Legendary ACU basketball coach Willard Tate died Friday after a long battle with an illness, he was 74. Tate served as head basketball coach at ACU for seven years from 1973-1980, leading the Wildcats to a team-best 27-5 record during the 1979-80 season. In his time at ACU, the Wildcats compiled a 119-79 record. Tate graduated from Alabama ... [Read More…]
Schubert named as 11th president of Abilene Christian University
Dr. Phil Schubert, executive vice president of the university, will take office as the 11th president of Abilene Christian University on June 1. Dr. Rick Lytle, dean of the College of Business Administration and presidential finalist, was in Oxford with ACU's Study Abroad Program during the announcement Friday morning. "I am so incredibly ... [Read More…]
Photo Gallery: Saved by the Snow
Optimist photographers Kelsi Williamson and Heather Leiphart capture the excitement as student enjoy Thursday's record snowfall. By mid-morning, the winter weather prompted school officials to cancel classes for the rest of the day. [flickr album=72157623410865870 num=30 size=Square] ... [Read More…]
Releasing the Reins: Counseling Center offers a new kind of therapy
Attempting to move a large, powerful horse from one side of the arena to another can seem intimidating. Add to the challenge no touching or talking and some might call the task impossible. But then imagine completing this challenge: the sense of self-confidence, pride and accomplishment it creates is why some therapists are beginning to use "trusty ... [Read More…]
Optimist to publish on new Apple iPad
The Optimist, ACU's student-run newspaper, will be available on Apple's new iPad device when it premiers in 60 days, making it the first collegiate student publication to take advantage of Apple's latest technology. Dr. Cheryl Bacon, chair of the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, says students and faculty already are working to ... [Read More…]
Track and field season preview
By Sam Bartee ACU's track and field program is well-established; it's coach, however, is brand new. Roosevelt Lofton is in his first season as the Wildcats' track and field head coach -- only the second man in the past 71 years to do so with no prior affiliation with the university. During his career, Lofton has been voted conferenceCoach of the ... [Read More…]
Homeward Found: Royce Money’s presidential vocation evolves from lifelong collegiate calling
In the fall of 1960, a tall, lanky freshman walked onto the Abilene Christian College campus as the first member of his family to attend college. Already, he knew his calling: He planned to preach. Royce Money graduated from ACC prepared to lead a church, and more than 30 years later, he returned to lead a university. The ACC Experience During ... [Read More…]
Bearcats end Wildcats’ playoff run again
Northwest Missouri State knocked ACU out of the playoffs for the second time in a 35-10 loss Saturday, after the Wildcats failed to take advantage of four forced Bearcat turnovers. "I am disappointed in our team's performance today," said Head Coach Chris Thomsen. "Give a lot of credit to Northwest. They did a great job in all three phases of the ... [Read More…]
A Lasting Legacy: Chemistry professor, mentor retires after 50 years
Dr. Alvie Davis will retire at the end of the semester after more than 50 years of teaching in the chemistry and biochemistry department. During his time at ACU, Davis, professor emeritus of chemistry, said he has taught almost every class and taught all but one professor in the department. One such professor is Dr. Greg Powell, professor of ... [Read More…]
Firefighters extinguish remains of warehouse blaze
A two-alarm fire burnt an Abilene warehouse to the ground at 401 Plum St. on Monday. Abilene firefighters arrived on the scene shortly after 5 p.m., after a passing motorist noticed smoke coming from the building and called 911. Abilene Fire Department Lieutenant Greg Goettsch said he believed the fire began in the northwest corner of the ... [Read More…]