Abilene Christian University facts for kids
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Former name
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Childers Classical Institute (1906–1920) Abilene Christian College (1920–1976) |
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| Motto | People With A Purpose |
| Type | Private university |
| Established | 1906 |
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Religious affiliation
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Church of Christ |
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Academic affiliations
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CCCU NAICU |
| Endowment | $812 million (FY2024) |
| Chancellor | Royce Money |
| President | Phil Schubert |
| Provost | Susan Lewis |
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Academic staff
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450 |
| Students | 6,730 |
| Undergraduates | 4,630 |
| Postgraduates | 2,100 |
| Location |
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Texas
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United States
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| Campus | Urban, 208 acres (84 ha) |
| Colors | Purple and White |
| Nickname | Wildcats |
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Sporting affiliations
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| Mascot | Willie the Wildcat |
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Abilene Christian University, also known as ACU, is a private Christian university located in Abilene, Texas. It is a place where students can learn and do important research. ACU started in 1906 as Childers Classical Institute. It is connected with the Churches of Christ.
Contents
A Look at ACU's History
The Churches of Christ in Abilene started ACU as a Christian university. It was meant for students in West Texas. Childers Classical Institute opened in the fall of 1906. It had 25 students at first. The school even included younger grades, starting from seventh grade.
How ACU Got Its Name
In 1912, Jesse P. Sewell became the president of the institute. The school then started using the name Abilene Christian College on all its papers. By 1920, the school officially changed its name to Abilene Christian College.
The university's student newspaper, The Optimist, began in 1912. The school yearbook, The Prickly Pear, started in 1916. A magazine for student writing and art, now called The Shinnery Review, has been published since 1933.
Abilene Christian College first became officially recognized in 1951. This means it met certain standards for colleges.
Growing and Expanding
Amberton University was once an extension campus of Abilene Christian University. It started in Mesquite, Texas, in 1971. It later moved to Garland, Texas, in 1974. In 1982, it became its own separate school. Like ACU, Amberton University is also connected with the Churches of Christ.
On February 22, 1976, Abilene Christian College changed its name again. It became Abilene Christian University. The university celebrated its 100th birthday in the 2005–06 school year. In July 2015, ACU opened a new campus in Addison, Texas. This campus, called ACU Dallas, offers new graduate programs. These include business and leadership degrees.
University Presidents
Many leaders have guided ACU throughout its history. Here are the people who have served as president:
- Allen Booker Barret (1906–08)
- H. C. Darden (1908–1909)
- Robertson Lafayette Whiteside (1909–1911)
- James F. Cox (1911–1912)
- Jesse Parker Sewell (1912–1924)
- Batsell Baxter (1924–1932)
- James F. Cox (1932–1940)
- Don H. Morris (1940–1969)
- John C. Stevens (1969–1981)
- William J. Teague (1981–1991)
- Royce Money (1991 – May 31, 2010)
- Phil Schubert (June 1, 2010–present)
What Students Study at ACU
Academic Programs
In 2022, ACU made big changes to how its academic programs are set up. They created three new colleges. This was done to help the university be seen as a national university.
| College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences |
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| College of Biblical Studies |
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| College of Business Administration |
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| College of Health and Behavioral Sciences |
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| Onstead College of Science and Engineering |
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University Accreditation
| USNWR National University | 296 (tie) of 434 |
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| Washington Monthly National University | 435 of 442 |
ACU is officially recognized by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. This means it meets high standards for education. Many of ACU's specific programs also have special recognition. For example, its business programs are accredited by AACSB International. The engineering program is accredited by ABET. This ensures students get a quality education in these fields.
Fun Traditions at ACU
- The Prickly Pear. This was the university yearbook from 1916 to 2009. The name comes from a type of cactus common in the Abilene area.
- Sing Song. This is an annual competition held in mid-February since 1956. Student groups of 30 to 100 people sing themed songs without instruments. These performances are often funny. Sing Song started as a way to raise money for the school. Today, it's a big show where groups create amazing costumes. They often have quick costume changes during their acts. They also use clever movements to tell a story.
- Summit. This event was called Lectureship until 2008. It started in 1918. Thousands of people come each year for talks and workshops. These events focus on religious topics and a different Bible theme each year.
ACU Press: Publishing Books
ACU is one of only a few faith-based schools with its own publishing company. ACU Press started in 1983. It first printed books about the Churches of Christ. Now, it publishes books about Christian higher education, West Texas history, and Christian living. It also publishes books on theology. The press publishes about 36 new books each year.
Student Media at ACU
The school started an NPR radio station, KACU, in 1986. The Optimist is a student-run news organization. It produces news for students.
Research at ACU
In August 2022, ACU applied to build a special research reactor. This reactor would be used for studying new types of nuclear energy. The university hopes to have it ready by December 2025.
ACU Sports: The Wildcats
Abilene Christian has a strong sports history. It was once a founding member of the Division I Southland Conference. In 1973, ACU joined the Lone Star Conference (LSC) in NCAA Division II.
In 2007, the LSC honored 33 ACU athletes. They were included in the conference's top 75 athletes of all time. As of 2009, ACU ranks fourth in NCAA history for team national championships. They have won 57 championships. Only UCLA, Stanford, and USC have won more.
In 2012, ACU was allowed to compete in NCAA Division I football. On August 25, 2012, ACU decided to rejoin the Southland Conference. This change happened at the start of the 2013–14 school year.
On August 23, 2017, ACU officially became a full NCAA Division I school. This meant their teams could compete in postseason games.
In 2021, ACU moved from the Southland Conference to the Western Athletic Conference. After the 2022 football season, ACU football joined the new United Athletic Conference. This conference was formed by combining the football leagues of the WAC and the ASUN Conference.
Athletic Achievements
- The men's track and field team has won 32 NCAA National Championships. This includes 19 outdoor and 13 indoor titles.
- The women's track and field team has won 22 national championships. They have 12 indoor and 10 outdoor titles.
- The Wildcats football team won NAIA national championships in 1973 and 1977.
- In 2008, the Wildcats football team set a record for points in an NCAA playoff game. They beat West Texas A&M 93-68.
- Ove Johansson kicked the longest field goal in college football history in 1976. It was 69 yards long. This is still a world record for any level of football.
- Many ACU athletes have competed in the Olympics. These include Bobby Morrow, who won three gold medals in 1956. Earl Young won a gold medal in 1960.
Student Social Clubs
ACU has student groups called "social clubs." These are similar to fraternities and sororities at other universities.
Famous People Who Attended ACU
Academia and Religion
- Kent Brantly, a doctor and missionary
- Edward Fudge, a theologian (someone who studies religion)
- Robert Kelley, former president of the University of North Dakota
- H. Jeff Kimble, a physics professor at the California Institute of Technology
- Max Lucado, a popular author
- John W. Pilley, a behavioral psychologist
- R. Gerald Turner, president of Southern Methodist University
Business Leaders
- Gordon Bethune, former CEO of Continental Airlines
- David Sampson, President and CEO of a major insurance association
- Monty Taylor, a leader in cloud computing
Entertainment and Media
- Nelson Coates, a film production designer
- Chris Christian, a record producer and musician
- Bonnie Curtis, a film producer
- Ronnie Dunn, a famous singer and songwriter
- Daniel Johnston, a singer and songwriter
- Aaron Watson, a musician
Politics and Government
- Jeffrey S. Boyd, a Justice on the Texas Supreme Court
- Janice Hahn, a member of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors
- Ted Poe, a former judge and member of the U.S. House of Representatives
- Jack Pope, former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Texas
- Paul J. Selva, former vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff for the U.S. Air Force
Sports Stars
- Bill Blakeley, a basketball coach
- Randall "Tex" Cobb, a boxer and actor
- Charles Coody, a golfer who won the 1971 Masters Tournament
- Taylor Gabriel, a football player
- John Layfield, a wrestler
- Bobby Morrow, a famous sprinter
- Billy Olson, a pole vaulter
- Jeev Milkha Singh, a golfer
- Charcandrick West, a football player
- Earl Young, a runner
Faculty Members
- Everett Ferguson, a scholar of early Christian history
- Douglas A. Foster, a professor of church history
See also
In Spanish: Universidad Cristiana de Abilene para niños
