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.

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.

¡°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.¡±

The post Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ to host collaborative U.S.-China art exhibition, dialogue appeared first on Ä¢¹½´«Ã½.

Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ has received

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.

The post Lilly Endowment awards $1 million to support efforts of Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ Graduate School of Theology appeared first on Ä¢¹½´«Ã½.

Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ continues to be one of the best colleges in the nation to work for, according to the latest survey by the

The 2025 Great Colleges to Work For results were announced Sept. 19 at and in a special insert of the The Chronicle of Higher Education. The selections are based on an annual survey of administrators, faculty members and professional support staff at colleges and universities in the U.S. who are asked to evaluate their employer on various qualities and characteristics. In 2025, 199 institutions participated, and 76 were recognized as a Great College to Work For.

Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ was specifically honored for achievements in four categories:?

• Job Satisfaction and Support
• Professional Development
• Supervisor/Department Chair Effectiveness
• Faculty and Staff Well-being

¡°The Great Colleges to Work For survey and recognition is an important tool to ensure we are meeting high standards of excellence in workplace culture and employee well-being,¡± said Dr. Phil Schubert, Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ president. ¡°Our administration and Board of Trustees recognize that Ä¢¹½´«Ã½¡¯s staff and faculty are at the heart of our mission, and we¡¯re committed to supporting and honoring them.¡±

The post Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ again named among Great Colleges to Work For appeared first on Ä¢¹½´«Ã½.

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.¡±

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.

The post Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ enrollment tops 7,000, hits record for 8th year in a row appeared first on Ä¢¹½´«Ã½.

Ä¢¹½´«Ã½¡¯s Crutcher Scott Field at Bullock Brothers Ballpark has been named the Best Sports and Entertainment Construction Project in Texas and Louisiana for 2025 by .

The $17.5 million renovation, completed over a nine-month period in 2024-25 by , transformed the home of Wildcat baseball with chairback seating, an open-air pavilion roof, a new press box, artificial turf, LED lighting and upgraded player development facilities. The project was designed to elevate the fan experience and athlete performance while strengthening Ä¢¹½´«Ã½¡¯s role as a top-tier NCAA Division I program.?

¡°Every aspect of the design was carefully considered to meet the needs of fans and players, creating a modern venue that will benefit the Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ community for years to come,¡± said Kevin Campbell (¡¯00), Ä¢¹½´«Ã½¡¯s senior vice president for operations.

Zack Lassiter, vice president for athletics, and head baseball coach Rick McCarty worked closely with the architecture firm with a goal to create the best mid-major baseball facility in the country.?

¡°Not only will this facility improve the fan experience, but it will be a place where our student-athletes can grow spiritually, academically and athletically,¡± Lassiter said.

The recognition also reflects the talent of Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ students and recent graduates. Sam Carter (¡¯23) and Katelyn Graham (¡¯23), now engineers with Linbeck, contributed to the project, along with senior engineering major Jonathan Lochrie, who served as an intern. Linbeck is a member of the advisory board for Ä¢¹½´«Ã½¡¯s engineering program.?

¡°It¡¯s exciting to see our work recognized at this level,¡± Lochrie said. ¡°We¡¯re proud to represent Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ and hope to continue building projects that make an impact.¡±

In 2024, the Dillard Science and Engineering Research Center received second place in the ENR regional awards, but this year¡¯s honor marks the first time for an Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ facility to win the category.

Learn more about Ä¢¹½´«Ã½¡¯s Department of Engineering and Physics.

— Wendy Kilmer
Aug. 22, 2025

The post Engineering News-Record honors Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ ballpark as region¡¯s top sports project appeared first on Ä¢¹½´«Ã½.

The groundbreaking nuclear research at Ä¢¹½´«Ã½, sponsored by Natura Resources, received a boost this week when a Fox Business news crew visited the university¡¯s Dillard Science and Engineering Research Center to report on the advances taking place on campus.

The news crew spent two days on the Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ campus preparing for segments that appeared on Wednesday, April 30, and on the Mornings with Maria and Varney and Co. shows. Additionally, the coverage has been picked up by more than 20 larger regional and midsized , including affiliates in California, Ohio, Michigan, Florida, Indiana, Maine and New York.

The reports highlighted the ongoing work to build the Natura MSR-1, which in September 2024 became the first liquid salt fueled reactor licensed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) in American history and the first U.S. university research reactor approved in more than 30 years.

In the reports, Douglass Robison, Natura Resources founder and president, noted that the nuclear technology used to build the molten salt research reactor on campus is safe, affordable, clean and dispatchable to places where energy is needed. ¡°And we have a team here that is dedicated to making that happen as quickly as possible,¡± he said.

Ä¢¹½´«Ã½¡¯s molten salt research reactor (MSRR) will be the first deployment of the Natura MSR-1, a 1 megawatt thermal molten salt reactor system. This construction permit from the NRC is only the second ever for an advanced nuclear reactor ¨C a new generation of nuclear power designed to be safer, more efficient and more cost-competitive than traditional nuclear reactors.

Natura Resources established unique partnerships to support the Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ NEXT Lab effort by engaging with Texas A&M, The University of Texas at Austin, Texas Tech University and Georgia Institute of Technology.

¡°Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ is thrilled to have Natura as a partner as we work together to answer the world¡¯s increased demand for reliable energy, medical isotopes, and clean water through the deployment of liquid-fueled molten salt reactors,¡± said Dr. Phil Schubert, Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ president.

NEXT Lab
The mission of Ä¢¹½´«Ã½¡¯s NEXT Lab, powered by Natura Resources, is to provide global solutions to the world¡¯s need for energy, water and medical isotopes by advancing the technology of Molten Salt Reactors while educating future leaders in nuclear science and engineering. Students work alongside faculty seeking creative solutions to complex problems, gaining real-world experience and seeing firsthand how innovation and collaboration can impact the world. NEXT Lab provides extraordinary opportunities through Ä¢¹½´«Ã½¡¯s departments of engineering and physics, chemistry and biochemistry, and others.

Natura Resources LLC is a leading advanced reactor developer committed to answering the world¡¯s increased demand for reliable energy, medical isotopes and clean water by developing commercially deployable molten salt reactors. Natura¡¯s small modular reactors are liquid fueled and molten salt cooled, which increases efficiency and reduces waste. Natura has established itself as a leading force in the advanced nuclear industry, fueled by a commitment to performance. Natura¡¯s leadership team has a proven track record of revolutionizing the energy industry with innovative technology and tangible results. Natura is privately owned and has secured over $78 million in funding through its first three investment rounds.

¨C Jonathan Smith

May 2, 2025

The post Groundbreaking nuclear research at Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ earns national coverage appeared first on Ä¢¹½´«Ã½.

Following a year of significant renovation, the baseball venue at Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ now bears a new name to match the upgraded facility. Crutcher Scott Field at Bullock Brothers Ballpark honors former Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ baseball players Joe Bullock (¡¯80) and Robert Bullock (¡¯81), the only brothers to each earn regional postseason honors while playing for the Wildcats in the same season.

Joe was a sophomore catcher, designated hitter and pitcher who hit .330 while leading his team in home runs and RBIs in 1978, and was named first-team All-NAIA District IV in 1979 as a junior catcher and designated hitter after leading Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ in hits, doubles, home runs and RBIs. He earned a bachelor¡¯s degree in accounting, co-founded the Bullock Hartley CPA firm in 1994, and died in 2021 at age 62 following an illness during the COVID-19 pandemic. He is survived by his wife, Emily Bullock, and two children, Tyler Bullock and Taren (Bullock ¡¯09) Lowe.?

Robert was named honorable mention All-NAIA District IV as a sophomore outfielder in 1979 when he hit .299 with 23 RBIs. He earned a bachelor¡¯s degree in business administration and in 1989, became an owner/partner of a senior housing company currently known as Sagora Senior Living Inc. He is married to Melanie (Evans ¡¯82) Bullock, and they have two children, Brenna (Bullock ¡¯07) Blacklock and Calee Wilson.

Joe and Robert are also brothers to April (Bullock ¡¯89) Anthony, chair of Ä¢¹½´«Ã½¡¯s Board of Trustees.

¡°This naming honors two accomplished former Wildcat student-athletes, but more than that, it honors two people of character and purpose,¡± said Dr. Phil Schubert (¡¯91), Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ president. ¡°I¡¯m grateful for both of these men and their remarkable legacy of faith and leadership.¡±

Crutcher Scott Field at Bullock Brothers Ballpark replaces the previous venue built in 1991 ¨C the playing surface of the new ballpark retains the Crutcher Scott Field name in tribute to former longtime trustee and prominent Abilene businessman A.C. ¡°Crutcher¡± Scott (¡¯24).

Renovations to the ballpark began in May 2024 and include chairback seats, an open-air pavilion roof along the first-base line, a new press box, new artificial turf and LED illumination for Crutcher Scott Field, outdoor gathering spaces, and enhanced player development facilities.

¡°Our goal at Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ is to create an environment where our student-athletes can grow in their faith, reach their potential in the classroom and compete for championships,¡± said Zack Lassiter, vice president for athletics. ¡°I believe these facility enhancements will be a game changer for our baseball program, and I¡¯m so grateful for the unparalleled generosity of the Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ community.¡±

Newly named spaces in Bullock Brothers Ballpark include:

• Wessel Family Player Development Center, honoring Rick (¡¯81) and Debbie (Rains ¡¯79) Wessel, as well as their children and grandchildren: daughter Jenny (Wessel ¡¯04) Haskin, husband Travis Haskin (¡¯05) and their children, Holden and Harper; and their son, Jared Wessel (¡¯09), wife Erin (Knight ¡¯08) Wessel, and their children, Rhett and Reagan.
• Mabee Courtyard, recognizing the J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation.
• Autrey Family Pavilion, honoring the Autrey family ¨C Larry (¡¯18 MBA) and Tiffany, and sons Landon (¡¯21) and Chandler.
• McCaleb and Miller Team Room, recognizing two former Wildcat teammates who were instrumental in bringing baseball back to campus in 1991: Dr. Gary McCaleb (¡¯64), vice president emeritus of the university, and C. Todd Miller (¡¯62), former longtime trustee and Dallas businessman.
• Bourland Family Classroom, honoring the Bourland family ¨C Bart and Amanda, son Lane (¡¯19) and wife Preslee (Hererra ¡¯21), and daughters Peyton (¡¯21) and Logan (¡¯24).

A grand opening of the ballpark will take place April 12 when the Wildcats host Utah Tech in a at 3:05 p.m.?

The post New Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ baseball ballpark name honors former Wildcat duo appeared first on Ä¢¹½´«Ã½.

Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ is offering $80,000 in scholarships and grants to local high school students who complete the Hendrick Healthcare Academy and choose a health care-related major at Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ upon high school graduation.?

The new program is designed to encourage Abilene and Big Country-area students to study psychology, social work or one of several health professions, and stay local for their college and future career opportunities.

¡°We want to expose students to health- and behavioral-sciences-related disciplines at Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ and encourage them to stay as a licensed provider in Abilene and improve the quality of life for people here,¡± said Dr. Dirk Nelson, dean of the College of Health and Behavioral Sciences at Ä¢¹½´«Ã½. ¡°There¡¯s a need right here to help students and positively impact our community¡¯s health, well being and productivity. This is one great manifestation of that.¡±

, launched in 2023, allows high school students to learn about multiple career options in the broad field of health care. The academy is part of Hendrick Health’s long-term workforce development strategy to partner with local and regional colleges and universities to grow its employee ranks in Abilene and Brownwood. The program exposes students to rewarding career opportunities close to their West Central Texas roots. for the academy are open from Jan. 1 through April 30.

¡°Hendrick Health is grateful for Ä¢¹½´«Ã½¡¯s partnership in the Hendrick Healthcare Academy. We are able to offer these incredible hands-on experiences for our students because of the resources offered by institutions like Ä¢¹½´«Ã½,¡± said Toni Brockway, director of workforce development at Hendrick Health. ¡°This generous scholarship makes a significant impact for students in the Big Country pursuing futures in health care.¡±

Eligibility requirements to receive the scholarships from Ä¢¹½´«Ã½:

• successfully complete the Hendrick Healthcare Academy program, including attending lab days on the Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ campus
• apply and be accepted to Ä¢¹½´«Ã½¡¯s residential campus
• select a major in an academic program within Ä¢¹½´«Ã½’s College of Health and Behavioral Sciences or major in the health professions track or biomedical science track within the Onstead College of Science and Engineering

Students who meet those prerequisites will receive:

• priority eligibility for Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ dual credit course offerings online?
• discounted tuition for dual credit courses at Ä¢¹½´«Ã½
• guaranteed $80,000 in Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ scholarships and grants toward tuition for eight long semesters ($20,000 per year)

For more information, contact Sheila Jones in Ä¢¹½´«Ã½¡¯s College of Health and Behavioral Sciences at joness@acu.edu or Toni Brockway at Hendrick Health at tbrockway@hendrickhealth.org.

— Wendy Kilmer
Feb. 28, 2025

The post Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ offers $80K to Hendrick Healthcare Academy graduates appeared first on Ä¢¹½´«Ã½.

Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ and Texas Tech University announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with of Abilene to seek business opportunities and funding for projects related to Natura¡¯s molten salt reactor (MSR) currently under construction on the Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ campus.

The collaboration, which includes the located at Texas Tech, builds on the rapid progress of the Natura MSR-1 system, which has become one of the nation¡¯s leading advanced reactor projects. Together, the partners will demonstrate the potential for Natura¡¯s commercial reactors to address Texas¡¯ critical water and energy needs by integrating MSR technology with water desalination and energy production systems.

¡°This partnership will address critical challenges we face as a state,¡± said Texas Tech President Lawrence Schovanec. ¡°By working with Natura and Ä¢¹½´«Ã½, we’re securing crucial water resources and driving innovation in energy. By creating greater access to water, energy and jobs, we will contribute to a stronger future for our communities. Texas Tech is proud to be part of this collaborative effort.¡±

Texas faces significant challenges in meeting its growing demand for clean energy and water. Small modular MSRs offer a promising and scalable solution and could become a valuable asset to purify produced water generated by oil and gas wells, which is then available for agricultural and other beneficial uses. The integration of MSR technology with desalination systems will provide a sustainable and efficient way to address these needs.

¡°Natura Resources¡¯ MSR technology represents a significant advancement in clean energy innovation, equipping Texas with the tools to meet its energy and water needs for decades to come,¡± said Doug Robison, founder and president of Natura Resources. ¡°Our partnership with Texas Tech University and Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ exemplifies our collaborative approach to addressing critical challenges and driving technological advancements. This collaboration will pave the way for the commercial development and deployment of MSR technology in Texas and beyond.¡±

Texas Tech¡¯s faculty members bring extensive expertise in chemical process engineering, separation technologies and the high-temperature environments required for MSRs. The university has developed a strong reputation for research in extreme conditions, drawing from its experience with oil well technology. The TxPWC is leading research and development of purification of produced water and its beneficial use for Texans. Additionally, Reese Center, located west of the university¡¯s main campus in Lubbock, provides a secure and specialized environment for conducting the research necessary to advance MSR systems.

¡°Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ has long standing relationships with Natura and Texas Tech, so it¡¯s exciting when our research and technology initiatives align in this kind of unique partnership,¡± said Phil Schubert, Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ president. ¡°We look forward to growing opportunities and making a real difference in Texas and around the world.¡±

The next steps for this partnership include the completion of the demonstration reactor and the development of systems to integrate Natura¡¯s reactors with water desalination and energy production technologies.

Why This Matters:

• Water Security: The integration of MSRs with desalination technology offers a sustainable solution to Texas¡¯ growing water scarcity through purification of produced water generated by oil and gas production.
• Energy Innovation: Small modular MSRs provide a scalable, clean energy source, helping meet the state¡¯s increasing energy demands.
• Economic Growth: The partnership will accelerate the commercial development of MSRs and fosters business opportunities, research funding and job creation, strengthening Texas¡¯ leadership in advanced energy and water technologies.
• Workforce Development: This project aims to create a workforce trained in chemical operations at extreme conditions, directly benefiting Texas

About Natura Resources
Natura Resources LLC is a leading advanced reactor developer committed to answering the world¡¯s increased demand for reliable energy, medical isotopes and clean water by developing commercially deployable molten salt reactors. Natura¡¯s small modular reactors are liquid-fueled and molten salt-cooled, which increases efficiency and reduces waste. The Natura MSR-1 being deployed at Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ is the first liquid-fueled reactor design to receive a construction permit from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. In less than five years, Natura has established itself as a leading force in the advanced nuclear industry, fueled by a commitment to performance.

The post Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ partners with Texas Tech, Natura to advance cutting-edge technology appeared first on Ä¢¹½´«Ã½.

Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ will present 540 degrees this weekend in two Commencement ceremonies taking place at Moody Coliseum Friday and Saturday.

The Friday, Dec. 13, ceremony at 7 p.m. will award 172 master¡¯s and 63 doctoral degrees. On Saturday, Dec. 14, 305 bachelor¡¯s degrees will be presented at 10 a.m. Both ceremonies will be livestreamed; visit acu.edu/commencement for more information.??

Alejandro Ezquerra, bilingual minister at University Church of Christ in Abilene, is the featured speaker at Friday¡¯s ceremony. Prior to coming to Abilene in 2022, he spent 15 years preaching at the Bammel Church of Christ in Houston. Ezquerra is also a chaplain and holds bachelor¡¯s degrees in theology and journalism and a Master of Divinity from Ä¢¹½´«Ã½. He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Ministry degree at Ä¢¹½´«Ã½. In addition to his pastoral work, Ezquerra is an adjunct professor for Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ Abilene and Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ Dallas. His reputation as a dynamic and insightful speaker has made him a sought-after presenter across the U.S. and Latin America. He has written two books: The Other Side of the Pulpit and Conversations at the Table.

At Saturday¡¯s ceremony, Dr. Houston Heflin, Ä¢¹½´«Ã½¡¯s 2024 Teacher of the Year, will give the charge to the class. Heflin, professor in the Department of Bible, Missions and Ministry, teaches undergraduate and graduate courses on spiritual formation, church ministry, and the scholarship of teaching and learning, as well as Cornerstone classes for the Honors College. He holds an Ed.D. from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and an M.S. and a B.S. from Ä¢¹½´«Ã½. Before his 14 years of teaching at Ä¢¹½´«Ã½, he spent 12 years in church ministry. He is also director of the Contemplative Ministers¡¯ Initiative through Ä¢¹½´«Ã½¡¯s Siburt Institute and the author of several books, including Youth Pastor: The Theology and Practice of Youth Ministry, Pray Like You Breathe: Exploring the Practice of Breath Prayer, I Promise It¡¯s True, and the recently published Faith in Mirrors, a book of mirror poems based on the life and teachings of Jesus.

Several undergraduate student awards will be presented at the Saturday ceremony.

The post More than 500 students to receive degrees at Ä¢¹½´«Ã½¡¯s December Commencement appeared first on Ä¢¹½´«Ã½.