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You are here: Home / News / Breaking News

ACU to join Western Athletic Conference in July

January 14, 2021 by Owen Simpson

ACU has been officially invited to the Western Athletic Conference Thursday, alongside Lamar, Sam Houston State, Stephen F. Austin and Southern Utah, effective July 1, ending eight years as a member of the Southland Conference. "It's been a long process that we had to work through," said Allen Ward, director of athletics. "It's a good day, and ... [Read More…]

Filed Under: Breaking News, Showcase, Sports

Sing Song 2021 to ban sets, significantly limit act capacity

January 14, 2021 by Owen Simpson

Sing Song, which has been delayed until April 22-24 at the Paramount Theatre, will undergo major changes in 2021 to follow health and safety guidelines due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. "These decisions were made with thinking safety in mind for our students," said Caddie Coupe, director of student activities and organizations. "We want to ... [Read More…]

Filed Under: Breaking News, News, Showcase

Tyler officials locate body of missing student

January 13, 2021 by Owen Simpson

Tyler officials have located the body of 21-year-old Corbin Stiefer, a senior history major from Tyler, who had been missing since Jan. 6. He was found just before 11 a.m. Wednesday morning near a drainage ditch on Toll 49, a few hundred yards from where his vehicle was found Tuesday night. There will be a candlelight vigil at 8 p.m. for ... [Read More…]

Filed Under: Breaking News, News, Showcase

ACU expected to join WAC in Southland Conference mass exodus

January 12, 2021 by Owen Simpson

ACU is expected to be one of several new members welcomed to the Western Athletic Conference in an upcoming press conference Thursday. The announcement will end ACU's tenure with the Southland Conference since its transition to Div. I in 2013 and as a founding member in 1963. Several Southland Conference schools, including ACU, Lamar, Sam ... [Read More…]

Filed Under: Breaking News, Showcase, Sports

University receiving COVID-19 vaccine ‘sometime this spring’

January 9, 2021 by Owen Simpson

The university is establishing additional COVID-19 procedures for the spring semester and expects a vaccine to be available on campus "sometime this spring." "Once we receive it, we will notify you of our plans to make it available," said Dr. Schubert, president of the university. "Meanwhile, we will continue to require face masks and emphasize ... [Read More…]

Filed Under: Breaking News, News, Showcase

ACUPD Chief Ellison leaving university after 20 years

December 24, 2020 by Alyssa High

ACUPD Chief Jimmy Ellison has accepted the position of Chief of Police for Mont Belvieu Police Department, ending his long tenure at ACU. In addition to 20 years of service, Chief Ellison is proud of the relationships he has built within the ACU and Abilene communities.  "Abilene really grew on us over the last 20 years. When we moved from ... [Read More…]

Filed Under: Breaking News, News, Showcase

Freshman spring retention expected to be slightly lower than usual

December 15, 2020 by Dillon Daniel

The freshmen class is expecting a lower-than-normal retention rate entering the spring semester. “We are preparing for a dip in retention as we did going into this year," Tamara Long, vice president for enrollment and student life, said. "I think the financial implications for some families along with the unknowns are going to become a ... [Read More…]

Filed Under: Breaking News, News, Showcase

Dr. Mark Riggs, 67, dies after battle with COVID-19

December 14, 2020 by Owen Simpson

Dr. Mark Riggs, professor of mathematics, passed away Monday afternoon at the age of 67 after a battle with COVID-19 left him in the hospital for more than two weeks. "He was so gentle and extremely smart," said Katie Maxwell, Riggs' daughter. "I could always go to him as a kid because I know I wouldn't get in trouble right away. He had a really ... [Read More…]

Filed Under: Breaking News, News, Obituary

ACU falls short of historic upset against No. 17 Texas Tech, 51-44

December 9, 2020 by Owen Simpson

The Wildcats led 36-35 with just under seven minutes to play, challenging No. 17 Texas Tech at home Wednesday night. The Red Raiders would inevitably grab their fifth win of the season, but it was a much more challenging matchup than most anticipated. "They believe in being aggressive," head coach Chris Beard said. "They didn't say, 'Hey, ... [Read More…]

Filed Under: Breaking News, Showcase, Sports

New residence hall aiming for July completion date

December 2, 2020 by Sydney Varner

The construction of the new freshman village on the south side of campus is scheduled to be complete in late July opening up to incoming freshmen in August for the 2021 school year.  The project is on schedule, with some changes happening in the recent weeks.  “A lot has changed in the recent week and we started pouring the concrete on the ... [Read More…]

Filed Under: Breaking News, News, Showcase

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acuoptimist The Optimist @acuoptimist ·
22 Apr

NEWS: Students can now vote for the 2026 Mr. ACU and Miss ACU. The link to vote can be found through an email sent out by the Student Government Association.

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acuoptimist The Optimist @acuoptimist ·
29 Mar

Sing Song 2026 Awards Class Division:

Overall Award:
1. Mixed
2. Seniors
3. Freshman White

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Click the link in our bio to nominate a graduating senior for the Optimist to feature in our print issue. ... See MoreSee Less

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ACU’s Got Talent showcased student performers Tuesday at the Boone Family Theatre, featuring acts including singing, dancing and spoken word. Lois Botelua, freshman theatre major from Fort Worth, and pianist Peter John, freshman finance major from Park Row, took home the top prize for their performance of “The Visitor” by Sienna Spiro, earning a trophy and $500.To view the full photo gallery, visit acuoptimist.com or click the link in our bio. 📸: @leslie.lu.carrigan #acuoptimist #abilenechristianuniversity #studentlife ... See MoreSee Less

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