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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

Wildcats kick off a new era, look toward 2026 changes

August 23, 2026 By Alexis Stanley Leave a Comment

Women’s soccer looks to turn the page in 2026 after finishing 2025 with an overall record of 6-11-3 and a 2-5-3 record in conference. In the Cats’ first two games this season, they beat Jackson State on the road 3-1 and before falling to New Mexico ... [Read More…]

Hazzard’s dunking journey continues in Dunkman finals

August 23, 2026 By Carter Calvin Leave a Comment

After years of turning his passion for dunking into online content, Cam Hazzard is taking his talents to one of the biggest stages in the sport. Hazzard, a junior finance, accounting and information systems major from Little Elm, won Group A of ... [Read More…]

$1.7 million Elmer Gray Stadium overhaul nears completion

August 23, 2026 By Caysson Higgins Leave a Comment

Elmer Gray Stadium, home to ACU soccer and track and field, is getting its first major overhaul since it opened in 2015, a $1.7 million project funded entirely by outside donors rather than the university. From 1955 to 2014, track and field events ... [Read More…]

Sports

Wildcats’ earn historic preseason ranking, top spot in UAC poll

August 23, 2026 By Hayden DeLand Leave a Comment

After two consecutive United Athletic Conference championships, the Wildcat football team earned its highest preseason ranking in Div. 1 history, added 53 new players, led the UAC preseason coaches’ poll and led the conference in All-UAC selections with eight. ACU enters the season ranked No. 15 in the FCS Stats Perform Poll and No. 14 […]

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: […]

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

Athletes today face pressure from every angle

April 15, 2026 By Nele Huth

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

April 10, 2026 By Daniel Curd

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acuoptimist The Optimist @acuoptimist ·
9 May

BREAKING: The 2026 teacher of the year is Dr. Clint Buck, assistant professor of accounting in the College of Business Administration.

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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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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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