ACU staff added 18 new faculty members to their ranks this semester.
Eleven departments have made additions to their faculty.  These new members have come from all over the country, and over half of the new additions previously attended ACU.  According to some of these alumni, returning to ACU to work is like coming home.
The total number of new professors, 18, is down from the 24 additions last year and 20 in 2009.
Although several of the new faculty members did not go to school at ACU, they are just as excited to be a part of the university.
Dr. Libby McCurley, assistant professor of kinesiology and nutrition, became aware of ACU when she relocated to Abilene with her husband.  Although she did not previously attend the university, she is enthusiastic about beginning her work.
“The primary reasons I decided to come to ACU are the affiliation the school has with the Church of Christ, the spirit of pride that seems to be present in both students and faculty and staff, and the excitement of the changes taking place in relation to kinesiology and nutrition, which is where I will be working,” said McCurley.
Ryan Jessup, assistant professor of management sciences and former ACU student, is returning to Abilene to teach this year after living in California, Indiana and Ireland.
“It is both strange and wonderful to come back to ACU on faculty,” Jessup said.  “Faculty members that I looked up to several years ago have now become my colleagues and friends.”
Jessup made the decision to come to ACU because of the university’s faith-centered environment, an element he sought in a university.
“I think it is important for Christians to test and refine their faith through the crucible of a university which wants to prolong rather than suffocate the faith,” he said.
Jessup expounded on how the addition of new faculty is evidence that the university is continuing to be innovative.  The new members are excited about becoming a part of ACU’s learning environment.
“It’s wonderful to be here because Abilene has so many wonderful people,” Jessup said. “It truly is like a family on this campus.”

New Faculty 2011-2012

(Name, Rank, Department)

Clifford Barbarick, Assistant Professor, Bible, Missions, & Ministry

Julie Barcoft, Instructor, English

Kilnam Cha, Assistant Professor, Bible, Missions & Ministry

Suanna Davis, Assistant Professor, English

Matthew Garver, Assistant Professor, Exercise Science and Health

Grace Hall, Instructor, English

Jennifer Huddleston, Assistant Professor, Biology

Jonathan Huddleston, Assistant Professor, Graduate School of Theology

Ryan Jessup, Assistant Professor, Management Sciences

Susan Kehl, , School of Nursing

Suzanne Macaluso, Assistant Professor, Sociology

Libby McCurley, Assistant Professor, Exercise Science and Health

Jill Scott, Assistant Professor, Teacher Education

Rachel Slaymaker, Assistant Professor, Social Work

Martha Smallwood, Assistant Professor, Excercise Science and Health

Melinda Thompson, Assistant Professor, Graduate School of Theology

Steve Weathers, Associate Professor, English

John Weaver, Dean and Professor, Library Services and Educational Technologies