Features
Graduate overcomes childhood challenges, takes leadership roles at ACU
Determined first-generation student finds faith, community amid adversity
Matias Montanes, a first-generation international student from Spain, will graduate from Abilene Christian University this weekend, taking with him much more than a diploma. A tennis scholarship brought Matias to Abilene, Texas – a place he knew nothing about. Despite minimal knowledge of the English language, he traveled to the U.S. with a passion for … Continued
ACU Admissions launches new podcast
The Abilene Christian University Admissions office launched a new podcast – “Welcome to ACU: Stories from Wildcats Around the World” – to help introduce prospective students to the university. The first episode was released Nov. 1. ACU students Allysa Wiley, sophomore psychology major from Spring, and Ben Mercer, junior social work major from Harker Heights, … Continued
Brush up on Rangers history with video from ACU’s RangersU in honor of World Series
As the official higher education partner of the Texas Rangers, Abilene Christian University wants to help fans celebrate the start of the World Series with free video content from RangersU highlighting the storied history of Rangers baseball. In 2022, ACU launched an educational partnership with the Texas Rangers called RangersU powered by ACU, which offers … Continued
Academic News
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
ACU and Infosec Pioneer Innovation: College Credit for CompTIA Certifications
In a ground-breaking collaboration at the intersection of industry training and academia, Abilene Christian University (ACU) and Cengage Group announce an industry-first initiative to award college course credit for certification through Infosec Institute’s boot camps from CompTIA, a globally recognized organization that offers professionals trusted credentials that validate their career experience. This innovative partnership will … Continued
ACU professor’s exhibition featured by North American Reciprocal Museum
Abilene in the 1920s, an exhibition at The Grace Museum in Abilene curated by Dr. Amanda Biles at Abilene Christian University, was selected to be featured on the website of the North American Reciprocal Museum Association (NARM). Biles is the director of public history and assistant professor in the Department of History and Global Studies and … Continued
Alumni News
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 Remembers: Don W. Hood
Don Wade Hood (’55), former Abilene Christian University track and field head coach whose athletes won national championships, set world records and achieved Olympic success, died Feb. 9, 2024, in Abilene, Texas, at age 90. Visitation with the family is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 15, from 6-8 p.m. at Elliott Hamil Funeral Home (5701 U.S. … Continued
ACU Remembers: Barbara Bates
Longtime benefactor and former Abilene Christian University trustee Barbara Jo Allan “Barbie” Bates (’61) died Jan. 6, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas, at age 85. A Celebration of Life service will be held Jan. 27 at 1 p.m. at Sunset Memorial Park and Funeral Home, followed by a reception. She was born Dec. 19, 1938, … Continued
Campus News
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
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 to honor Black History Month with guest speakers, campus activities
During the month of February, Abilene Christian University will celebrate Black History Month with guest speakers, a silent disco, special Chapel programs, discussion groups and other student activities. Several ACU groups collaborated to plan and host the events, including the Office of Intercultural Engagement and Belonging; the Black Student Union; the Student Government Association; the … Continued
ACU Online
The Rundown of a Cybersecurity Certificate
Cybersecurity is one of the fastest growing industries across the United States. With over 1.3 million U.S. professionals working in cybersecurity, cybersecurity has been considered a highly profitable degree around the world. And that shouldn’t be a surprise. Today, over 60% of all corporate data and personal data are stored in cloud systems like Google … Continued
Faculty Spotlight: Jackie Halstead
Known for her soft-spoken demeanor and love for people and their spiritual well-being, Dr. Jackie Halstead works diligently to provide assistance and training for families and members of the clergy who are interested in pursuing a greater understanding of what it means to be spiritually transformed. As a licensed marriage and family therapist and professor … Continued
Beyond the Resume: The Benefits of Healthcare Mentorship for Healthcare Administration Graduates
In the fast-paced and dynamic world of healthcare administration, where the demands and challenges are ever-evolving, the significance of mentorship cannot be overstated. In fact, mentorship can enhance a healthcare professional’s workforce performance, provide avenues for ongoing professional development, and foster long-term industry collaborations. While a resume can showcase your academic achievements and professional experiences, … Continued