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Police Log: Student allegedly strikes another student’s parked vehicle

1/12/2026 1000 hrs. Information Report, ACU Main Campus ACU PD took a report of a suspicious person requesting ACU memorabilia. No crime occurred and the […]

Former Wildcat Airion Simmons indicted in federal sports betting scheme

Former ACU men’s basketball forward Airion Simmons was indicted in a federal investigation involving an alleged point-shaving and sports betting scheme Thursday morning in Philadelphia. […]

Patterson signs three-season extension with eyes set on national championship

After leading the Wildcats to back-to-back United Athletic Conference championships, Head Football Coach Keith Patterson has agreed to a contract extension, good through the 2029 […]

Women’s basketball hosts inaugural Christmas Classic, battles Montana, Buffalo as WAC play nears

With just three games to go before the beginning of Western Athletic Conference play, the women’s basketball team will play back-to-back days as it hosts […]

Star defensive back Tyson Williams ‘bets on himself,’ enters transfer portal

After three seasons in the purple and white, star defensive back Tyson Williams will enter the transfer portal with one year of eligibility left. “I […]

News

Former Wildcat Airion Simmons indicted in federal sports betting scheme

January 15, 2026 By Zion Webb Leave a Comment

Former ACU men’s basketball forward Airion Simmons was indicted in a federal investigation involving an alleged point-shaving and sports betting scheme Thursday morning in Philadelphia. According to the indictment, which included 38 other NCAA ... [Read More…]

University features artists from U.S., China through intercultural project

January 14, 2026 By Taylor Harrison Leave a Comment

The university and The Grace Museum will host visiting Chinese artists from Thursday to Saturday through exhibitions, dialogue and live painting. The event centers around an intercultural project developed by Robert Green called “Boundless: A ... [Read More…]

ACU Debate team finds strength in rebuilding year

December 5, 2025 By Fermin Moreno Leave a Comment

The ACU Debate team wrapped up the fall semester and is preparing for a busy spring. The program is in a rebuilding year, with roughly 60% of the team made up of freshmen and sophomores after 19 seniors and judges graduated over the past two ... [Read More…]

Sports

Wildcats get the job done on the road against California Baptist

January 16, 2026 By Joshua Varner Leave a Comment

The Wildcats pulled out all the stops against California Baptist as they took a 70-58 win over the Western Athletic Conference leaders. Heading into this game, the Lancers were undefeated in WAC play with a 5-0 record, outscoring conference opponents by double digits in all but one of those games. This is the third year […]

Men’s basketball comes up short at home

January 16, 2026 By Hayden DeLand Leave a Comment

After losing to the California Baptist University Lancers 74-58 on Thursday, the Wildcats fell to 10-8 on the season, 2-3 in Western Athletic Conference play, and fifth in conference standings. ACU’s leading scorer was Rich Smith, senior guard from the Bronx, New York, with 22 points, the only Wildcat with double-digit points. Head Coach Brette […]

Track & Field begins 2026 at Corky Classic

January 15, 2026 By Zion Webb Leave a Comment

The Wildcats track and field team is starting off its 2026 campaign up in Lubbock at Texas Tech’s Corky Classic meet on Friday with the aim of building on the start of their indoor season back in December. At the McFerrin 12-Degree Invitational in College Station, early-season success was evident across a young roster that […]

Features

Church of Christ members navigate Christmas without a biblical blueprint

December 5, 2025 By Baylie Simon Leave a Comment

In the New Testament, Christians are not seen celebrating Christmas. There is the birth of Jesus, but his birth is not marked as a day of celebration for Christians in the Bible.  The Church of ... [Read More…]

Opinion

When coffee stops helping and starts hurting

January 15, 2026 By Makayla Clayton Leave a Comment

Student attendance makes a difference at games

December 4, 2025 By Lindsey Blasingame Leave a Comment

Normalize counseling on campus

December 4, 2025 By Ashley Henderson Leave a Comment

Give me back my em dash

December 3, 2025 By Callie Leverett Leave a Comment

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acuoptimist The Optimist @acuoptimist ·
10 Nov

NEWS: Students can officially opt out of Wildcat Access program for the spring 2026 semester. The opt out period will run from today through Nov. 23.

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acuoptimist The Optimist @acuoptimist ·
1 Nov

BREAKING NEWS: The winners of the 2025 Homecoming Parade are: Sanctify in the student organization division, Ko Jo Kai in the sorority division and Gamma Sigma Phi in the fraternity division.

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The Optimist

2 months ago

The Optimist
Andrew North was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at 3 months old; he’s never known life without it. Now, in his late 20s and married, North has cultivated a fulfilling life despite facing adversity from the perceived limitations of his chronic disease. North is an ACU graduate student pursuing a master’s degree in marriage and family services.To read more, visit acuoptimist.com or click the link below. #acuoptimist #abilenechristianuniversity #feature acuoptimist.com/2025/11/grad-student-with-cystic-fibrosis-wins-scholarship-strives-to-make-an-imp...📝: Callie Leverett ... See MoreSee Less

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The Optimist

2 months ago

The Optimist
The Indian Culture Association hosted their annual Golden Gala last Saturday at Hillcrest Church. Students, faculty, and members of ICA gathered together to celebrate the beauty of Indian Culture. To view the full photo gallery, visit acuoptimist.com or click the link below. #acuoptimist #abilenechristianuniversity #photography acuoptimist.com/2025/11/gallery-ica-hosts-the-annual-golden-gala/📸: Callie Brimberry ... 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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