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Brad East

Dr. Brad East named ACU’s 2022 Teacher of the Year

Dr. Brad East is assistant professor of theology, and he’s known since high school he wanted to be just that. Now, only five years into his dream job, he’s earned the honor of Abilene Christian University’s Teacher of the Year for 2022. “The very idea that I could read, write and teach about theology for … Continued
Master of Education in Higher Education

Why Should You Get a Master of Education in Higher Education?

The last two years have been a watershed moment for higher education. Mounting demographic changes, a staggering worldwide pandemic, and uncertain institutional responses to these realities have produced an unparalleled volatile situation for contemporary higher education. Individuals and institutions who want to navigate these choppy waters need nerve, grit, and a pioneering sensibility. Luckily, ACU … Continued

The Mental Health Crisis: What’s Going On and What Can We Do

The statistics are startling. Between 2007 and 2019, adolescents reporting a major depressive episode increased 60 percent. Tragically, during a similar time frame, the suicide death rate among 10–24 year olds increased 56 percent. This issue isn’t confined to young people. In 2020, anxiety and depression increased globally by 25 percent. Depression and anxiety rates … Continued

ACU Remembers: Roy Shake

Memorial services today will celebrate the life of longtime ACU biology faculty member Roy Eugene Shake, who died April 3, 2022, in Abilene, Texas, at age 89.  Family and friends will gather at 10 a.m. today at Hillcrest Church of Christ (650 E. Ambler Ave., Abilene, Texas 79601) for a service that will also be … Continued

ACU signs innovative partnership agreement with MLB’s Texas Rangers

Abilene Christian University is now an official higher education partner of the Texas Rangers Baseball Club and will be providing customized academic learning opportunities for players and staff through ACU Online. In addition to the traditional benefits of a sponsored partnership, the Rangers approached ACU with ideas for a more in-depth collaboration. After discussions and … Continued

Photo of Ben Ries

Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Ben Ries

“To be formed vocationally and live in our vocational identity is primarily a task of learning how to pay better attention,” said Dr. Ben Ries, associate dean for vocational formation at ACU Online. Vocational formation is about paying attention—but sometimes it seems like the entire world is conspiring to distract and prevent anybody from paying … Continued

Telemedicine: The Future Of Healthcare

Out of all the massive changes produced by the COVID-19 pandemic, the global telecommunications boom stands as one of the most significant. An International Finance Corporation survey noted: “The COVID-19 pandemic—perhaps more than any other event in human history—has demonstrated the critical importance that telecommunications infrastructure plays in keeping businesses, governments, and societies connected and … Continued

Why You Should Go Into Pre-Nursing

The last two years have proven that nurses are essential for keeping our world healthy. Being a nurse can be one of the most rewarding jobs around. And if you are someone who loves to help people and make a difference in their lives, pursuing a career in nursing will satisfy that need. Plus, nursing … Continued

Students working in next lab

ACU moves up to doctoral tier in latest Carnegie classifications

Abilene Christian University earned Doctoral/Professional University status, as determined by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education in its latest update, released Dec. 15. The Doctoral/Professional University classification (also known as R3) includes institutions that award at least 20 research/scholarship doctoral degrees each year. ACU had previously been part of the Master’s Colleges and … Continued

ACU selects veteran FBS defensive coordinator as new head football coach

Keith Patterson, currently the defensive coordinator at Texas Tech University, will be the next head football coach at Abilene Christian University.                  Patterson’s experience includes 13 years leading some of the nation’s top defenses at the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision level. The FBS teams he coached … Continued