The ACU Board of Trustees appointed three new members at its February meeting during Sing Song weekend. Jana Hanner, Elise Mitchell and Randy Owen were voted to the university's governing body and help comprise the 35 members of the board. Hanner ('81) is the comptroller of Hanner Chevrolet GMC in Baird, about 20 miles east of Abilene. ... [Read More…]
Admissions uses unique initiative to attract students
In an effort to advocate the ACU difference, the admissions office revamped its initiative to attract potential students by taking a more charitable approach. Prospective students no longer receive the typical viewbook from the university. Now, they get a personalized letter with the option to choose one of three charities for the admissions ... [Read More…]
$260k saved on energy bills this year
Turning off the lights at night, replacing old equipment and a strategic partnership have led to an estimated $260,000 in cost-avoidance for the university over the last eight months. Significant savings on energy bills have come after launching an energy-saving initiative in January and the addition of Ben Rude, an on-campus energy specialist, ... [Read More…]
Riley selected as vice president of Student Life
Chris Riley, a 2000 ACU graduate, was hired this summer for the position of vice president of Student Life. Previously he served as the university's associate general counsel and legal compliance coordinator for eight years. Riley said his first week in the role, beginning on August 4, was spent meeting with all other officers and ... [Read More…]
Administration reevaluates strategic plan
The administration is drafting a new strategic plan for the 2014 school year to realign the university's priorities. Aspects of the university's academic integrity, affordability, Christian identity, diversity and relationships will be addressed. Dr. Allison Garret, executive vice president, said the transition is for the benefit of the ... [Read More…]
Two deans to resign before 2012 academic year
Two ACU deans are resigning from their positions at the end of the academic year. Dr. Charles Mattis, dean of College of Arts and Sciences, is leaving the university to open a dental practice, and Dr. Jack Reese, dean of Biblical studies, will fill a different role at the university. "I just wanted to do some different things," Mattis said. ... [Read More…]
Straughn takes over as assistant provost for general education
Dr. Gregory Straughn has moved into a new roll as assistant provost for general education, Provost Dr. Jeanine Varner said. Last semester, Straughn served as dean of the ACU Honors College and director of core curriculum. "We had a strong sense that as we rolled out the new core curriculum, it would require significant administrative oversight," ... [Read More…]
Departments hire faculty, staff
By Mitch Holt, Opinion Editor The English, sociology and theatre departments have made several faculty and staff changes this semester, adding new professors and replacing ones who left for various reasons. The Sociology and Social Work Department added one professor this semester, and one more will join the faculty next semester, said Dr. David ... [Read More…]