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Graduating seniors earn University Scholars honors

Fifty seniors were recognized as University Scholars on Thursday, ahead of graduation. The university recognizes students every year for their hard work and scholarship.  Dr. […]

University to offer its first Ph.D. program through degree in nuclear science, engineering

Women’s tennis makes historic finish in WAC tournament

History was made for the women’s tennis team this season as the Wildcats advanced further than ever in the WAC tournament, finishing as the runner-up […]

Softball loses eighth straight, moves on to must-win series vs Utah Tech

Softball lost its eighth consecutive game after being swept in a conference series for the second time this season against the California Baptist Lancers on […]

Intramurals build community beyond the classroom

As May rolled in and finals week crept closer, students hurried to finish the last set of assignments and prepare for exams, but even amid the whirl of academics, many […]

News

Concert culture shifts as students document more

May 7, 2026 By Nele Huth Leave a Comment

Ella Kelso, junior psychology major from North Carolina, drove 160 miles with a group of friends to Globe Life Field in Arlington last month for a Bruno Mars concert. The ticket price: $300 each. “It was 100% worth it,” Kelso said. “Bruno Mars is ... [Read More…]

Open letter resisting ‘Christian nationalism’ signed by over 1,000

May 7, 2026 By Leslie Carrigan Leave a Comment

Nearly three dozen faculty and staff members, as well as others associated with the university and former and current members of the university’s Board of Trustees, have signed an open letter resisting the rise of “Christian nationalism” and ... [Read More…]

ACU Gives raises $1.4 million in annual day of giving

May 7, 2026 By Carter Calvin Leave a Comment

Alumni, parents and other donors raised over $1.4 million during ACU Gives, the university’s annual day of giving, designed to support scholarships, campus programs and student organizations. The campaign, which now runs for two days, encourages ... [Read More…]

Sports

Wildcats gear up for conference realignment

May 7, 2026 By Joshua Varner Leave a Comment

At the end of the 2025-26 athletic season, a major restructure of the Western Athletic Conference is set to take place. Since its creation in 1962, the WAC has been the home of over 40 collegiate programs, including Hawaii, Arizona and the United States Air Force Academy. But after only five seasons of ACU being […]

University, men’s golf coach part ways after 12 seasons

May 7, 2026 By Zion Webb Leave a Comment

Athletics has decided to go in a different direction in men’s golf, making a leadership change as Tom Shaw is out after 12 years leading the Wildcats. The university announced the change Monday and said in a statement from Vice President for Athletics Zack Lassiter that Shaw had a huge impact on the ACU program: […]

Abilene native inspires next generation of baseball players

May 7, 2026 By Hayden DeLand Leave a Comment

Long before sophomore outfielder and Abilene native Braden Regala was standing in the outfield of Crutcher Scott Field with his Little League teammates, he didn’t even know if he wanted to play college baseball. Now, he is a starter for the Wildcats, inspiring the next generation. Regala grew up wanting to play soccer in college, […]

Features

Abilene native inspires next generation of baseball players

May 7, 2026 By Hayden DeLand Leave a Comment

Long before sophomore outfielder and Abilene native Braden Regala was standing in the outfield of Crutcher Scott Field with his Little League teammates, he didn’t even know if he wanted to play ... [Read More…]

Opinion

Letter from the editor: Learning to lead

May 7, 2026 By Ashley Henderson Leave a Comment

Online classes are not as effective as they seem

April 16, 2026 By Fermin Moreno Leave a Comment

Athletes today face pressure from every angle

April 15, 2026 By Nele Huth Leave a Comment

A strong March jobs report, but a slower path for new graduates

April 10, 2026 By Daniel Curd Leave a Comment

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acuoptimist The Optimist @acuoptimist ·
4 May

BREAKING NEWS: James Bradshaw and Maddie Grace Fridge are the 2026 Mr. ACU and Miss ACU.

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acuoptimist The Optimist @acuoptimist ·
22 Apr

NEWS: Students can now vote for the 2026 Mr. ACU and Miss ACU. The link to vote can be found through an email sent out by the Student Government Association.

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2 weeks ago

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Click the link in our bio to nominate a graduating senior for the Optimist to feature in our print issue. ... See MoreSee Less

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Videos

Optimist Newscast Feb. 28, 2024

Our top stories today include a recap of The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940, the ... [Read More…]

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