Category: Faculty Spotlights
Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Rachel Slaymaker
For Dr. Rachel Slaymaker, social work is more than a profession; it is a mission-driven calling rooted in her Christian faith and nearly two decades of practice and academic experience. As the Program Director for Abilene Christian University’s Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW), Dr. Slaymaker has dedicated her career to meeting individuals in … Continued
Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Stephanie Hamm
For Dr. Stephanie Hamm, social work has never been just a career; it has been a calling shaped by compassion. From hospital rooms and delivery wards to online classrooms reaching students across the country, Dr. Hamm’s journey reflects a steady commitment to meeting people where they are and walking alongside them with purpose. Dr. Hamm’s … Continued
ACU to host collaborative U.S.-China art exhibition, dialogue
Abilene Christian University and The Grace Museum will host visiting Chinese artists and dignitaries from Jan. 15-17 for collaborative exhibitions, a public dialogue and a live painting experience, all part of an intercultural project conceived by Robert Green (’79), department chair and professor of art and design at ACU. The show in ACU’s Shore Gallery, … Continued
Faculty Spotlight: Lory Chrane
Lory Chrane was originally a special education major before stepping into the world of speech-language pathology. Before she joined the Wildcat family, Lory attended Valdosta State University in Georgia until she met her soon-to-be husband. After they married, she transferred to Abilene Christian University (ACU) in her junior year to pursue a B.A. in Communication … Continued
ACU Online’s Teacher of the Year, Dr. Kristin Koetting “KK” O’Byrne
Abilene Christian University is proud to announce Dr. Kristin Koetting O’Byrne, college professor in ACU Online’s Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership program, as the 2025 ACU Online Teacher of the Year. Known affectionately as “Dr. KK” to the Wildcat community, Kristin has made a lasting impact through her dedication to student growth, her passion for positive … Continued
Faculty Spotlight: Dr. James Thomas
For as long as Dr. James Thomas can remember, becoming a Texas Ranger was his dream. At just nine years old, after countless Saturday mornings spent watching westerns with his father in the piney woods of East Texas, he set his heart on the path of law enforcement. Decades later, at age 36, that dream … Continued
Faculty Spotlight: Chris Beard
At ACU Online, our faculty are not only instructors but also mentors who walk alongside our students in their academic and personal journeys. Their dedication for teaching is deeply connected to ACU’s mission of transformational education, where learning goes beyond textbooks to shape character and purpose outside of the classroom. This month, we are honored … Continued
Faculty Spotlight: Bill Hunt
Dr. Bill Hunt, a distinguished professor in the Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership program, represents the heart of Christian leadership and academic excellence. Known for his deep faith, kind spirit, and unwavering commitment to students, Dr. Hunt has left an indelible mark on ACU through years of dedicated service. He is not only an … Continued
Faculty Spotlight: Lauren Kinamon
When you meet Professor Lauren Kinamon, you’re struck not only by her kind demeanor but by her presence. Soft-spoken yet unmistakably strong, she carries a quiet confidence that inspires trust and admiration in both her students and colleagues. As a dedicated Speech-Language pathologist and instructor at ACU Online, Lauren brings a blend of compassion, expertise, … Continued