Ģ����ý’s Carl Spain Center on Race Studies and Spiritual Action will host the Don Williams and Royce Money Distinguished Lecture Series May 1 at 7 p.m. in Chapel on the Hill in the Onstead-Packer Biblical Studies Building. The event, featuring Pulitzer Prize-winning author Annette Gordon-Reed, is free and open to the public.

Gordon-Reed will be speaking on “The Story of Our Founding and Its Impact for Us Today,” and the lecture is designed to help the community engage in collective remembrance, said Tryce Prince, executive director of the Carl Spain Center. 

“This year marks the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence. America 250 provides us with an opportunity to practice what the Carl Spain Center refers to as ‘collective remembrance.’ We can courageously face our past, its triumphs and tragedies, knowing the power of God within us helps us realize our great potential,” Prince said.

Gordon-Reed is the Carl M. Loeb University Professor at Harvard University. She has won 16 book prizes, including the Pulitzer Prize in history in 2009 and the National Book Award in 2008 for The Hemingses of Monticello: An American Family. Her most recent book is On Juneteenth, a memoir and history of Texas. A selected list of honors includes a Guggenheim Fellowship in the humanities, a MacArthur Fellowship, the National Humanities Medal, the Frederick Douglass Book Prize, the George Washington Book Prize and the Anisfield-Wolf Book Award. She is a Texas-raised historian and appears as a featured expert in Ken Burns’ recent PBS documentary The American Revolution.

– Wendy Kilmer

April 22, 2026

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Ģ����ý’s student film festival returned to the historic Paramount Theatre this spring for the 22nd premiere event to celebrate student achievement in film. The event featured projects from 14 teams, including narrative, documentary and animated films represented. 

The theme of FilmFest 2026 was “On Set,” and the evening included past and present judges and mentors describing the experience of being on a film set. Tim Holt (’15), a past FilmFest participant and Ģ����ý’s Young Alumnus of the Year, described the challenge of stepping onto a new set.

“We’re always trying to make bigger and better videos, and the sets change from shoot to shoot from smaller sets of teams of three to four to bigger shoots which will have probably 50 to 60 people on set. The roles might be carried over but you’re always going to be learning something new based on the type of content that you’re trying to produce.” 

More than 100 students participated in producing this year’s films, with a third of those students working on more than one film. In fact, five students this year contributed to at least five films, including Brooke Musia and Lauren Burris who won Best Direction for their film After Emmy and Abbey Monroe who directed the Best Picture winner Courting, along with writer, editor and sound roles on other films. 

Joshua Varner won Best Cinematography for Sins and Cinders, but shot or helped shoot three other films. One of the stand-out-performances this year came from a sophomore multimedia major participating in FilmFest for the first time. Jaden Frecka won Best Original Score for his film Keeping up with the King but also wrote original music for six other films or, in all, half of all submitted films. 

During the event, students also heard from Randy Brewer (’93), long-time producer with Revolution Pictures in Nashville now in Abilene as Ģ����ý’s chief storyteller. Brewer told students it’s “important to network long before you graduate.” He partnered with FilmFest last May on a road trip to Nashville that included visits to sets and production studios where students met professionals in a range of fields. “You may think, like I did, ‘I want to be a director,’ and then when you get out there, you may change your mind and think, ‘Maybe I’d be better at what they do.’ I think everyone should look for a mentor.”

This year’s judges were industry mentors from production hubs in L.A., Tulsa and Atlanta. Sommerly Simser (‘10) is a returning judge and finance executive at Netflix. She is a member of the Television Academy and Women in Film and is the founder of the Tinseltown Scholarship Society, a nonprofit supporting aspiring college filmmakers. 

Two new mentors joined the FilmFest Gala this year. Amy Teague is a set decorator and production designer from Tulsa whose credits include Twisters, Reservation Dogs, The Low Down and The Great Awakening currently in theatres. Nate Corrona comes from Dustbrand Films in Atlanta having directed and produced more than 200 music videos with Grammy-winning artists like Crowder, PJ Morton and Lecrae. Both met with students this year to share their experience and provide feedback leading up to the FilmFest Gala.

Brewer advised students that opportunities to connect with mentors or get chances to be on set exist through FilmFest. “Who are the mentors at FilmFest who are people you can go up to and ask could I have coffee with you? What are some ways I should be on set? You have the opportunity to be mentored more, but you just need to step out.”

Visit acu.edu/filmfest to learn more.

– Kyle Dickson

April 20, 2026

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More than 140 students from Ģ����ý and other nearby schools presented a variety of research findings and creative projects April 7 at Ģ����ý’s 18th annual Undergraduate Research, Creativity and Innovation Festival.

A related event – the Excellence in Oratory Forum – took place the night before the festival, showcasing students’ public speaking skills. A segment of the forum featured performances of scriptural passages and powerful speeches delivered by the likes of John F. Kennedy, Frederick Douglass, Barbara Jordan, Gabriela Mistral and C.S. Lewis.

At the festival, undergraduate students from Ģ����ý – as well as McMurry University and Abilene High School – shared the results of their research and projects. Attendees were able to observe findings and creative works across a spectrum of disciplines, including biology, engineering, physics, history, literary criticism, rhetorical criticism, biochemistry, biblical studies, missiology and marketing.

“This diversity reflects Ģ����ý’s commitment to helping train students to love the Lord with all their heart, mind, soul and strength,” said Dr. Randall Fowler, director of undergraduate research, creativity and innovation. “This festival showcases the best and breadth of Ģ����ý, and I applaud our students’ hard work and dedication to their scholarly craft.”

The event concluded with a dinner and presentation of awards for top scholars, Faculty Mentors of the Year, and outstanding presentations, posters and speeches.

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Ģ����ý professor emeritus of music Dr. Silas Edwin “Ed” George (’61), died March 25, 2026, in Schertz, Texas, at age 89.

A Celebration of Life is planned for May 24 from 2-4 p.m. in the Williams Performing Arts Center at Ģ����ý.

He was born Sept. 22, 1936, in Fort Stockton, Texas, and briefly attended Cisco College before earning a B.S.Ed. degree in music (1961) and a M.Ed. in school administration (1963) from Ģ����ý and a doctorate in music education (1983) from the University of North Texas. He wed classmate and fellow Ģ����ý band member Kathryn Matthews (’62) on Sept. 5, 1960.

George was a band director in Texas public schools, including De Leon and Abilene ISDs, for eight years (1961-69) before starting a 32-year career on the Ģ����ý faculty to teach music history, theory, orchestration and music education. He played multiple instruments and taught at Abilene Christian from 1969-2001, serving as professor and chair (1990-96) in the Department of Music and initially directing the Jazz Ensemble.

For much of the late 1960s, 1970s and early 1980s, he directed The Hilltoppers – also known as the Hilltop Singers – a talented group of students who performed pop-rock and contemporary music shows and toured overseas in 1968, 1972, 1974, 1976, 1977, 1979 and 1981 for the USO (United Service Organization) and the U.S. Department of Defense, entertaining troops deployed across Europe; the Caribbean, Pacific and Mediterranean islands; and in the Far East. Hilltoppers included future recording artists and producers such as Grammy Award winners Dr. Brown Bannister (’75)�����Ի���Ronnie Dunn (’76), Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame member Michael Blanton (’73) and Grand Ole Opry member Holly Dunn (’79).

George conducted the orchestra at Ģ����ý Homecoming musicals for 21 years (1969-83), and composed music for the 1981 inauguration of Dr. William J. Teague (’52), the university’s ninth president, and for Abilene 1906, Ģ����ý’s Centennial musical in 2005.

For nearly five decades, George prepared music for Ģ����ý students to perform at Sing Song, especially for several fraternities and sororities, and most notably for Sigma Theta Chi, which won the women’s division six straight years and eight of nine years from 2002-10, all with George as their arranger.

He was frequently a guest conductor following retirement in 2001, especially with the Abilene Philharmonic, while also writing music for orchestras in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. He was involved with the annual West Texas Rehabilitation Center Telethon since its beginning, conducting its orchestra for nearly 20 of its first 46 years (1971-2016), and either performing or coordinating music for the telecast.

George’s career included writing arrangements for the San Diego Symphony and the Cleveland Pops Orchestra, and performing with Bob Hope, Eddy Arnold, Andy Williams, Tony Bennett and Glen Campbell, among many others.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Olan George Sr. and Lula Florence George; a brother, Olan George Jr.; a sister, Dolores Crocker George; and Kathy, his wife of 64 years. Among survivors are children Melinda (George ’84) Hancock,��Glenna (George ’86) Miranda�����Ի���Gregory George (’90); 10 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; a brother, Lee Roy George; and sister Gwen George Wilbanks.

– Ron Hadfield

April 15, 2026

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Tim Holt, Young Alumnus of the Year

This award recognizes professional achievement and/or distinguished service to Ģ����ý. To be eligible, a recipient must not be over 40 years of age at the time of selection.

Tim Holt (’15) produces videos that bring smiles to the faces of millions of viewers around the world, and he’s grateful his faith can play a starring role in his life’s calling.

The son of two Ģ����ý alumni, Holt arrived in Abilene and quickly showcased the skills that would eventually put his work on display to millions. He participated in the Los Angeles Film Studies Center and won multiple awards in Ģ����ý’s annual FilmFest competition, including best picture and best director during his senior year.  He earned a bachelor’s degree in digital entertainment technology with a minor in digital media in 2015 and began working for the sports and comedy group just months after graduation.

Dude Perfect, which rose to prominence in part thanks to viral videos of increasingly elaborate trick shots and world-record attempts, now boasts more than 61 million YouTube subscribers who tune in to enjoy the content Holt helps film and edit. Regardless of their soaring popularity, members of the group maintain that their purpose is “about giving back, spreading joy, and glorifying Jesus Christ.” For Holt, this integration of faith and work is part of why he calls this opportunity the privilege of a lifetime. “I am really blessed because we are all actively striving to live out our faith,” he said.

Holt continues to give back to his alma mater, serving as a FilmFest judge and sharing his faith and experiences with students as a Chapel speaker and Young Alumni Forum panelist. He and his wife, D’Ann, have a five-year-old daughter, Everly, and live in Prosper, Texas.

John Warner, M.D., Outstanding Alumnus of the Year

This award honors timely recognition of lifetime achievement that brings honor to the university through personal and professional excellence and service to the university, church or community.

Throughout his career as a cardiologist and a leader of renowned institutions that train doctors, John Warner, M.D. (’87), has made a real difference in the world of medicine that will be felt for generations to come.

Warner arrived at Ģ����ý as an accomplished distance runner, and he lettered in track and field for the Wildcats as part of several NCAA Division II national championship teams. After graduating from Ģ����ý with a Bachelor of Science in biology, he attended Vanderbilt University School of Medicine and completed his residency in internal medicine at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, followed by a fellowship in cardiovascular disease and interventional cardiology at Duke University Medical Center. Warner eventually returned to UT Southwestern in Dallas, where he served as a cardiologist and an institutional leader for 20 years, helping oversee planning and construction of the William P. Clements Jr. University Hospital. He eventually became executive vice president for health affairs and CEO of the UT Southwestern Health System.

 In 2023, Warner became CEO of and executive vice president at Ohio State. In this role, he leads an expansive organization encompassing six hospitals, a network of outpatient care and research facilities, and the College of Medicine. Under his leadership, the medical center is completing $3 billion in capital projects to advance its mission to improve health in Ohio and across the world through innovations and transformation in research, education, patient care and community engagement.

Warner served as president of the American Heart Association from 2017-18 and has been on its board of directors since 2014.  He is married to fellow Ģ����ý alum, Lisa (Fielder ’89). They have two grown children and live in New Albany, Ohio.

– Wendy Kilmer and Jonathan Smith

March 31, 2026

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Ģ����ý presented six-time Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter Amy Grant with an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree March 28 at the university’s annual President’s Circle Dinner. Grant also performed at the event, which honors Ģ����ý’s most generous donors.

The honorary degree recognizes her extraordinary contributions to contemporary Christian music and her enduring impact as an entertainer, storyteller and artist, said Dr. Phil Schubert (’91), Ģ����ý president. 

Though not an alumna, Grant has historic connections to Abilene Christian. The late Jeanette (Scruggs ’50) Lipford, a beloved voice teacher at Ģ����ý, was a close family friend and coached Grant in her early career. Three Abilene Christian alumni were instrumental in managing or producing some of Grant’s first albums: , 2019 Outstanding Alumnus of the Year; Brown Bannister (’75), who received an honorary doctorate from the university last year; and Chris Christian (’73), a Distinguished Alumni Award winner in 2015. Another alumnus, Nashville author and minister Don Finto (’50), encouraged Grant in her career, and Grant was a close friend of the late Dr. Bob Hunter (’52), longtime administrator at Ģ����ý. 

In addition, one of Grant’s early performances – as a 19-year-old English-major college student in 1980 – took place in Ģ����ý’s Cullen Auditorium, now known as Boone Family Theatre. 

“Tonight, in the presence of so many members of the Ģ����ý community, I am excited to award you the university’s oldest and longest-running recognition – an honorary doctorate,” Schubert said to Grant in presenting the degree Saturday. “It’s our hope that this recognition not only honors your remarkable career but also inspires future generations of artists – perhaps some in this room with us tonight – to pursue their calling with the same level of dedication and integrity. Thank you, Amy, for all you’ve done to impact the Kingdom and spread the Gospel.”

Other recipients of an honorary degree from Ģ����ý include Charlton Heston; Byron Nelson; Tom Landry; Kent Brantly, M.D.; and Laura Bush.

About Amy Grant

Grant’s career spans more than 40 years and stretches from her roots in gospel into becoming an iconic pop star, songwriter, television personality and philanthropist. With three multi-platinum albums, six platinum albums and four gold albums, her total career album sales have exceeded 30 million and over 1 billion global streams. Grant’s chart success includes six No. 1 hits, 10 Top 40 pop singles, 17 Top 40 Adult Contemporary tracks and multiple Contemporary Christian chart-toppers. In addition to her six Grammy Awards, Grant has earned 26 GMA Dove Awards (including four Artist of the Year Awards) and has been awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame as well as the Music City Walk of Fame and the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. She also is a member of the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.

– Wendy Kilmer

March 30, 2026

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The Fulbright IEA Program supports U.S. higher education administrators in building capacity for international education, fostering institutional partnerships and enhancing campus internationalization efforts. Through this grant, Morris will engage with Taiwanese universities and educational leaders to explore best practices in global education, strengthen collaborative partnerships, and expand opportunities for Ģ����ý students and faculty abroad.

“International exchange is vital to preparing students for lives of leadership and service in a global society,” Morris said. “I am honored to represent Ģ����ý and to deepen partnerships that will benefit our students and our university community.”

Fulbright U.S. Scholars are faculty, researchers, administrators and established professionals who teach or conduct research in affiliation with institutions abroad. They engage in cutting-edge research, expand professional networks, and often continue collaborations initiated overseas – laying the groundwork for lasting institutional partnerships. Upon returning home, Fulbright Scholars enrich their campuses by sharing their experiences, inviting international scholars, and encouraging students to pursue study and research abroad.

Morris plays a key role in mentoring Ģ����ý students through the Fulbright application process each year, helping position them for competitive international scholarships and research opportunities. In the past 10 years, 17 Ģ����ý students have received Fulbright scholarships.

“Jason’s leadership in the Honors College and the Lynay program reflects a deep commitment to academic rigor, global learning and Christ-centered service,” said Dr. Susan Lewis, Ģ����ý provost and vice president for academic affairs. “His latest Fulbright award underscores his excellence in research and scholarship, and his commitment to Ģ����ý’s mission to prepare students to lead and serve around the world.”

About Fulbright
Since 1946, the Fulbright Program has provided more than 400,000 accomplished students, scholars, teachers, artists, and professionals the opportunity to study, teach, and conduct research abroad. Fulbrighters exchange ideas, build people-to-people connections, and work to address complex global challenges. Notable alumni include 62 Nobel Laureates, 93 Pulitzer Prize winners, 82 MacArthur Fellows, and 44 heads of state or government.

Each year, more than 800 individuals participate in the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program, while over 2,000 U.S. students engage in international study, research or English teaching assistantships through the Fulbright U.S. Student Program.

The Fulbright Program is administered by the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government and additional support from participating governments, host institutions, corporations, and foundations worldwide. The program operates in more than 160 countries.

– Wendy Kilmer

March 5, 2026

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The Griggs Center for Entrepreneurship and Philanthropy at Ģ����ý announced the launch of the inaugural Ģ����ý Founder Awards, a new annual tradition recognizing exceptional alumni founders and alumni-led businesses. are now open.

“The Ģ����ý Founder Awards will spotlight the fastest-growing businesses, as well as emerging companies and founders from among Ģ����ý alumni,” said Dr. Jim Litton, director of the Griggs Center for Entrepreneurship and Philanthropy. “This initiative reflects our commitment to celebrating and strengthening the entrepreneurial spirit across the Ģ����ý community.”

The inaugural awards celebration will take place during Ģ����ý Homecoming in October 2026. The program is presented by Leadwell Advisory Partners and reviewed by Condley and Company, LLP, whose sponsorships help ensure a rigorous and credible selection process for this new flagship initiative.

“The Founder Awards are designed to elevate the stories of Ģ����ý founders who are excelling in the marketplace while reflecting the values-centered leadership that defines our university,” said Madison Hall, director of the Ģ����ý Entrepreneur Network within the Griggs Center.

The awards are designed to recognize founders across multiple industries and growth stages, from emerging ventures to established enterprises, highlighting innovation, sustained growth, leadership excellence, community impact and marketplace influence.

Nominees must be Ģ����ý alumni who are founders or executive leaders of businesses. Alumni, peers, employees and community members are invited to submit nominations. Selected nominees will be invited to complete a formal application beginning in mid-April. All applications will undergo a structured review process led by industry professionals and financial reviewers to ensure consistency, integrity and excellence in selection.

The Founder Awards are part of the broader vision of the Ģ����ý Entrepreneur Network – a growing ecosystem of alumni founders, operators, mentors, and investors connected through the Griggs Center for Entrepreneurship and Philanthropy.

“We anticipate that the Ģ����ý Founder Awards will be a cornerstone event within the university’s alumni and entrepreneurship programming, positioning Ģ����ý alongside leading institutions that formally recognize founder excellence,” said Mike Willoughby, dean of the College of Business Administration. 

About the Griggs Center for Entrepreneurship and Philanthropy
The at Ģ����ý exists to connect, equip and inspire students along their entrepreneurial journey. Through strong academic foundations and immersive, real-world experiences, the center fosters innovative leaders who create value in the marketplace and meaningful impact in their communities.

– Wendy Kilmer
Feb. 18, 2025

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During the month of February, Ģ����ý will celebrate Black History Month with guest speakers, social events, a local bus tour and other student and faculty activities. Several Ģ����ý groups collaborated to plan and host the events, including the Office of Intercultural Engagement and Belonging, the Black Student Union, the Adams Center for Teaching and Learning, and the Office of Spiritual Life.

“Join us as we celebrate Black History Month, a time to honor the strength, faith, excellence and enduring impact of Black voices and stories. Together, we remember the past, recognize the present and inspire the future,” said Thurmond Metters, director of multicultural student engagement. 

• Feb. 14 – Soul Food Social • 2-3:30 p.m., GATA Fountain at Peck Plaza.
• Feb. 16 – Chapel Speaker: Dr. Ray Miller,* senior pastor at First Baptist Church Abilene • 11 a.m., Moody Coliseum.
• Feb. 18 – Faculty Session – “Beyond February: Integrating Black History Throughout the Year” • 11:30 a.m.–12:45 p.m.Adams Center for Teaching and Learning.
• Feb. 20 – Abilene Black History Bus Tour • 1-5 p.m., leaving from Brown Library Parking Lot.
• Feb. 21 – Hair and Fashion Pageant Show • 6:30-8:30 p.m., Hunter Welcome Center
• Feb. 23 – Chapel Speaker: Thurmond Metters,* director of multicultural student engagement • 11 a.m., Moody Coliseum.
• Feb. 23 – Faculty Session – “Community Remembrance Project Memorializing Abilene’s Black History” • 11:30 a.m.–12:45 p.m., Adams Center
• Feb. 27 – AFRAM (African American Festival),* featuring food, games and performances •  6-9 p.m., Campus Mall

* Open to the public

– Wendy Kilmer
Feb. 10, 2025

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Dr. Janet Donaldson began work in January as Ģ����ý’s vice president for research, and Dr. Lee Anne Paris has been appointed dean of library services and educational technology, effective Aug. 1, 2026.

Donaldson comes from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, where she was associate vice president for research and professor of microbiology, overseeing sponsored research administration, student research and innovation, commercialization, research development, and research analytics. She earned her B.S. and Ph.D. in microbiology and biological sciences from Mississippi State University and completed postdoctoral fellowships at the National Institutes of Health and Mississippi State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. She has held leadership roles at Mississippi State and the University of Southern Mississippi, including department chair of biological sciences and associate dean for research and graduate education.

Her research career has focused on exploring the mechanisms by which food-borne pathogens cause infections, especially Listeria monocytogenes. She has helped garner over $50M in research funding, has published extensively, and has contributed as a national and international reviewer and editor in microbial sciences. 

“Dr. Donaldson is passionate about the faith-based mission of Ģ����ý and is excited to assist us in advancing our support of faculty and student scholarship and research activity,” said Dr. Robert Rhodes, senior vice president for academic affairs. 

Paris brings experience in academic leadership, library administration, accreditation, and faculty development. She currently serves as executive director of academic policy and curriculum at the University of Central Oklahoma, overseeing curriculum approval processes, key academic policy bodies, academic catalogs and campus curriculum systems, and serves as liaison to the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education and on UCO’s Higher Learning Commission Writing Team.

Her previous roles include director of research and user engagement at UCO’s Max Chambers Library and dean of library and instructional support and associate chief academic officer at Oklahoma Christian University.

Paris holds a Ph.D. in information and library science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, an M.L.I.S. from the University of Oklahoma, and a B.A. in English and Portuguese from Vanderbilt University. 

“Dr. Paris’s scholarship and professional service reflect a long-standing commitment to academic libraries, digital learning and institutional effectiveness,” said Dr. Susan Lewis, provost and vice president for academic affairs. “I’m confident she brings the vision, experience and judgment needed to lead this portfolio in ways that align with Ģ����ý’s mission and strategic priorities.”

– Wendy Kilmer
Feb. 10, 2025

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