Abilene Christian University

Abilene Christian University (ACU) is a private university located in Abilene, Texas, affiliated with Churches of Christ. ACU was founded in 1906, as Childers Classical Institute. ACU has an annual enrollment of about 5,000 students from across the US and 60 nations.

History

Abilene Christian

When Jesse P. Sewell became president of the institute in 1912, the school began using "Abilene Christian College" on all its printed material. In 1920, the school paid the Childers family $4,000 and formally changed the name.

The Optimist, the university's student-run newspaper, was founded in 1912. The Prickly Pear, the school yearbook, was founded in 1916. The campus literary-arts magazine (now The Shinnery Review, formerly The Pickwicker) has

In 1927, with the help of a $75,000 contribution from the city of Abilene, the board of trustees purchased 680 acres (2.8 km²) northeast of Abilene. In addition, residents donated 75 acres (304,000 m²) of adjoining land. The new campus opened in the fall of 1929.

From the time its founding to the present, the university has been governed by a board of trustees made up of members of the Churches of Christ. Abilene Christian College operated as an unaffiliated church-related school until December of 1951, when it was granted full accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

On February 22, 1976 the name was changed to Abilene Christian University. The school is preparing to celebrate its centennial in the 2005-06 school year.

Mission statement

"The mission of Abilene Christian University is to educate students for Christian service and leadership throughout the world."

Presidents

• Allen Booker Barret (1906-08)
• H. C. Darden (1908-09)
• Robertson Lafayette Whiteside(1909-11)
• James F. Cox (1911-12)¹
• Jesse Parker Sewell (1912-1924)
• Batsell Barrett Baxter (1924-1932)
• James F. Cox (1932-1940)
• Don H. Morris (1940-1969)
• John C. Stevens (1969-1981)
• William J. Teague (1981-1991)
• Royce Money (1991-present)

Notable Alumni

• Jordan Blakey, Noted artist and animal rights activist
• John Layfield, professional wrestler
• David Leeson
• Max Lucado, Christian author
• Bobby Morrow, Olympic sprinter
• Wilbert Montgomery, professional football player
• Nelson Coates, Film Production Designer
• Bonnie Curtis, Movie Producer
• Randall "Tex" Cobb, Actor

Footnote

• ¹ When James Cox's wife became ill, his brother, Alonzo B. Cox, filled in for him to finish the term.