By Brian Roe, Staff Writer

Smith Hall has a vacancy.

ACU will be searching for a new Smith Hall director after John Taylor decided to take a position as a therapist at an eating disorder clinic in Wickenburg, Ariz.

“It was a difficult decision to make because it is so far from Abilene, especially since I have lived here 20 years and my wife’s family lives here, but I feel this is where God is pointing me,” Taylor said.

Taylor has been working at ACU for nine years. Four years were spent as director of Mabee Hall and the past five as director of Smith Hall.

Taylor was known as an all-around great guy, said Erica Jarvis, senior elementary education major from Fort Worth.

“John is the hardest working guy I’ve ever met,” said Jarvis, the assistant dorm director at Adams Hall. “I will especially miss his stories and the lessons he continually taught us.”

Jason Northrup, the assistant director at Smith Hall, agrees.

“John is an awesome guy and amazing leader,” Northrup said. “It was seriously an honor and privilege to work for such a great man of God who cares so much for everyone around him.”

Northrup said he was not contacted about the position and expects someone else to get it. ACU will announce who the new director is this week.

Taylor said he will miss his job at ACU but is looking forward to the new challenges as a therapist.

“The program is incredible there,” said Taylor, who will be leaving for Arizona on Tuesday. “All aspects of therapy are integrated with scripture and prayer. For a Christian therapist, it is a dream job. I have seen God’s hand in this as clear as I have ever seen him in my life.”