Simmons University president and chancellor Dr. Jesse C. Fletcher died today at age 87. Presidents of Abilene’s three church-related universities – ACU, HSU and McMurry – have shared unique and often close kinship through the years. Fletcher certainly endeared himself to Abilene Christian University executive leaders. This photo of ACU’s ninth president, Dr. William … Continued
Dr. Charles Wade Nelson, Abilene Christian University professor emeritus of music and renowned bass-baritone vocalist who performed concerts around the world, died June 1 at age 92 in Denton, Texas. Plans for a private family memorial service are pending. He was born March 13, 1926, in Fort Worth, Texas, and graduated from the University of … Continued
Ruby Beatrice “Betty” (Tomkins) Whiteside, who served as administrative assistant to four Abilene Christian University presidents, died Jan. 31, 2018, in Abilene, Texas, at age 89. She was born May 1, 1928, in London, England, and graduated at the top of her Pitman Business College class at age 15. At age 20, Betty’s mother encouraged … Continued
Former longtime Abilene Christian University trustee Donald Richard Conder (’56) died Jan. 29, 2018, at age 82 in Lubbock, Texas. He was born April 12, 1935, in Little Rock, Arkansas, and graduated in 1952 from Little Rock High School, where he excelled in track and field, winning numerous state titles. He met Sue Hufstedler (’59) … Continued