Academic News Archives | Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ /category/academic-news/ Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ Wed, 07 Jan 2026 17:29:15 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9 /wp-content/uploads/2021/01/cropped-acu-solid-purple-favicon-32x32.png Academic News Archives | Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ /category/academic-news/ 32 32 Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ to host collaborative U.S.-China art exhibition, dialogue /2026/01/07/acu-to-host-collaborative-u-s-china-art-exhibition-dialogue/ Wed, 07 Jan 2026 17:29:15 +0000 /?p=106445 Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ and The Grace Museum will host visiting Chinese artists and dignitaries from Jan. 15-17 for collaborative exhibitions, a public dialogue and a live painting experience, all part of an intercultural project conceived by Robert Green (’79), department chair and professor of art and design at Ä¢¹½´«Ã½. The show in Ä¢¹½´«Ã½’s Shore Gallery, … Continued

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An acrylic on panel painting by Robert Green
“Eternal Deluge: Part 2,” by Robert Green, 2023

Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ and The Grace Museum will host visiting Chinese artists and dignitaries from Jan. 15-17 for collaborative exhibitions, a public dialogue and a live painting experience, all part of an intercultural project conceived by Robert Green (’79), department chair and professor of art and design at Ä¢¹½´«Ã½.

The show in Ä¢¹½´«Ã½’s Shore Gallery, titled ¡°Boundless: A U.S.-China Collaborative Exhibition,¡± features works by Chinese artists: Zhai You, Gao Yun, Fan Lei, Shao Lian, Wang Ping and Wei Dong, alongside American artists: Dallas-area artist Bonny Leibowitz; Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ adjunct instructor of art and design Hollie Brown; Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ art and design professor Kenny Jones (’82); Abilene artist Polly (Compton ’82) Jones; and Green. A smaller companion exhibition entitled ¡°Boundless: Origins¡± will be in the Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ Brown Library, featuring works by Green and Chinese artist Sheng Dongqiao. Zhai, Gao, and Fan will be in Abilene for the openings and events. In addition, Chen Chunmei, minister-counselor for cultural affairs for the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Washington, D.C., will attend the opening of these exhibitions on Jan. 17.

Painting of Clear Streams Against the Deep Mountains
“Clear Streams Against the Deep Mountains,” by Gao Yun, 2025

Three main events are planned:

  • Public Dialogue: A public dialogue between American and Chinese artists, from 6:30-7:30 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 15 at The Grace Museum. A piano recital by Hanqiu Xu, visiting college assistant professor of piano and collaborative arts at Ä¢¹½´«Ã½, will follow at 8 p.m. in the Williams Performing Arts Center Recital Hall.
  • Opening Reception: The opening reception for ¡°Boundless: A U.S.-China Collaborative Exhibition,¡± 10 a.m.-noon, Saturday, Jan. 17, at Ä¢¹½´«Ã½’s Shore Gallery. This event will include a poetry reading by Dr. Steven Moore, professor of language and literature at Ä¢¹½´«Ã½; a musical performance by Austin-based actor Ryan Chu (’24); and opening statements by Green and Zhai. Zhai is vice president and secretary general of the Jiangsu Chinese Painting Society.
  • Collaborative Live Painting: A public collaborative painting experience where Chinese and American artists will create two works together from 2-4 p.m., Jan. 17, at The Grace Museum.

All events are free and open to the public.

Green¡¯s project ¨C ¡°Boundless: An Intercultural Exhibition and Dialogue¡± ¨C centers around exhibiting Chinese and American art, along with public dialogue, in both China and in the U.S. The Chinese exhibition, ¡°Connecting Hearts Through Art: A China-U.S. Artistic Exchange¡± took place in May and June at the Yuan Contemporary Art Museum in Nanjing, China. Green and Kenny Jones traveled to China for the opening of the show. They were joined by Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ alumnus Allen Smith and Chinese-American artists Kiki Liu (a ceramicist from Los Angeles), Zhao Jianmin (from San Francisco), and Wang Qingxiang (from Brooklyn, New York). Two other American artists¡¯ works were included in the exhibition ¨C Leibowitz and Abilenian Jingyi Teng, although they did not make the trip to China.

Ink on panel painting by Kenny Jones "Falling Outside"
“Falling Outside,” by Kenny Jones

¡°The greatest benefit of this exhibition is that it appears in China and America,¡± Green said. ¡°Though it will speak differently in each setting, it will amplify the importance of cross-cultural dialogues and creative initiatives on both sides of the Pacific.¡±

The concept for this project emerged about two years ago when Green connected with Sheng to discuss shared interests in Chinese art, and their conversations sparked the idea of exhibiting works together.?

¡°I was motivated to reach out to him because our paintings were indebted to traditional Chinese landscape painting styles that date back to the 18th century and beyond,¡± Green said. ¡°It seemed to us that as we were in dialogue with one another, so, too, were our works. Our paintings carried on a conversation with the past and with each other.¡±

The two collaboratively planned both events, developing a catalog of works and agreeing on exhibition titles.?

¡°We were also convinced that having the artists attend the exhibition, come to the opening reception, sit for a public dialogue with local audiences and include interactive elements were necessary to promote mutual understanding and respect,¡± Green said. ¡°The public dialogue will allow us to discuss our different approaches to artmaking and the things that we admire in the art of our respective cultures. Additionally, it will emphasize a theme of respect between Chinese and American people during an era marked by distrust and sometimes demonization.¡±

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Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ Named One of America¡¯s Top Online Colleges by Newsweek /2025/11/14/acu-named-one-of-americas-top-online-colleges-by-newsweek/ Fri, 14 Nov 2025 18:04:02 +0000 /?p=105396 For the fifth consecutive year, Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ has been recognized by Newsweek and Statista Inc., a global leader in data analytics and industry rankings, as one of America¡¯s Top Online Colleges for 2026.? Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ ranked at #162, a 49-spot jump from the prior year. This increase in ranking is a testament to Ä¢¹½´«Ã½¡¯s commitment … Continued

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For the fifth consecutive year, Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ has been recognized by Newsweek and Statista Inc., a global leader in data analytics and industry rankings, as one of .?

Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ ranked at #162, a 49-spot jump from the prior year. This increase in ranking is a testament to Ä¢¹½´«Ã½¡¯s commitment to enhancing students’ learning experience with career-oriented degree programs and experiences that are rooted in Christ.?

¡°We are deeply honored to once again be recognized as one of the nation¡¯s best online universities,¡± said Dr. Stephen Johnson, chief executive officer for Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ Dallas. ¡°This acknowledgement reflects our ongoing commitment to provisioning learning experiences that are both academically rigorous and spiritually enriching. At Ä¢¹½´«Ã½, we strive to offer programs that are flexible, forward-thinking and grounded in Christian values.¡±

Newsweek curates its list with an independent survey of over 10,000 participants who chose online learning to earn their degrees. The survey evaluated colleges and universities that offer online degree programs in the following parameters: Overall Satisfaction, Institutional Indicators, Overall Recommendation, Organization & Accessibility, Support & Service, Cost of Program, Organizational Reputation, Expected Success and Practical Relevance of Contents.

Ä¢¹½´«Ã½¡¯s online degrees are administered through the Dallas campus, offering 18 bachelor¡¯s degrees, 18 master¡¯s degrees, two doctoral degrees, five undergraduate certificates and eight graduate certificates. Each program is designed to provide students with applicable skills for their next role or new career. For more information about Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ Online, visit .?

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Lilly Endowment awards $1 million to support efforts of Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ Graduate School of Theology /2025/10/22/lilly-endowment-awards-1-million-to-support-efforts-of-acu-graduate-school-of-theology/ Wed, 22 Oct 2025 19:54:24 +0000 /?p=104902 Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ has received a grant of $1 million from Lilly Endowment Inc. to support the expansion and sustainability of the Ministry Residency Program in the Graduate School of Theology.? Lilly Endowment made the grant through its Pathways for Tomorrow Initiative, which is intended to help theological schools across the United States and Canada … Continued

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Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ has received from Lilly Endowment Inc. to support the expansion and sustainability of the Ministry Residency Program in the Graduate School of Theology.?

Lilly Endowment made the grant through its Pathways for Tomorrow Initiative, which is intended to help theological schools across the United States and Canada strengthen their educational and financial capacities to prepare and support pastoral leaders for Christian congregations both now and into the future.

¡°This initiative, and the resources it makes available, represent a transformational opportunity for the GST as we seek to live out our mission to equip men and women for effective missional leadership for ministry in all its forms and to provide strong academic foundations for theological inquiry,¡± said Dr. Mason Lee, interim dean of the Graduate School of Theology.

Ä¢¹½´«Ã½¡¯s Ministry Residency Program is a strategic initiative within the Graduate School of Theology to strengthen collaborative partnerships with experienced practitioners and churches. The year-long ministry residency undertaken by GST students and the other aspects of the program bring together accomplished ministers, faculty within the GST and local congregations in a process of mutual enrichment.

¡°We¡¯re seeking to form and prepare the next generation of ministers for the life of the church,¡± Lee said. ¡°Through partnerships with local congregations and ministry practitioners, this program provides holistic training and formation for those called to congregational ministry. It grounds that formation within a local congregation, and partners the GST with working preachers to develop systems of support for students that begin during their theological education but last a lifetime.¡±

Ä¢¹½´«Ã½¡¯s Graduate School of Theology is one of 163 theological schools whose programs have received funding since 2021 through the Pathways initiative. Together, the schools serve a broad spectrum of Christian traditions in the U.S. and Canada. They are affiliated with evangelical, mainline Protestant, nondenominational, Pentecostal, Orthodox, Catholic, Black church, Latino, Asian American, Indigenous and historic peace church traditions.

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U.S. News honors Ä¢¹½´«Ã½¡¯s student experience for seventh year in a row /2025/09/23/u-s-news-honors-acus-student-experience-for-seventh-year-in-a-row/ Tue, 23 Sep 2025 14:06:48 +0000 /?p=103912 For the seventh consecutive year, the student experience at Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ is one of the nation¡¯s best, according to the 2026 U.S. News & World Report rankings released today. The university excelled in the categories of Study Abroad, Learning Communities, Service Learning and First-Year Experiences. According to U.S. News & World Report¡¯s methodology, the … Continued

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Award stating Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ is one of the Best Colleges for Study Abroad in 2026 from U.S. News and World Report An award stating Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ is one of the best colleges for service learning in 2026 from U.S. News and World Report An award stating Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ is one of the best colleges for learning communities in 2026 from U.S. News and World Report An award stating Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ is one of the best colleges for first year experiences in 2026 from U.S. News and World ReportFor the seventh consecutive year, the student experience at Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ is one of the nation¡¯s best, according to the 2026 U.S. News & World Report rankings released today. The university excelled in the categories of Study Abroad, Learning Communities, Service Learning and First-Year Experiences.

According to U.S. News & World Report¡¯s methodology, the are a?national benchmark of ¡°outstanding examples?of academic programs that are believed to lead to student success.¡± In the 2026 report, U.S. News recognized Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ in four categories ¨C and in the top 15 nationally in three of them. The university has been recognized in multiple categories each year since the benchmark¡¯s debut in 2020.

  • #11 in Service Learning [highest-ranked Texas university]
  • #11 in Learning Communities
  • #13 in First-Year Experiences
  • #36 in Study Abroad

One of the pillars of is to ¡°provide a vibrant student experience that strengthens Ä¢¹½´«Ã½¡¯s commitment to spiritual formation and leverages Ä¢¹½´«Ã½¡¯s national leadership in student success.¡±

The rankings come on the heels of an eighth consecutive year of record enrollment, with the university topping 7,000 for the first time. In the spring, Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ was designated as a Research 2 university by the Carnegie Institute for Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education ¨C a milestone that reflects the university¡¯s intentional commitment to research growth and academic excellence.

¡°A national research university that is intentional about spiritual formation, impactful co-curricular experiences and forming lifelong relationships is unique in the higher education marketplace, and we¡¯re thrilled when others recognize the value of what we see happening every day here at Ä¢¹½´«Ã½,¡± said Dr. Phil Schubert, Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ president.

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Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ enrollment tops 7,000, hits record for 8th year in a row /2025/09/11/acu-enrollment-tops-7000-hits-record-for-8th-year-in-a-row/ Thu, 11 Sep 2025 19:39:51 +0000 /?p=103735 More than 7,200 students enrolled at Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ this fall, marking the university¡¯s largest-ever student body and an eighth consecutive year of record enrollment. The student total of 7,274 reflects an increase of 787 students or 12% over last year, 37% over the past five years and 60% over the past 10 years.? A … Continued

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Students walk across campus on the first day of classes, Aug. 25, 2025.

More than 7,200 students enrolled at Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ this fall, marking the university¡¯s largest-ever student body and an eighth consecutive year of record enrollment. The student total of 7,274 reflects an increase of 787 students or 12% over last year, 37% over the past five years and 60% over the past 10 years.?

A large class of residential freshmen, an intentional focus on retention and continued growth in Ä¢¹½´«Ã½¡¯s online programs have all contributed to the eight consecutive years of record enrollments, said Dr. Phil Schubert, Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ president.

¡°The high numbers we¡¯re seeing this year, and for the past seven years, confirm that students are attracted to our unique offering: a world class academic education delivered in a Christ-centered community,¡± Schubert said. ¡°We are committed to welcoming each of them as an integral part of our mission to educate students for Christian service and leadership throughout the world.¡±

New students gather for Ä¢¹½´«Ã½’s traditional Candlelight Devotional during Wildcat Week.

This fall¡¯s record enrollment includes 1,031 new freshmen who come from every region of Texas, the continental United States and across the world with 22 valedictorians, one National Merit Finalist, two National Merit Semifinalists and 31 international students. Among the top programs of interest for incoming students are nursing, kinesiology, finance, psychology and management.

Ä¢¹½´«Ã½¡¯s overall undergraduate enrollment is up 10% compared to last year. Among residential undergraduates, first-year to second-year student retention hit a record 82%, and the university’s four-year graduation rate recorded an all-time high.

Demand continues to be strong for Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ Online offerings as well, with online enrollment up 25% compared to last year. Undergraduate enrollment in online programs is up 39%, and graduate enrollment is up 13%.

Fall 2025 Quick Facts

  • Total enrollment: 7,274
  • Undergraduate students: 5,101
  • Graduate students: 2,173
  • Abilene campus: 3,675
  • Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ Online (Dallas):? 3,599
  • International students: 212

This university-wide enrollment growth is supported by key institutional achievements, including the university’s new Research 2 (R2) status from the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education and the recent completion of a $300 million comprehensive fundraising campaign.

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DOE taps Ä¢¹½´«Ã½, Natura to receive critical nuclear reactor fuel /2025/08/28/doe-taps-acu-natura-to-receive-critical-nuclear-reactor-fuel/ Thu, 28 Aug 2025 22:44:31 +0000 /?p=98027 The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced a plan to provide high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) to Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ and its partner, Natura Resources, for their cutting-edge nuclear research. This crucial fuel allocation will support the university’s Nuclear Energy eXperimental Testing (NEXT) Lab in the development of a next-generation molten salt reactor. Ä¢¹½´«Ã½¡¯s research … Continued

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The Dillard Science and Engineering Research Center on Ä¢¹½´«Ã½’s campus is home to NEXT Lab.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has a plan to provide high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) to Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ and its partner, , for their cutting-edge nuclear research. This crucial fuel allocation will support the university’s Nuclear Energy eXperimental Testing (NEXT) Lab in the development of a next-generation molten salt reactor.

Ä¢¹½´«Ã½¡¯s research reactor will be the first deployment of the Natura MSR-1 ¨C a 1-megawatt thermal molten salt reactor system. Access to HALEU is essential for advancing the design and testing phases of this pioneering project.

Because HALEU is not yet commercially available from domestic suppliers, the DOE established a process for nuclear developers to request the material. Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ is one of just three new entities selected to receive an allocation, following an initial round of awards to five companies earlier this year. The DOE is expected to finalize the contracting process and potentially deliver HALEU to recipients later this year.

This announcement follows another significant milestone as the DOE recently named Natura Resources as one of only 11 projects nationwide to participate in the new . This federal initiative is designed to fast-track the development and deployment of advanced nuclear reactors by 2026.

NEXT Lab research engineers work on the molten salt test system.

These recent federal announcements propel Ä¢¹½´«Ã½’s NEXT Lab into the national spotlight, solidifying the university’s position as a key contributor to U.S. nuclear energy innovation. The Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ research reactor project is the only university-led reactor project in the country with a construction permit from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. It also marks the first time a liquid salt-fueled reactor has been licensed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

¡°Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ is grateful to the Department of Energy and Secretary Wright for their leadership in advancing America¡¯s nuclear energy future, and we deeply appreciate Congressman Jodey Arrington, Senator John Cornyn and Senator Ted Cruz for their continued support of our groundbreaking nuclear research,¡± said Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ president Dr. Phil Schubert. ¡°This access to fuel enables Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ and our partners at Natura Resources to take the critical next steps in designing and testing advanced nuclear technology ¨C paving the way for safe, clean and reliable energy while creating extraordinary opportunities for our students and faculty to contribute to innovative research with global impact and strengthening our nation¡¯s energy security.¡±

The project has also received significant support at the state level, as the 89th Texas legislature¡¯s recently approved budget directed $120 million to benefit the NEXT Lab and Natura partnership, in conjunction with Texas Tech University and the Texas Produced Water Consortium.

— Wendy Kilmer
Aug. 28, 2025

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Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ launches new Master of Science in kinesiology program /2025/07/18/acu-launches-new-master-of-science-in-kinesiology-program/ Fri, 18 Jul 2025 20:48:50 +0000 /?p=96988 Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ announces the launch of its new Master of Science in kinesiology, a dynamic, Christ-centered graduate program designed to prepare students for high-demand careers in exercise science, human performance, physical therapy and athletic leadership. The 30-hour program includes hybrid learning options, flexible entry points and two hands-on internship experiences built for emerging professionals … Continued

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Photo by Jeremy Enlow

Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ announces the launch of its new Master of Science in kinesiology, a dynamic, Christ-centered graduate program designed to prepare students for high-demand careers in exercise science, human performance, physical therapy and athletic leadership. The 30-hour program includes hybrid learning options, flexible entry points and two hands-on internship experiences built for emerging professionals ready to make a meaningful impact through movement and health.

The Master of Science in kinesiology at Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ is uniquely positioned among Texas graduate programs. Students benefit from small cohorts, personalized faculty mentorship and internship placements tailored to their career goals ¨C all while reinforcing Christian values that guide both academic and professional life. Coursework blends advanced kinesiology, biomechanics, human anatomy and research methodology with internship tracks that help students clarify their calling.

¡°Whether our students pursue careers in exercise physiology, physical therapy, coaching, athletic administration or further doctoral study, this degree equips them to serve others through health, wellness and human performance,¡± said Dr. Melissa Long, program director. ¡°What makes Ä¢¹½´«Ã½¡¯s approach distinct is our commitment to Christian leadership and service at every level.¡±

Flexible, focused and future-ready, the program is designed for adults and recent college graduates alike. We offer in-person, online and hybrid class formats, plus summer courses give options for students to fast-track their degree. Entry points are available every fall, spring and summer, allowing applicants to start on a schedule that works for them.

Courses include:

  • Applied Sports Psychology
  • Research Methods
  • Essentials of Human Performance
  • Legal Aspects of Sports and Recreation

Job demand is growing across kinesiology-related fields. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, physical therapist aides are projected to see 19% job growth through 2032, with strong demand also in exercise physiology (10%), human performance (14%) and athletic administration (9%).

Graduates of the program will enter the workforce with a competitive edge and real-world experience, whether as a final professional destination or as preparation for doctoral study in physical or occupational therapy. All of this is delivered in the faith-infused environment of a top-tier, NCAA Division I university with a deep commitment to developing Christian leaders.

Applications are now open ¨C no GRE required. Learn more or for the program today.

— Jamie Thomas
July 18, 2025

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Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ Dallas Launches Applied Research Center to Foster Transformative, Faith-Inspired Research /2025/07/09/acu-dallas-launches-applied-research-center/ Wed, 09 Jul 2025 16:54:01 +0000 /?p=96775 Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ (Ä¢¹½´«Ã½) proudly announces the launch of the Applied Research Center (ARC), a new initiative that empowers students and faculty to engage in meaningful, high-quality research that addresses real-world challenges and generates innovative, community-driven solutions. Rooted in Ä¢¹½´«Ã½¡¯s commitment to faith and scholarship, the ARC serves as both a resource hub and a … Continued

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Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ (Ä¢¹½´«Ã½) proudly announces the launch of the Applied Research Center (ARC), a new initiative that empowers students and faculty to engage in meaningful, high-quality research that addresses real-world challenges and generates innovative, community-driven solutions.

Rooted in Ä¢¹½´«Ã½¡¯s commitment to faith and scholarship, the ARC serves as both a resource hub and a collaborative space for research that impacts local and global communities. The center provides a range of services, including research education and training, support for faculty and doctoral student research, seed funding and facilitation of community-based research partnerships.

“Research at Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ Dallas is more than academic¡ªit’s a reflection of our commitment to serve, to question deeply, and to innovate with purpose,¡± said Dr. Jennifer Butcher, Vice Provost for Research, Writing & Special Initiatives. ¡°The Applied Research Center is a vital expression of that mission, empowering our community to seek knowledge that transforms lives and creates meaningful impact.”?

Inspired by the biblical story of Noah¡¯s Ark (Genesis 6:14¨C22), the ARC symbolizes a vessel of preservation, renewal and hope. In this spirit, the ARC is a sanctuary for ideas, fostering resilience and forward-thinking solutions in a rapidly changing world.

Key features of the ARC include:

  • Training and Resources: Workshops and materials to enhance research knowledge and skills for students and faculty.
  • Funding Support: Seed grants for faculty research and guidance in securing external funding.
  • Student Fellowships: Research opportunities and mentoring for students at all levels.
  • Recognition and Publication: Annual research conferences, awards for research excellence and publication opportunities.
  • Collaborative Research: Support for student-faculty partnerships and multidisciplinary research through ARC Collectives.
  • Community Engagement: Partnerships with local organizations to co-create research that addresses shared challenges.

¡°Through the ARC, we are equipping researchers not only with knowledge and tools, but with a deeper purpose¡ªto serve others through discovery and innovation,¡± said Dr. Raquel Ellis, ARC Director.?

The ARC Collectives, composed of faculty, students and community partners, are a cornerstone of ARC¡¯s collaborative approach. These groups work across disciplines to pursue research, apply for external grants, present at conferences and publish in peer-reviewed journals.

¡°The ARC is more than a center¡ªit¡¯s a movement to harness academic inquiry in service to others, guided by our Christian faith,¡± said Dr. George Saltsman, Provost & Vice President of Academic Affairs for Ä¢¹½´«Ã½¡¯s Dallas campus.

For more information about the Applied Research Center and how to get involved, visit acu.edu/arc or contact arc@acu.edu.

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Texas legislature funds water desalination through Texas Tech, Ä¢¹½´«Ã½, Natura Resources partnership /2025/07/01/texas-legislature-funds-water-desalination-through-texas-tech-acu-natura-resources-partnership/ Tue, 01 Jul 2025 17:29:29 +0000 /?p=96705 A recent appropriation from the Texas Legislature, signed by Gov. Greg Abbott, focuses on water desalination and directs research funding to Texas Tech University to help accelerate their research partnership with Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ and its molten salt reactor project, sponsored by Natura Resources.? In January, Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ entered into a memorandum of understanding with Texas … Continued

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NRC Construction Permit
In September 2024, the NRC issued a construction permit to Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ to build the Natura MSR-1, marking the first liquid salt fueled reactor licensed by the NRC in American history and the first U.S. university research reactor approved in more than 30 years.

A recent appropriation from the Texas Legislature, signed by Gov. Greg Abbott, focuses on water desalination and directs research funding to to help accelerate their research partnership with Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ and its molten salt reactor project, sponsored by .?

In January, Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ entered into a memorandum of understanding with Texas Tech, Natura and the to address Texas¡¯ most pressing water and energy challenges. A key goal of the collaboration is to integrate MSR technology with water desalination systems, aiming to purify produced water from oil and gas operations for beneficial use.?

The Natura Resources MSR-1, a liquid-fueled molten salt reactor that was licensed last year by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to be constructed on Ä¢¹½´«Ã½¡¯s campus as a university research reactor ¨C the nation¡¯s first in more than 30 years ¨C is the first step toward commercial deployment of the technology in the Permian Basin to provide energy and beneficial use of produced water. The appropriation to Texas Tech will include a subaward to Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ for research, development, permitting, licensing and construction of the MSR-1 the university¡¯s Nuclear Energy eXperimental Testing Laboratory.

¡°Texas Tech University is proud to partner with Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ and Natura Resources in advancing desalination of produced water through cutting-edge molten salt reactor technology,¡± said Lawrence Schovanec, president of Texas Tech University. ¡°This collaboration exemplifies our commitment to innovation, sustainability and addressing critical energy and water security challenges.¡±

SERC research bay from above
A view from above the research bay at the grand opening of Ä¢¹½´«Ã½¡¯s Dillard Science and Engineering Research Center where a molten salt research reactor will be housed.

Natura¡¯s MSR technology will also generate life-saving medical isotopes essential for cancer treatment, diagnostic imaging and other advanced medical procedures, which will help alleviate global shortages and establish Texas as a leader in medical innovation.

¡°We are deeply grateful to the Texas Legislature for their historic commitment to advanced nuclear innovation,¡± said Doug Robison, founder and CEO of Natura Resources. ¡°This appropriation allows Natura and Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ to deploy the nation¡¯s first advanced, liquid-fueled reactor in late 2026. Such milestones position Natura as the leader in the advanced reactor space and Texas as the leader in clean energy, water technology and the production of life-saving medical isotopes. Thanks to this unprecedented support, Texas is poised to shape the future of energy, water and medical science for the world.”

The ongoing partnership between Texas Tech, Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ and Natura Resources also contributes to workforce development, research and the establishment of a robust supply chain within Texas. These efforts, supported by the state¡¯s recent investment, will help ensure reliable, affordable and sustainable energy, water and medical resources for Texas communities and beyond.

¡°Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ is honored to partner in this historic initiative with Texas Tech University and Natura Resources,¡± said Dr. Phil Schubert, Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ president. ¡°Ä¢¹½´«Ã½, along with our partners, is positioned to become a national leader in advanced nuclear training and research, setting a global standard for clean energy and medical advancements. We are especially grateful to Sen. Perry, Rep. Lambert and Rep. Darby for their leadership and support in making this partnership possible.¡±

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Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ confers more than 800 degrees at May Commencement, honors Olympian with Outlive Your Life Award /2025/05/12/acu-to-confer-degrees-honors-at-may-commencement-3/ Mon, 12 May 2025 17:09:50 +0000 /?p=95553 Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ awarded 810 degrees May 9, 10 in three Commencement ceremonies at Moody Coliseum. The Friday, May 9, ceremony at 7 p.m. awarded 216 master¡¯s and 34 doctoral degrees. On Saturday, May 10, 560 bachelor¡¯s degrees were presented in two ceremonies ¨C 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.? Undergraduate degree candidates from the College of Arts, … Continued

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Students sitting in Commencement ceremony May 2025Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ awarded 810 degrees May 9, 10 in three Commencement ceremonies at Moody Coliseum.

The Friday, May 9, ceremony at 7 p.m. awarded 216 master¡¯s and 34 doctoral degrees. On Saturday, May 10, 560 bachelor¡¯s degrees were presented in two ceremonies ¨C 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.?

Undergraduate degree candidates from the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences; the College of Biblical Studies; and the Onstead College of Science and Engineering participated in the 10 a.m. ceremony. Undergraduate degree candidates from the College of Business Administration, the College of Health and Behavioral Sciences, the College of Health and Human Services, the College of Leadership and Professional Studies, and the College of Learning and Development participated in the 2 p.m. ceremony.?

Dr. Stephen Johnson, chief executive officer of Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ Dallas, gave the charge to the graduate class at the Friday ceremony. Shannon Wilburn, a 1992 alumnus of Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ and the co-founder and brand ambassador of Just Between Friends consignment franchise, gave the charge to the undergraduate class at both ceremonies on Saturday.

All three ceremonies will be livestreamed; visit acu.edu/commencement for more information.??

Outlive Your Life Award

Olympian and Outlive Your Life Award winner Earl Young standing on a track with a gold medal around his neckIn both Saturday ceremonies, Olympian Earl Young (¡¯62) was awarded the Dale and Rita Brown Outlive Your Life Award. A standout student-athlete for the Wildcats, Young won Olympic gold for the U.S. in Rome in 1960, running a 45.6-second lap on the second leg of the 4¡Á400-meter relay to help the American team win. He also finished sixth in the finals of the 400-meter dash and, at 19, was the youngest gold medal winner on the U.S. team in Rome. He appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated in June 1961.?

In 2011, Young found himself in the race of his life when he was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia and needed a blood stem cell transplant. Out of millions of potential donors in the registry, only one was found to be a genetic match ¨C a woman he had never met from Germany ¨C and he underwent a successful bone marrow transplant. From that experience, the idea for Earl Young¡¯s Team was born, and today, the organization travels around the country raising awareness and locating potential bone marrow donors. The organization partners with nonprofit DKMS to hold registration drives, primarily at college campuses, to encourage people to take a cheek swab test and be added to the registry as a potential match. Young¡¯s efforts have resulted in more than 150 donor matches, including 28 from Ä¢¹½´«Ã½, as of April 2025.?

The Outlive Your Life Award is named for its first recipients, Dale and Rita Brown, and for the book by Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ alumnus Max Lucado, Outlive Your Life: You Were Made to Make a Difference. The award recognizes all types of servant leadership exhibited by friends or alumni of the university.

 

— Wendy Kilmer
May 12, 2025

 

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