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FilmFest connects students with industry professionals

This spring, a record number of students shared short films at the historic Paramount Theatre downtown as part of Abilene Christian University’s 21st annual FilmFest. Narrative and animated films from 16 teams showcased student storytelling and creativity from across campus, with awards presented in 15 categories. For the second year, an award was given for … Continued

Service learning at ACU challenges students to make a global difference

Service learning – a hallmark of the Abilene Christian University experience – is one of the many reasons U.S. News & World Report has again recognized ACU among the nation’s best in its 2025 rankings. For the sixth consecutive year, ACU earned top marks in the “Programs That Enhance Student Experience” category, ranking in six … Continued

10 Questions with JMC grad and history buff Regina Burns

Although Black History Month is February, for ACU alumna Regina L. Burns (’83) it has become a year-round passion.  Her fascination with key figures in Black history was sparked in the 1990s, while she served as news director for a country music station in Memphis, Tennessee. She was asked to produce a radio documentary about … Continued

ACU achieves elite academic recognition with Carnegie Research 2 status

Abilene Christian University has earned Research 2 (R2) status in the latest update from the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education – a milestone that reflects ACU’s intentional commitment to research growth and academic excellence. The prestigious R2 designation places Abilene Christian among top research universities in the nation, recognizing high spending and doctorate … Continued

Academic News

A graduating student is hooded during May 2025 Commencement

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

Mark DeHart headshot

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

ACU named a Military Friendly School for 2025-26

Abilene Christian University earned the Military Friendly School designation in the 2025-26 listings set to be published in the May and October issue of G.I. Jobs magazine and found at militaryfriendly.com. Methodology, criteria and weightings were determined by Viqtory, a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business that connects the military community to employment, educational and entrepreneurial opportunities, … Continued

Alumni News

ACU Remembers: Clark Potts

Longtime Abilene Christian University communications professional Forrest Clark Potts, 93, of Abilene, Texas, died May 30, 2025. A private family graveside service will be held in his Arkansas hometown. He was born Aug. 13, 1931, in Western Grove and grew up in Rogers and various towns across northwest Arkansas. He was editor of The Optimist student newspaper in … Continued

A graduating student is hooded during May 2025 Commencement

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

Author Max Lucado speaks to ACU donors, friends at annual President’s Circle Dinner

Bestselling author and minister Max Lucado, a 1977 graduate of Abilene Christian University, spoke to guests of the President’s Circle Dinner Saturday, March 29, at ACU’s Teague Center. The annual dinner event honors the university’s most generous donors. Lucado is the teaching minister at Oak Hills Church in San Antonio. He’s been dubbed “America’s Pastor” … Continued

Campus News

Groundbreaking nuclear research at ACU earns national coverage

The groundbreaking nuclear research at Abilene Christian University, sponsored by Natura Resources, received a boost this week when a Fox Business news crew visited the university’s Dillard Science and Engineering Research Center to report on the advances taking place on campus. The news crew spent two days on the ACU campus preparing for segments that … Continued

New ACU baseball ballpark name honors former Wildcat duo

  Following a year of significant renovation, the baseball venue at Abilene Christian University now bears a new name to match the upgraded facility. Crutcher Scott Field at Bullock Brothers Ballpark honors former ACU baseball players Joe Bullock (’80) and Robert Bullock (’81), the only brothers to each earn regional postseason honors while playing for … Continued

ACU offers $80K to Hendrick Healthcare Academy graduates

Abilene Christian University is offering $80,000 in scholarships and grants to local high school students who complete the Hendrick Healthcare Academy and choose a health care-related major at ACU upon high school graduation.  The new program is designed to encourage Abilene and Big Country-area students to study psychology, social work or one of several health … Continued

ACU Online

Celebrating Juneteenth: Reflection, Joy and the Journey Ahead

Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, is a powerful reminder of resilience, hope and the fight for justice in America. Celebrated annually on June 19th, this day marks the moment when the last enslaved African Americans in Texas were informed of their freedom. The history of Juneteenth, its outcomes and its significance are crucial in … Continued

Student Spotlight: Jennifer White

When you meet Jennifer White, you quickly realize she’s not just earning a doctorate — she’s setting a new standard for what academic leadership looks like. A dedicated scholar pursuing her Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership, Jennifer recently received the prestigious Joseph E. Pryor Fellowship — a national honor from the Alpha Chi Honor … Continued

Top Career Paths with a Degree in Child and Family Services

When considering a career in Child and Family Services, some may think there are only a few options for supporting children and their families. However, there is a wide variety of careers and pathways designed for professionals looking to enter the child and family services world. From becoming a licensed therapist to working as a … Continued