Dr. Bill Rankin, professor of English and Distinguished Honors Fellow, is leaving ACU after 24 years. He will serve as the new Director of Education & Pedagogies at Apple, Inc.

“It grew out of a lot of the work that I’ve been doing the last several years at ACU with the mobile learning initiative,” Rankin said.

At the end of June Rankin will move to Cupertino, Calif., where Apple’s main campus is located.

Rankin said he has already begun taking on work in a director position, where he will be helping Apple think about teaching and learning.

“I’m very excited. I think it’s a great opportunity to make a difference in education and global education,” he said.

Hazel Fillmon, executive assistant in the Graduate School, said Rankin leaving is ACU’s loss and Apple’s gain.

“He’s so bright and so sharp, I’m sure (Apple) has been trying to get him since we went to the mobile learning,” Fillmon said.

“I feel happy for him and sad for me,” said Nuria Hall, Rankin’s secretary. “I’ll miss having him around as a friend.”

A farewell reception was held in the Living Room of the Campus Center Thursday afternoon. Friends and colleagues were invited to say goodbye and listen to a short presentation.

“It’s an honor, and a privileged and a great challenge,” Rankin said.